Last week, we took a long weekend trip to see a different side of China - the far western region of Xinjiang. Flying in, you know this area is very different as it is surrounded by both red deserts and towering snowcapped mountains. It was pointed out to us several times during our stay that Xinjiang is actually closer to Pakistan and Afghanistan than Beijing. The people in this area are also very different from other parts of China as the indigenous people are Muslim and we got our first glimpse in the airport as there were signs in Chinese and Arabic. Our first stop was Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. After being picked up at the airport, we headed off for our city tour. First stop was at the Xinjiang Museum which was a great introduction to the numerous different ethic groups which make up the region. 
After the museum, we went to the Grand Bazaar and had a bite to eat. This was our first introduction to Uyghur cuisine which is a mix between Chinese and Muslim influences. Melissa's favorite dish was a bowl of noodles with vegetables and lamb. It was good, but I preferred the lamb kebab with their unique seasoned flat bread. After eating, we walked around the bazaar. The region grows a lot of fruits, vegetables, and nuts so naturally there were a lot of those things for sale.
The spice section was similar to what we have seen in the middle east.
The next day, we went on a day trip to Heavenly Lake which was high up in the mountains. The Chinese sure know how to drag things out. After arriving at the main gate where you buy your ticket you board a bus which takes you up a winding road for 20 minutes to a shopping stop, then on to another bus for 30 more minutes. Since it was a Chinese national holiday the busses were packed! After finally arriving at the highest "bus terminal" you had to then hike to the lake - about another 20 minutes, but finally we made it. 
After arriving at the top, everyone was having a picnic so we did the same - enjoying some of the snacks we brought... from the USA and enjoyed the views.
While we were taking some photos Melissa had one of her movie star moments when a Chinese girl wanted to have her photo taken with Melissa. I decided to take a picture as evidence that this happens to us quite frequently in rural China. I guess some people were too relaxed and fell asleep after eating - couldn't blame them as the surroundings were very beautiful and peaceful. 
The views are great - more of what I would expect for the Swiss Alps than China!
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