wootsome

I spent the morning at Karakul Lake strolling lakeside and eating my slightly-stale nang for breakfast. I feel recharged being able to spend time alone in the midst of nature.

AR, a fellow backpacker from Italy and I waited by the side of the road for 1.5 hours in the scorching afternoon heat for the bus to Tashkurgan that would pass by the lake. I’m feeling burnt-out as it is, it must be worse for her as she is feeling a little unwell from the effects of altitude sickness.

The smell of nature - of dirt and grit that becomes so obvious when I spritz water on my face - is something that I think I’ve grown to love. It’s a smell one will only acquire after days on the road, after a lack of the usual comforts we are so accustomed to i.e. no showers, rugged travels without the familiar bed. I’m glad I’m experiencing it again this time in Xinjiang. It reminds me of those days in Mongolia.

It’s inspiring to meet fellow backpackers. I wish I can travel for longer like them too.

Experienced a little over-zealous friendliness from the Tajik gatekeeper at the stone city ruins. Shook hands, said byes and I’ll still send him the photo I’ve taken of him regardless.

Say hello to the world’s slowest internet connection (dial-up) at the internet cafe that still operates on the basis that it is the only one in Tashkurgan. I left after 15 min because all my pages are refusing to load.