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Petipa, the romantic ballet in Russia


, Russia same time that everyone knows is full of images relegated to the great wars of the twentieth century, the workers' revolutions, the communist policies exasperated. That of the Petipa ballet dancer is the story of a great artist of the nineteenth century whose fortunes will be made in part as a choreographer in Tsarist Russia of the Romanovs. In the eighteenth century to the throne the Czar Peter the Great which promotes broad reforms to modernize the nation's largest. His was a policy of openness to the West, in dance it gave a strong boost so much so that soon made itself felt, both in social as in the theater. Reveal the beauty and genius of the human adventures Tsarist courts. Architecture, literature, poetry, music, theater and dance. The art explodes and mixes with the best traditions of imperial affairs. Gossip, scandals, court festivals and the unforgettable era of Empress Feodorovna and his Rasputin. All'indomni the Congress of Vienna a European card was redesigned and a new mentality. The nineteenth century also marked the beginning of new relations between European artists and even the Russian court, intensified to the point that, for each dancer or choreographer of some importance, it became a habit to go on tour in St. Petersburg. Marius Petipa (Paris 1822) creates a work of synthesis and development between different areas of the European courts. He was hired at the Imperial Theatre as principal dancer in 1847 and created the foundations of the Russian Ballet and its repertoire. The French choreographer developed the technique of classical ballet, particularly marked in the evolution and development of the Russian school. It was thanks to him that began in Russia a new season of dance. His era was characterized by the preservation of the values \u200b\u200bin the romantic ballet, were resumed, in fact, masterpieces such as "Giselle" is the original version, both in the reconstruction of Petipa, "Coppelia", "Syphide," "La Esmeralda ". In 1862 Petipa realizes one of his first "grand spectacle" that is "La Fille du Pharaon," which with its exotic setting and his characters suspended between reality and dream work is the tendency of the French choreographer to maintain a perpetual nostalgia for the values \u200b\u200bof the past. After this success will be staged in Moscow, the Don Qhiscotte that soon will be part of the classical repertoire. The music is descriptive and rich in local color and well suited to the mature style of Petipa, the narrative process that combines the traditional pas d'action "with a new theatrical form based on pure academic technique, to create moments of virtuosic choreography, often completely independent of the dramatic. Over time the work of Petipa tends to bring Russian ballet to its own autonomy, especially deal with the invasion of the Italian dancers, which often requires changes to their acrobatic choreography. The formula of "pax de deux" was invented by his genius. They became the bravura of famous couples such as the famous song "Le Corsaire," which he composed for Petipa the great Enrico Cecchetti and Emma Bessone. The collaboration between the musician and the French choreographer Cajikoskij led to the creation of the three most successful ballets of the nineteenth century: the Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake. The stories of these extraordinary ballets are very well known. It is interesting to underline how in the case of Sleeping Beauty, the Nutcracker is alluded to much shorter Imperial Nicholas II and Alexander III, who held Tsar's Russia in a state of perpetual difficulties and counter-effective. The third is the apotheosis of bravura ballet Petipa-Cajikoskij mating, repeated in dozens of essays in dance schools, the dancers try to reproduce the atmosphere and its mix of Germanic legends with the charm and mystery of Russian fairy tales . After the death of Cajikoskij, the era of Petipa start to finish. His students will strive for a long time to find new ways to ballet. Petipa did not see the revolutionary events of 1917 abdication of Nicholas II, the last of the Romanovs. He passed away many years ago when it was put to rest with the office honorific of "maitre de ballet à vie" even before the historical facts that are unleashed in revolutionary Russia.

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uzbekistan 2009

Travel in Uzbekistan in July 2009
what we saw:
Tashkent:
Amir Temur Square, Independence Square
,
Old City part of Tashkent with Khast-Imom Complex and Chor-Su bazaar, Applied Arts Museum
.


Nukus Art Museum Visit with Russian and Uzbek art,
State Museum.

Khiva
Ichan-Qala fortress. In Ichan-Qala fortress visit Kunya-Arc, Sayeed Alauddin mausoleum, medrese Arab-Mukhamadkhan, mosque Oq-Masjid, medrese Hodjan Berd-Biya, Shirgazikhan, Abdullakhan, Juma mosque, medrese Allakulikhan, Toshkhovli palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum, minaret Islom-khodja.

Bukhara
Visit Samani dynasty mausoleum,
Arc Fortress,
Chashma-Ayub,
Kalon ensemble, medrese Miri-Arab, Magoki-Attori mosque, medrese Ulugbek and Abdulazizkhan, trade domes, Lyabi Hauz complex, medrese Chor-Minor, Chor-Bakr and Bakhoutdin Naqshbandi mausoleum.

Shakhrisabz
Ak-Saray palace,
mausoleum of Jakhongir and Omar-Shaykh,
mausoleum Dorut-Tilovat where conqueror Tamerlane’s father and his spiritual tutor are buried,
Kok-Gumbaz mosque.

Samarkand
Registan Square,
ruins of Bibi-Khanum Mosque,
Shakh-Zinda necropolis, Gur-Emir mausoleum
,
Ulugbek observatory,
Afrosiyob museum, central bazaar in Samarkand


Fergana Valley
Khudoyar-khan Palace,
Djam Mosque,
Kamol-Kazy madrassas,

Dahman Necropolis-Shakhon and Madirakhan

address of tour operators in Tashkent:

Sevara Izrailbekova

Travel Consultants Ltd.

Advantour

Mirabad-1 St., 47th

Tashkent, Uzbekistan 100070



Tel:

+998 71 150 3020 Fax: +998 71 150 3021

Our hotel: Hotel

: Grand Tashkent in Tashkent;

;
Grand Tashkent Hotel
A. Kahhara str. 57
Tashkent, 100047
Uzbekistan

Tel: 998 712 54 27 96

998 97 405 26 77

Hotel: Jipek Joli in Nukus;

Hotel Jipek Joli
Rzaev kochasi 4
Nukus 142000
Karakalpakstan
Uzbekistan
Tel: 998 61 222 11 00
Fax: 998 61 222 85 00

Hotel: Malika Khiva;

Address of the hotel Malika Khiva:

P. Kori kochasi 19 A,

Khiva, Uzbekistan
Tel/fax: + 998 6237 58 618

Hotel: Minzifa in Bukhara;

Hotel Minzifa

Eshoni Pir kochasi 63

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Tel / fax: 998 65 224 56 28

Hotel: Kamila in Samarkand;


