Dunhuang ( Day One )

Our guide Lun described the road into Dunhuang in this way.  "...be care of this part because the road is narrow and uneven, vehicle kill road for old vehicle...".  The road did not turn out to be as horrendous as he described.  The roads in China have been very good up to this point.

We crossed from the Xinjiang Province into the Gansu Province.  My first thought was - hey this feels more like the China I was expecting.  Until now I felt as if I was still in the 'stans'.  Fewer EuroAsian faces and more Asian faces.

Out of the the land of shashlicks and kebabs at last.  I love a bit of grilled mutton but overdue for a change.

Dunhuang is an oasis if there is ever was one.  Surrounded by desert and as I rode towards it I was not expecting much but it was a huge and pleasant surprise.  It is a very pleasant city indeed.  I don't know if this will be typical of Chinese cities but it is cleaner, smarter and more welcoming than others we have visited recently.  That is my impression anyway.

Everything is more 'Chinese' if you know what I mean.

The boys were having a bit of retail therapy - I was just looking for something to eat.

Unlike our previous hosts they understand the value of a good cold beer.  Some were more eager to indulge than others.

 No shortage of places to eat.  Bring back the mutton - please no donkey meat - what sort of meat is that?

These small street restaurants are family affairs.  The kid kept us entertained while mum and dad cooked - are you sure that is not donkey or anything that could be a family pet?