As we have noted before, the Uighurs we met in Xinjiang were, without exception, warm and generous. Shortly before departing Turpan to return to Urumqi (where we planned to ditch Will at the airport and hop on a train headed for Dunhuang), we took a final stroll through the peaceful neighborhoods in the area. Our objective was the Su Gong Ta Mosque (watch for our blog entry on it tomorrow!) and we figured the best way to get there was to get lost in the warren of dirt roads and vineyards that criss-cross the outskirts of Turpan.
Along the way, we found ourselves walking along a dirt path parallel to a local stream. When we finally got to a natural crossing point, we decided to head more directly toward the mosque. We were unprepared for the result of our decision. Had we kept walking along the stream we never would have met the old woman in the photo above. We happened to cross the stream precisely when this matronly local had stepped out of her humble home to retrieve the day's bread from a clay oven. Naturally, since there were strangers in the area, she immediately offered us an entire loaf, straight from her oven. It was a little hot to the touch, but there are few gustatory experiences that can compete with fresh-from-the-oven bread.
Did we mention that Uighurs are friendly? We did? Perhaps we should remind you a few more times....
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