26 Artyom Street Hotel Kamila Samarkand



Uzbekistan Tel: +998 357 345 3662

Hotel: Asia Fergana;

of Address The Hotel Asia Fergana

Navoi kochasi 26 A

Fergana, Uzbekistan

Tel: 998 732 24 52 21

Fax: 998 732 24 80 05

Uzbekistan
Good luck in 2009! Friday, July 3



Flight Nice-Taskhent

Uzbeka Here in the capital!
the counter in Nice, this time, I took a nice hit of fifite
^ 's our first trip organized without the support of an Italian agency.
Through Expedia we bought the airline tickets was easy. We have also chosen places on board, by e-mail we have sent the confirmation ... all very easy! But
to visit the country also needed a visa. The "RomanaSocialTour" has run the practice. It 'been easy. And 'Just call the agency and the "TNT TRACO, these have come at home to withdraw the passports, we were delivered at home, after about a week, with the visa, the payment was made in cash and cash : As simple as that! But the counter
us some difficulties: Today is July 2, our visa is dated July 3, with a few phone calls will fix everything, in fact we will arrive in Uzbekistan on July 3, so it should be okay. The flight
"Aeroflot2 was quiet. The controls are very finicky and not just for luggage, it calms me. The stop in Moscow has risen rapidly, about two hours, between laps in the "Duty Free" to control the prices of Vodka! And finally ...
Tashkent.
we got off the plane, now you have to leave the airport.
Surprise: Two Red Cross offers us a mercury thermometer, let us all in a row, with the arm bent, a few meters forward and two other Red Cross withdraw the thermometer, the temperature control ... and if someone had a fever!?! better not think about it!
Passport control: exhausting procedure, I had read that there was a lot of patience, then we put in the queue ... we can not do anything else.
All right, I was worried about the visa is OK!
The beauty is now: we must build a kind of disembarkation card: the modules are all in Cyrillic! We are desperate, not only us but the other tourists. Unexpectedly, an employee who comes screaming like a street vendor offers modules written in English, needless to say it was stormed! We must write their own generals, and even those who have dollars or euros. And this is done!
The car and our driver are waiting for us and within minutes we reach the hotel: Grand Tashkent, located near the airport. Just enough time to hand over their passports, changing a little bit of money, $ 50 ... but so is the equivalent Sum, give us only cuts from 1000 Sum (then discover that there are no cuts above) can not put them in my wallet, I go for the bag, we break your bags and go. We take a taxi, which Sum for 3000, about two euro, takes us to the center, right in the "Independence Square".
From here, from the heart of Tashkent part of our exploration.
This city was a surprise, a pleasant surprise, especially its inhabitants, I did not expect such warmth and a lot of sympathy, asking us where we are from, so they start to sing "The Italian" by Toto Cotugno, apparently there is a celebrity, well known throughout the Italian football, all our teams are much more knowledgeable than me about it.
Our wandering, looking a bit '. It leads us to the market, a huge bazaar, miles of stalls, miles of rivers of goods and people. The most striking the meat market: butchers, dozens of butchers: slicing, cutting, sawing, breaking, wrap, skinned, cut tons of meat ... ... and does not feel stink, but smell of good meat!
I do photos, movies, people greet me and wants to get into the frame, when he knows that his portrait will be up in Italy seems even more happy.
It 's almost time to go, we meet with "ADVANTOUR" Tashkent agency that organizes the tour, we contacted on the Internet, letting ourselves be guided more by instinct, we have not sent a single penny. But Sevara, the girl we dealt with here, has already confirmed all hotels and even domestic flight Tashkent-Nukus.
But we need to return another taxi as we look around, a man of at least 150 kg. She asks us if we want a taxi of course! I show the ticket the hotel, I do not know if she can not read or do not know where he is, but does not give up, starts off and leaves. He stops in front of the city's most luxurious hotel, I think he made this argument: Italian = = grand luxury hotel! Noo! When he realizes that we are not staying there, bleaching, does not know what to do, it stops, asking passers-by, are starting to call ... 11.40 ... and time passes, we have an appointment at 13.00, I am no longer in the skin, I know what to do.
The driver continues to call, keep asking and keep on turning, melon and peaches bought at the market, are maturing in the heat of the car ...
a barrel of c.. O! While he is speaking to Phone does not know who, coincidentally pass in front of our hotel: Stop! we arrived, we pay, it also has a cheek to ask us twice the agreed ... but we do not do debates.
Just enough time to take back a little, eat our already melon and our driver is ready to take us Sevara. The office
dell'Advantour is a true ministry, very big, she is very young and very pretty. Welcomed us, prepared everything, we get our documents, including airline tickets for today, give her his fee, presents us with the guidance that will accompany us to go around the city.
It 's a Russian girl, speaks English, we do not speak very well, but as always, with a little good will we can understand each other. With
you can visit the complex of mosques and madrasas, were all closed during the Soviet era, some adapted to deposit other stables, certain that this period should not have been an easy time for the faithful, our guide explains that the madrassas, religious schools are not only, but here are taught all subjects, there is also a kind of school of crafts, so that children are not brought much to study here, learn a trade
... back to the hotel, we are exhausted, we did not stop even for a moment, we decide to dine at the hotel: meatballs, French fries and a beer for a tot. Sum of 18,000 which is about € 10 - € 5 each. Saturday, July 4


Tashkent-Nukus

Here! They have not called!
We asked the alarm for five o'clock, but we were not called. we must go to the airport, luckily I woke up in time: never trust!
not find any hotel, leave the keys and go ... The "Great Teshkent" leaves something 'to be desired.
The flight to Nukus is quiet, although the plane is prehistoric, not very nice, is a propeller plane: an Ilyushin! When they finally go down, I could not wait to get out of that thing, I decide to photograph, but a guard immediately approached me, I "suggest" to remove the photo .. . I can not help but wonder: will fear that we copy the model, or will not be around to know what kind of planes they fly?!
passport control, is fast, we are very few. Out should be our driver ... no! Wait, it will be late ...
meantime we are surrounded by some taxi drivers and a guy who screams: "hotel, hotel"
are disoriented. Finally we make a decision, the worst! Take a taxi. We see the name of the hotel, he nods to know and understand everything and we're off. We leave before another hotel: could not read Latin characters.
call another taxi, maybe this is more awake, in fact the hotel is right! The "Jipek Joli"
will be waiting for the boy before and our driver, is mortified: he is asleep. The boy was the hotel, when he saw that the driver would not start he came to pick us, but we have not understood. Ride and keeps repeating that "Advantour" has two drivers in Khiva and the other one is sleeping!
We are in the "Karakalpakstan" autonomous region, here speak Kazakh, are different from Uzbekhi. Are darker and their features are more Mongolians.
Our driver is a native of this region, people are very quiet, maybe too much!
Today the program includes a visit to the Aral Sea, how many things I read on this site, all negative. Now, there is no doubt that the lake has dried up, where are we now to find water still need to travel about 200 km. Sure, it's distressing to see the ships abandoned, rusty penano on the sand. But coming up here I saw acres and acres of cultivated bells, mostly cotton, dozens of people working, many people with this choice can hope for a future, and then once at school we were taught that "nothing is created, nothing is destroyed, the water evaporated one part will come from elsewhere, but not lost, but perhaps, being by nature an optimist, I always look on the bright side of things ... it's just nothing negative, nothing positive is just! We stopped in
Moynak, a passing meal, a little place not bad ... but the rice was good, especially when cooked!
We returned to Nukus, our room is outstanding: beautiful, and we are in a three star
But we came up here to see the room, then just enough time to wash their hands and go, we are already in the street a few steps and find the market, even here the people are friendly and helpful, it's nice to get carried away with color , sounds and colors of the market heart of every city in the world.
a restaurant frequented by young people attracts our attention: we enter.
Order: kebabs are excellent, made with minced beef, seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper and spices cooked on the grill but I still would like to suggest that there are over ... they have finished everything, we also show how it is very late for dinner, 20:30 ... here are the people gets up late, dinner at 18.00 and goes to bed early, I like it!
But we are not satisfied, we return to the market, a whole part is devoted to "grill", we trust and order other two skewers, the place is ... there are no adjectives to describe it, but the skewer are good here too! We were able to spend between the first and the second restaurant, the beauty of 4 € per person, including gratuities.

Sunday, July 5-Khiva Nukus

Visit the museum of Soviet art, it was a really interesting visit. I did not expect!
was founded in 1966 by Igor Vitalyevich Savitsky, a Russian artist-archaeologist who do not even know existed. But apparently it was a very important person.
has collected many works by artists unknown in the West, but they knew what Western artists were inspired, their works recall the great: Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Miro, Chagall, etc.. but during the occupation Russian these works were not like the regime, which wanted only works that portrayed the man in his strength, joy and pride to serve the party. So he had created a gathering of artists, so to speak Alternative hiding scheme, they could disseminate their works.
Now these works, revalued, are very important to understand that even if they gagged, bound, oppressed people will always find a way to be free!
Another section of the museum, dedicated to the archaeological excavations supervised by Savitsky, here I discovered some new things. In particular, the civilization of Khorasmia, a semi-nomadic civilization, and in particular struck me their jewelry and their clothes: modern, and the tissue type "jeans", apparently was a discovery of Genoa!
are drawn from a model, there is represented the terrain, mountains, rivers etc.. apparently the Aral Sea is "fairly" recently, it would be formed only in 1500 AD and the river, the Amu Darya (river capricious) has often changed its course forever! Even more recently it is not a tributary of the Aral Sea.
Along the road that leads us to Khiva cross km. And miles. Campaigns planted with cotton, wheat, sunflower, vegetables of all kinds, is a dive show in all this green, farmers seem to ants in the immensity of the fields ...
All of this thanks to the river "capricious" how many families can live with its water ...

Khiva

The Citadel is a must see!
We are staying at Malika, a beautiful hotel even though it only has 3 stars, like any other of our tour.
It 's definitely one of the best sites I've seen so far!
The superb architecture of Central Asia is shown in all its splendor, the green and turquoise tiles are a joy to behold. For at least two hours, hanging out I always find new angles, new shots, new details, new effects of light, every corner is a discovery.
Here the people are helpful and happy.
For dinner we have given away a luxurious restaurant, rice, lamb kebab beer for a tot. Sum of 19,000, about € 8 or € 4 each.
The sun is still high, we do not want to go to the hotel, we extend the walk, passing a restaurant, we encounter a wedding: guests will be at least 300. The table is long, on the one hand, the elderly, men and women, composed and serious, on the other hand, young boys and girls very uninhibited, especially girls. Some girls left the table are to us, they invite me to dance, but, dear me, I can not, their dance for me "Uzbekistan", I prefer film, when he became aware more exhibitionist, more sensual.
this people amazes me more and more, their joie de vivre is contagious! Monday, July 6



Today we visit, we meet our guide, we will explain in Italian! Our dear
Sevara has given us the leadership in Italian: thank goodness, now the explanation was very important to follow a conversation in English for about seven hours, it was hard. It 's a young boy very easy, has a remarkable property of language and with it the time has flown by.
Khiva is a small town museum, its architectural beauty are remarkable. He was also a hub of slave trade (page painful), now this situation has allowed the realization of all these works, we had a lot of free labor! As always, history is made up of pain, blood and tears! But we would not see such splendor!
Despite the Russian people are very religious.
Youths, however, are separating, unless the attending Koranic schools, which are not only religious schools, but thorough studies. The most beautiful Madrassa has been transformed by the Russians in prison and is now a hotel ...
not imagine this city so beautiful! The grandeur of its monuments is comparable only to Konya, Turkey, majolica inebriate, give almost dizzy, as much beauty, how much work!
even nicer for the almost complete absence of tourists, this fact is considered low season because of the heat, but we're lucky, this year is not particularly hot. Many buildings
wear a religious symbol composed of three triangles fitted together. The guide explains that there are signs that refer to Zoroastrianism
"" "Zoroastrianism was for centuries the dominant religion throughout most of Central Asia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, to the rapid growth of Islam in the seventh century . The steady decline in the following centuries saw a sharp change of direction in the nineties, characterized by an unexpected and sudden growth of the Zoroastrian religion. IlZoroastro takes name from its founder (Zarathustra) who lived in Persia roughly between the seventh and sixth centuries BC "" "
I'm going to study this religion, I am interested especially from a historical point of view.
More than a religion seems to me a philosophy of life, very interesting!
With a great sense of envy (positive, though) we met a couple of French young people are doing around the world by bike, I travel for five months now, planning to stay out for another year, before returning to France through the United States ... Since
Khiva is beautiful we decided to conclude our stay giving us a dinner in the restaurant most beautiful and luxurious hotel in the city! And 'situated in a former madrassa, charming décor is very nice, looks like a museum. We ordered soup, skewers of beef, watermelon and beer. Tot 28,500 SUM = $ 18 or $ 8 apiece. Tuesday, July 7




Bukhara In the morning we prepare to greet Khiva. With a bit of nostalgia.
We drive about 700 km to reach Bukhara, cross the
Kyzylkum once desert steppe, but today is widely cultivated through the channels a lot of people have jobs, most crops are cotton, as they say here: our white gold. Do not throw anything out of the plant, any part has its use. After the stretch, the road becomes straight grown, almost mesmerizing, I'm afraid that the driver falls asleep at some points ...
the Amu Darya river marks the border with Turkmenistan, is very close, I stopped to photograph the coastline.
Around noon we stopped in a place like "Central Asia" and for you to rest a moment and after about 8 hours of travel we are in Bukhara. Our hotel is the
Minzifa.
we break your luggage and here we are, as usual in the street.
Here the heat is really unbearable, are 16.00 but it's really hot! Apart from the area
monumental, even as Bukhara Khiva, are strange city, do not have a true center, so everything is very spread out and is very disorganized.
Monuments are superlatives, but we are very tired, we refer everything to tomorrow.
Now we need a restaurant. We have dinner with soup, lamb kebabs, beer, bread tot. SUM 30 000 = $ 19 = $ 9.5 per person in the most luxurious restaurant of Bukhara.
back to the hotel we felt that there were riots in the 'Xinjiang, we visited this beautiful country last year.
As they pass the images on your TV I see the cities I've seen. Finding sent those beautiful landscapes theater hours of pain I am very sad. I never want to see these images. I will not go into the details of who is right and who is wrong, but because you can never find a peaceful settlement? Wednesday, July 8



What a day!
We met the guide, a young girl who speaks Italian!
Again back to the ancient religion.
When the country was conquered by Muslims, to convince the population halved the taxes on those who had converted to Islam. For convenience and for taxation, embraced the new religion, but never forgot completely Zoroastrianism. Even today, many ceremonies are infected by the ancient creed.
Then we asked what is the relationship between Uzbeks and Russians: it seems that older people miss the Soviet occupation, say they feel more secure, but will not be that older people always wishing the past? It is not simply to reminisce about their youth?
Things to see in Bukhara are really a lot ... we walked all day.
the Summer Palace, built by the last emir is absolutely fabulous, too bad that the "poor" had no way to live a long time! Although his reign lasted little: only 9 years old.
Our guide tells us that the Russians have never been present too: the Russians have arrived en masse in 1966 when there was a violent earthquake, arrived to help the people and many, then, are left, will be!
However, he says, that many women would like to thank the Bolshevization because they have lifted the burka for women. I got to see this garment near a prison train .. true repentance. Terrible! They started to wear it to 9 years: not to believe.
It tells us that in the Fergana Valley is still possible to meet women who use the burqa ... even if today is not an imposition, but a free choice: Uzbekistan is a secular state!
are beautiful caravanserai, as I would have liked to come through here a century ago, see the caravans arrived. Hear the cries of the traders, braying camels, breathe the dust of the adventure ... but I think I would see little, in fact women were not allowed to travel with the caravans!
Now everything is a great center of souvenirs for tourists are not very demanding, but we must look beyond, the only way to grasp yet that little bit of charm that has resisted mass tourism.
short stop for a quick lunch, a broth and a cup of tea. Our guide tells us that even if you have taken off their burkas, not much has changed, can not, girls, traveling alone, can not enter a bar alone, their lives are still subjugated by men, and yet we explains that his decision to make the tourist guide, has effectively ended any possibility of marriage, no one wants to marry a woman who was into contact with strangers ... but maybe one day things will change here as well.
We continue our tour, we stop to look at the mausoleum Chor-Bakr is beautiful!
A simple construction, brick, five different shapes assembled form of geometric designs strikes me the architectural purity. He tells us that when Genghis Khan came from these parts destroyed almost everything, apart from that tomb revered by the population, had been hidden under a mountain of sand, when the leader went thought it was a natural hill.
The guide is well prepared we spent 8 hours, 8 hours a lockout that have flown away in a moment.
I find more signs Passage of the Russians, but it was all erased, where there were statues of Lenin, now there are statues of Timur Fa ...
really hot: too hot, but we did not lose a single moment, there is too much to see!
This country is beyond my expectations. Very interesting
preparation that a good Muslim must face before going to Mecca. Should go to a mosque in Samarkand or Bukhara for 40 days, simply live without eating meat to be purified, after which it can wear a white dress and begin the pilgrimage.
We continue our tour. I note with pleasure that there is a large domestic tourism, and much will to live, the restaurants are crowded with locals. Thursday, July 9



Shakhisabz to leave Bukhara, the birthplace of Tamerlane, there is not much to see but still worth a stop. The palace of Tamerlane, the mausoleum of Omar and Jakhongir-Shaykh, the mausoleum of Dorut-Tilovat, Tamerlane's father and his adviser.
We climbed up on top of the building, from here you have a wonderful view.
The people of Uzbekistan is a happy people, but we do understand that they are now happy only after independence ...
Here we see many couples who are secluded in tourist areas, as we did in Sanremo ... sure you do not find relatives or friends ready to spy!
We allow ourselves a break: a green tea and broth while our guide to enjoying a Coca-Cola ...
Here we get to see a married couple. With her classic white dress, he with the classic dark suit and the ever Limousine, very long!
They call us to make some pictures with them, and meanwhile we do explain: today is the day of the lunch, yesterday was the day of presentations and civil marriage, tomorrow is the day the religious ceremony wearing traditional dress and finally, the groom , will be together!

continue the trip and we head to Samarkand.
Hotel Kamila is in the old part, is not much, but it is clean and this is enough for me!
The city is very Soviet, it is almost nothing left, at first sight is disappointing that despite the appeal to every traveler.
But you only turn a little and is the market, then we are lucky to get in front of the mosque of Bibi-Khanun at sunset: a feast for the eyes and the heart: to be here where the past is history seems like a dream .
The city is an enormous project, the government is modernizing the country.
An encounter with a cop makes us think. In the square
"Registan" the heart of Samarkand, a policeman comes to us, it seems very happy, asked us if we are Italian, we propose the return of the minaret, assures us The view from the top is breathtaking. Dom is almost convinced, I'm a little less, but he insists ... I hate the indoors, this minaret is very close!
But the alternative of not seeing, possibly, the view is too strong. When we are almost there, the cop asks us for money, lots of money ... let's back off! Let us fly! The thing is a bit strange, better not to risk!
It 'too late, we are tired and hungry, we enter a restaurant, inside there are only tourists are not very confident ... but we decide to risk it and the courses are tourist, not too good, soup, two skewers of bones with a few pieces of meat, beer for a tot. Sum of 18,000. Friday, July 10


We meet our guide, a very prepared, do not dwell at length on technical details, dates, like the other guides, but speaks in great depth on the Islamic religion, I am increasingly convinced that no more we are so different, we have a lot in common. If there is friction, I believe, are just politicians, we should understand these things!
She also confirms that the choice of working for the tourism has effectively closed the road of marriage, and now at age 24 has lost all hope ...
Samarkand is worth seeing, if only his visit is worth the journey .
Registan Square, or the "sandy place" every city uzbeche have one but this is special, being here seems to live a dream. The blue domes
merges with the sky. The purity of line charms.
The mosque of Bibi-Khanum was reduced to a ruin, It 's been done a remarkable job of restoration! The state is recovering its treasures that have been abused by the Soviets, reduced to stables or warehouses, are now rising and the job is perfect.
Lunch and dinner at the finest restaurants, Samarkand if he deserves: the menu is always the same: soups, salads, tomatoes, kebabs, beer, price is always more or less the same, between 18.000 and 22.000 Sum.
Many marriages here in Samarkand, is a great city, today is Friday, tell us that tomorrow and Sunday we will see many more. I intufolata among the guests and I got to take a picture with them, is more surprising to see the joy that these people have in their hearts. By TIM
my phone I was able to keep in touch with home, always without problems, text messages cost me 89 euro to send and to receive nothing. Instead I've never called: too expensive by cell phone too much complicated by the public.
The owner of the hotel invites us to visit the part of winter is very cold, and then the structures must have the appropriate features. Saturday, July 11


We Shakh-Zinda, the necropolis, which was something I had read and overly nice ... in fact the case.
E 'without doubt one of the best sites I've seen so far!
The renovations are superb. A staircase greets us, telling us to count the steps and remember the number: they are 36.
Some men attract my attention, I ask if I can take pictures, I'm excited. We are told that all they have is thanks to their President. E 'moving my affection for him.
A grandmother with her grandchild in her arms wants to be photographed.
This site is a cemetery, but is also a place of worship and meeting, but keeps the dead does not seem a place of death.
go down the stairs, we hope, for us the steps are always 36, welcomed the guidance, we have, in your opinion, the true heart!

Afrosiyob The museum, the history of Samarkand is told here. Really interesting.
For dinner there is a really nice restaurant. The menu, always the same, but we managed to spend 34.000 Sum, about € 17 was the most expensive place!
A lot of local people, a lot of music and many dancers. The provocative and tell us are winding their movements are specifically asking ...

Sunday, July 12
Today, only transfer it back to Tashkent, tomorrow we leave for the Valley Fergana. We are shooting themselves in the city, sit, sip a drink and watch the world go by in front us: announced that the population is obese, especially women. You do not see beggars or undernourished people.
In Italy, Uzbekistan is a country described as sad, unhappy, but it was a pleasant surprise!
control by the police is discreet, less invasive than in Italy.
We never had the feeling of being controlled by turning the cities.


It starts Monday, July 13 to Fergana!
About 400 km. Very nice street. Here, the controls are tight and continuous.
The Fergana Valley is a paradise! And green, wonderful climate, beautiful temples.
Unfortunately there is a bit of trouble. There are fundamentalists. Some confusion has successfully forced the state to close the major Islamic schools and mosques. A pity! The whole area is closed to journalists, there are many prohibitions: you can not take pictures, you can not shoot. This rule applies to almost all places.
People are not very helpful, does not give the impression of being happy. Turning to the market, they asked me if I was the "BBC", my answer no, I understand their reaction, it seemed neither happy nor disappointed. But despite all this, the Fergana Valley is worth seeing! A
Kokand visiting the building Khudoyar-Khan, beautiful! When he arrived here
Genghis Khan, the population did not want to embrace Islam, were very strong, are now the strongest!
The city of Fergana is the most Soviet cities uzbeche. Team and with avenues of huge dark and deserted, but you just walk on down into the bazaar. Always engaging despite the people here is colder!
The standard of living here is higher, perhaps that is why? They have more things to defend? Tuesday, July 14


now we are already on the way back!
These days are flown!
last visit: A factory silk.
I thought it was the usual place for tourists idiot ... I thought that the last day you want to see us go to a boutique ... but it was very interesting.
parachute was an old factory, the machines are German, 1920.
The workers are all elderly, there are many machines and many mechanics.
A true working museum. Today
manufacture scarves.
It seems that the discovery of the silk has been random: a princess in the garden drinking tea under a mulberry tree. A bug fell into the cup and collect the filament noticed that the poor animal had produced in the hot liquid ...
Even out of the Fergana Valley, the controls are very finicky.
has formed a long queue of cars.
I leave this earth with the sight of yellow fields of sunflowers, the green cotton fields, the snow on the mountains, the blue sky ... a paradise.
Before going to the airport to greet pass Sevara, Thank you, his work was perfect, we would like to advise all its agencies.

Candid-hd торрент

Travel in Uzbekistan in July 2009 China 2008 China

xinjiang 2008

trip from Urumqi to Beijing in June 2008 through the Taklamakan
Xinjiang Autonomous Region People's Republic of
China.
bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai, Gansu, Mongolia to the east.
Russia to the north
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the West Kashimr.
Its name means "new frontier" but its inhabitants prefer to call their therapeutic "East Turkistan"
Its area is 1,650,000 square km and has a population of 19 million inhabitants. We


. Here we are in Nice.
course after the bad experience of yesterday, my mood is not the best. A scary thing, if I were superstitious would be a tragedy. However, even so I was very shaken. The reason
from time to worry? Simple, I broke the coffee pot. I can not explain how he could do, but the effect was awesome. The kitchen is practically all smeared with coffee grounds.
It is found everywhere, and I had to go away, I had no time to clean, so now I'm here at the airport, sitting around doing nothing, waiting ... and thinking at home, thanking the lord that I have not done anything!
We put in the queue, Dom (my husband) and I, we have an electronic ticket, every year is different. He approached an employee, explains that you do not need to queue, we can do well by themselves, are the machines on purpose! I look at him straight in the eye, but meanwhile I think this says seriously? It 's all true, in fact, seeing our embarrassment does he die, for this year is gone, so next year certainly will study some other deviltry.
The trip to Beijing will depart at 11.10, are 9.00, waiting trying to relax, while I look around: how many people on the move!
controls are finicky, thank goodness, it seems a waste of time, but nobody is complaining, thank you all very happy indeed.
time munching a sandwich absurd offered by the company and lands already in London, I traveled to the side of a giant of 200 pounds, at least, and continued to rise! The landing was a little violent ...
Airport London frightening, gigantic, exaggerated, and they are still huge magnifying ...
There are people everywhere, there are those who sleep on the floor waiting to go his way, there's that stuff themselves at the restaurant ...
The flight to Beijing takes at least 8 hours. It seems impossible, but from London in the late afternoon, we have not seen the sun, spending a lot to the north, the day is almost endless. We land on time, the new airport welcomes us, how? Outrageously beautiful! Its futuristic structure fascinates, it would be hours watching, sounds like science fiction but is actually quite real. We collect your luggage, take a train and we were in the "old" airport here I arrived 10 years ago, has now been downgraded for domestic flights. At 15, Beijing time, we have a flight to Urumqi. Once there was only desert, now the city is about 2,100,000 inhabitants, not to believe.
E 'the city ever further away from all the seas. The guide is already waiting for us, the bureaucracy is very slim since the last time I was here, we do soon. We welcome the girl who will present this huge city, is China, after the presentations is at pains to point out that here in Xinjiang breeds are all the same, the Chinese and the Uighurs have the same opportunities, attend the same school and get along very well , insists a lot on this. Place your bags go dinner, a superb Chinese restau, dinner is delicious and juicy, but we are very tired and very sleepy.
the morning visit to the Lake of Heaven, there to get a six-lane highway is almost over, soon reach even the hotels and all the structures of great taste that much like the Chinese, but for now apart from the ' highway everything is still intact. The first part we do with the car, the second on a bus and the third is optional: on foot or with a kind of electric bus. Of course we go on foot. The Chinese also are affecting their environment, or at least they try.
You can rent boats, we preferred to go around the lake along its banks. Lunch was a fairy tale, kebabs and other rice delicacies. In the afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar, of course alone. I feel very tired and sleepy, the guide keeps asking me if I'm good ... the grand bazaar seems to breath fresh air and forget my problems and I dive in the colors and intoxicating scents, smells so strong and pervasive that attach on clothing and skin.
The ethnic groups are actually many, a true melting pot of races: Chinese, Uighurs, Asian former Soviet republics, Russia, a child's hair was blond and curly, the Chinese appearance, a real show!
The guide, China continues to emphasize that all go very well, that living together is nice and unites them the greatest respect, having a kind of positive character I want to believe. 19.30 am to 13.30
the home, we are at the airport, again, destination Kashgar, arriving after a flight of about 1.30, met the new guide, a young Uighur, we refer to all scans tomorrow.
First visit to the Karakul 3800 meters, the lake is at the foot of Mount Muztang of 7546 meters, called the father of ice mountains, the weather is beautiful: blue sky, white snow and red mountains , offer a feast for the eyes and peace for the spirit, the river that forms the lake will never in any sea, in fact it is lost in the desert.
Road and continues through the legendary Khunjerab Pass you can get in Pakistan, but now it is not advisable, this country is not safe for tourists, even though our guide tells us very optimistic and security in a year Pakistan will again secure. How I envy those travelers who were able to see this wonderful country before fundamentalism and terrorism, and ruin it so I hope that the guide is right, indeed I believe his words.
not meet anyone, camels graze happy, who knows maybe they will be free? I still like to think so. Kashgar has always been a strategic point for the caravan passes through here the legendary Silk Road trade is still flourishing. Everywhere coal mines, work that beast! I try to imagine the men inside those caves and the work they do and the danger they face ...
We are still, as if by magic into nothing materializes a checkpoint. Some military control us in detail the documents, visas, there are some beautiful shots I could make some shots ... I do not trust, where there are the military is better not to get noticed!
The weather was beautiful, now, unfortunately we are on the shores of the lake, the sky is covered, we can say goodbye to all the effects of light that we were promised, it is certainly fascinating to be here, but the cloudy water flattens making an expanse gray water: a real shame. Now for
lunch there are two possibilities: either you can dine at the restaurant by the lake, tourism and vegetarian. Or you stop by a lady who cooks the excellent soup sheep. It 'makes sense that we choose the lady and her soup.
The choice is right, because at this altitude there are no vegetables, so these must be imported, the sheep, but are kept together with the yak up the diet of local populations. The soup is very good, there's some mutton boiled onion and fresh bread to be dipped in the broth, the environment is very colorful, colorful rugs are the flooring and seating, colored cloths on the walls add more joy to the whole ' together, I like it!
The landlord and his family live on round breeding and serving tourists. The portion of soup and costs 20 yuen (20 euro cents) per serving ...
are already in the car for a few minutes and I realize I've forgotten my scarf from the lady, I am sorry, it was a memory of my mother, but now I can not go back, it will mean that the lady will remember me ...
On the way back we found ourselves face to face with a dust storm. Scary, looks like a wall, visible from far away, the road goes through it and you do not see anything. E 'worst of the fog, in fact we need to keep windows closed and despite everything we hear the dust that creeps in everywhere. The guide tells us that this is a exceptional phenomenon, but you would not think watching people. They are all very quiet, we can see them only when they are just a few meters from the car, even children, alone, follow the road with their bag of books, quiet, someone wearing a mask, others covered their faces with the handkerchiefs, a motorcyclist and his child immersed in this storm continue on their path ...
They are not alarmed, but for me it was a wonderful experience.
The effect is caused by the relentless wind, the dust rises, this is light and remains suspended and will continue to rise, while the other is added to darken the sun, like clouds, to remove the visual and breathing. You can already see from a distance, the sky takes on the color of the earth, and you see that comes close. In the most crucial time I thought of the caravans, and when they were in this situation, this area is always very joke, we walk through the ramifications of the Gobi Desert, which here joins the Taklimakan Desert. I wonder how many of these convoys were unable to overcome these spaces, I wonder how many people have swallowed this huge desert. And we must not forget that thanks to them that progress is continued, it has always been the cultural exchange has brought progress and economic exchange has brought wealth. I get angry like a hyena when I hear certain people, ignorant people who protest against globalization, This fact has always been, first touched a few countries, those known or available, and then what they do to protest? Using the Internet! You can not stop progress and development.
And then, if we have reached a good standard of living and the comforts we have, why should not they have them too? They should remain so at least we can go and see them? Does not seem right.
But returning to the storm has passed, we are out, but I assure you: it was scary. The
eat dinner in a Uighur restaurant, still nudols boiled sheep and wheat flour, almost pasta, yogurt and very acidic, as it should be no beer. Speaking
our guide will show his thoughts on the eyeglasses. I am forced to wear two pairs, for near and far, according to his theory is the pork that is lose sight, in fact, he points out that Muslims do not wear glasses because they see us very well, then you realize that the port two pairs laughing and asked me, "but how much you've eaten pork?"
Morning sightseeing tour of the city up to 11.00 there is nobody around that late risers.
the beautiful mausoleum of Apak Hoja Mazar, and also very beautiful in its history. We are always in Kashgar, in about 1640 arrived in these lands from Turchenistan Apak Hoja Mazar, has brought with him the cult of Mohammed that Islam first the entire population was Buddhist. He founded the madrasa, or Koranic school, married and had children, many of them. One of his sons, his father died, he built this mausoleum in memory of the parent. Currently 72 people buried here 5 generations.
In 1956 there was a terrible earthquake. The mausoleum was destroyed. The population is working to rebuild it, or rather the reconstruction began right here. Such was the devotion. The tiles that cover the entire building were baked in an oven 200km away. , Were brought up here from hand to hand, the streets were all torn up. I try to imagine a column of human 200km. But with all the goodwill I can not believe ... Externally
Recalls the monuments of Central Asia, all inside the sarcophagi, 72, each covered by brightly colored damask draperies, made all around the most important Apak, those of younger women, the youngest of the children still gives me a sense of awe ... how many people!
contemplating the majesty of the building, and relaxed on the availability of the guide I dare ask: "When I arrived the Chinese in Xinjiang?"
I know it's a useless question, on any history book would find the answer, but I had a vacuum of memory and having the opportunity to get answers without any effort ... I take this opportunity. The guide, which suddenly becomes serious, is a young boy, Muslim Uyghur, looks at me straight in the eye and spoke these words: "I wonder when the Chinese Xinjiang RELEASED? Go to any history book and find the answers you need, I'm not talking about politics! "
POLICY?? but I wanted to talk about history!
But shortly after he made his first coded message, confesses to being able to speak and understand English to Chinese.
For Muslims to prayer here on a Thursday, so I'm told, but also being very careful we could not even hear a muezzin, maybe the Chinese government tolerates the mosques but does not want too much noise? I dare not ask questions. Finally the long awaited
cattle market is held every Sundays at Kashgar.
not very crowded, I thought I find most confusing, honestly. I realize now that an entire wing is empty: the camel, in fact I am told that the exchange of these animals takes place in September, damn my Strelitzie ... it is their fault if the tour I had to make a June! In September, there are the nomadic Kyrgyz, sell their camels, after they have been exploited throughout the summer, the winter around here is very cold 20-30 degrees below zero, all the animals are sold unnecessary and then buy back at the beginning of next season. Wandering among cattle
I am in the area of \u200b\u200b"enough" all the ropes, saddles, bits e. .. whips are well exposed.
I approached by a seller and offers me a whip, I try to make him understand that I do not need. But him with his bright eyes shows me how I can use it: pointing to my husband and making the move to beat him on the legs, confirming my suspicion: Here ... The man has the power, but the woman in charge!
Very interesting to see the contract, even if you do not understand anything of what they said, but the gestures, the moves and the looks are universal, many years ago at the cattle market in the Piedmont VICOFORTE I saw the very same negotiations. The buyer and seller are face to face with the palm of your nose, and yell as loud as two people argue, when you finally find the agreement smiles and handshakes are waste, then look closely you understand who has the best deal, because that's the happier.
Uyghurs eat lots of meat: sheep, lamb, mutton, chicken, do not throw anything away, either skin or fat. Everything is cooked. In this market you can not see the Chinese in many neighborhoods do not see the Chinese seem to live separate lives, they walk side by side but their paths do not cross, ever. One thing that I could not explain, since we have lunch in Xinjiang, is always served at 15.00, then suddenly the guide reveals, they, the Uighurs, they follow different from those in Beijing, other than two hours , so when you are in Beijing 15.00 13.00 they are here for lunch so late, that's why the morning before 11.00 you can not see anyone around. Only
offices, trains and planes follow the official time.
The morning began so-so, I'm not too well, last night I slept little and badly, at 10.00 we have the appointment with the guidance. At 9.40 am knock at the door, is the maid to the plans, enter and search the entire room, we are here and look incredulous. Check everything carefully. We feel uncomfortable. It 's all right, Now he smiles and tells us we can go. These Chinese!
Today we are facing a very long stage, about 850 km. Through the desert. The road is very fast, very beautiful, but the limit permitted speed is 50 mph, there are often roadblocks, checks on checks, the last guide and the driver swearing in turkish, we do not understand but we will not ask questions, then we know the reason for this reaction: they want the military there is a fire extinguisher in the car, I understand them ... they are not ready for prevention.
For lunch we stopped at a little restaurant in an anonymous city, all Soviet-style apartment blocks, very ugly. In exchange, the meal is good pigeons to the grid. Continuing
meet an accident: a passer-by was hit by a motorcyclist. The poor fellow's head is bloody, is sitting by the roadside, it seems frightened and suffering, but there is no one around him, are all intent on observing the motion, to detect any damage to the bodywork or engine, here some human life has a different value, while the engines are valuable to understand should live here, however, observe without judging.
Today's visit was not very interesting, a mausoleum is the only site dedicated to a queen who wrote a poem. Perhaps the only interesting thing is political, that is the recognition by the Chinese Uighur of a poem, I notice that there is more tolerance ...
The city is not very interesting.
the road again, again deserted, nothing is right and nothing left.
The road is very smooth, very busy.
weather is warm enough and the sky is overcast.
Looking at a map, we realize to be between Tibet and and the desert of no return that the Taklimakan, in fact.
whole area is famous for forging steel, is the first activity.
In the afternoon we stopped near a river, and driving out a watermelon with his knife again, just bought, makes wafer and distribute it to all, delicious.
continued our journey. Every so often you come across an oasis, and as if by magic a lot of people appear from nowhere. I can not tell if they are natural oases. But knowing the Chinese, are quick, they do two channels and bring the water to many miles away.
Wherever possible, there are crops of poplar, are used for lumber.
Here we are in Hotan, Kashgar after the first city where the night. Other
coded message of the guide.
accompany us for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, says he thinks we want to change the menu. Okay. But the restaurant of his choice is a dump in the true sense of the word. Now if I were an oasis in the desert I'm not surprised, but we are in a huge city, Dom looks at me, I look at the guide, we are embarrassed. So he understands and laughs, there okay? Calls, then I bring in a Uighur restaurant ... the most luxurious I've ever seen! Entering
tells us amused "This is the restaurant of my people, that was a Chinese restaurant, since the difference?"
Hotan!
First round early in the morning in its streets.
's a typical city in Central Asia, there is a very historic city, it seems very modern, everything rebuilt. They are highly seismic zones and what is spared by the earthquake do not survive the Chinese. Wide sidewalks and streets huge buildings and skyscrapers, to think that until a few years ago she was just a great oasis in the desert. Wandering
there you are in Piazza del Popolo, every Chinese city has its own. E 'dominated by a giant statue of Mao that embraces a Uighur farmer, in memory of their deliverance from what ... then?
The interesting thing though is the building facing the square. It 'a building used as offices, on its roof is proudly displayed the logo of the nuclear devilry that is we can not understand. But what we see is very interesting. Are 8.30, all employees are there, before going to their respective offices are ... half an hour of exercise ... ... you'll see the Chinese taking over the world!
finished the exercise, proceed to the reading program of the day, all the work to be completed in 10 hours. Here's the difference between us and them, productivity and discipline!
We are in the driving, we must pledge to pay. In fact, in any country, if you driving the time comes that you must go into sad souvenir shop! It can not do without. Do not buy anything in these places, but so much so sometimes we have to. In this case, is a laboratory of jade. In the rivers of this area if it is so, the work here and sell it. So much for safety! The workers are all very young, the stone cut without any protection for either your eyes or your hands. Exposure: it is outrageously expensive. The prices are around one million, of the old lire ...
Then we go home to the river, given the price, if I had a jade ... I pay for my trip ...
But there is no history, there is nothing, but it is interesting to watch the crowd wandering, barefoot in the river bed with hope in your heart. Other
duty: the laboratory of silk ... now only tourist. The workers are all very old, when they see us start to get some work done, it's a symbolic thing ... how sad, as everyone knows by now that the silk is produced in the industry because there some propinano dramatized.
How I wish I had the courage to turn these lands, with neither guide nor driver, using the local media, mingle with the crowd, but I always have a few days, and if I want to be able to see something in 10 days ... I have to pay a pledge .
We are visiting the City of Yutan. At first glance it seems an anonymous country, but now that you just move a little I find the beating heart. Here the market, do some shopping,
is always very safe and quiet, there is never any danger, people are very friendly and sociable.
Here, finally the desert, and for him that I came up here!
has an area of \u200b\u200b270,000 square km, lies on the basin of the Tarim River, is bordered to the north and south of the Silk Road. You can now also pass through and not just drive along, because the Chinese government built a highway, 530 km long. On either side sprinklers allow the growth of plants, are used to protect the road from the sand, a colossal work cost 70 million yuen, or 14 billion lire.
... Or the Taklamakan desert of no return ...
The legendary Silk Road ... does not seem true to trample on its sands, its immense sand dunes, some as high as 30 meters ... and it's all sand! And how many footprints in the sand. Footprints of insects, snakes, animals and perhaps even wolves. What animal movements on land so inhospitable.
Walking on the dunes is really tiring. Do you feel the earth under your feet moving, you sink like the snow, but sand ...
It 's weird but the effect: the gray road, the green plant meant the sea of \u200b\u200bdunes stretching to infinity ...
are in the room, a room with a sort of hotel, truck stop. Nothing luxurious. Indeed.
But I did not expect the Grand Hotel!
But the bugs in the sheets, even those expecting them to me, do not like them. But alas, there is no alternative, I have to spend the night with them.
After dinner walk on the dunes with the light of sunset.
It is said that you go into the wilderness to find themselves. For me it's different. Tucci said as travel, to take off from the monotony of life. His last book I read: "The valley of Swatt," Tucci wrote these lines: "Give me a job in the office, the routine of the day all the same and are a dead man" ... is also entirely my thoughts.
Then I'm curious, I love seeing other landscapes, other cultures in other traditions, without necessarily having to understand or share, and above all without judging.
I like to travel on tiptoe, not to teach anything to anyone, but if you can learn ...
night? Passed to hunt insects, I emptied my bottle of repellent!
few more photos to His Majesty the Desert and are in Korla City
great, we go out, wander through its streets, 18.00 is the children are still studying, passing a school through open windows can be observed students ... but they are all Chinese. The guide in Urumqi had told us that we were studying together ... I had thought, but now I realize that the lessons are held in separate classrooms, a pity.
Day Long what lies ahead. We head for the Bosten like a pristine lake, not for long, unfortunately, but the driver does not know the way to get here, keeps asking, first to the Uighurs, the Chinese then, let's go back several times, but eventually we do it . It 'great to be here. On its waters one small boat. It seems that they are fishing. I look better, are not collecting the algae. The only boat 500 yuen wants to take us around the lake. It seems to us too so we are content to admire. Soon there will be hotels and shopping centers, are already building the motorway, these Chinese!
Dear me! The driver does not even know the road to the oasis of Turpan, but since it is very Later it was decided to ask directly to the Chinese ...
Turpan has always been the crux of the Silk Road, all roads lead here, and from there depart. From Marco Polo
before of course, here is grown grapes. This has always been desiccated.
When I relay the pergolas, very long, I imagine the caravans, after spending all day in the desert gather here to see the fresh water that flows, the cool of the pergolas, I think you should really feel like heaven!
arrive very late, I'm sick, diarrhea hit me. The guide insists that we must do at least two visits, tomorrow there will be time for everything. Despite everything, I do not shoot back, I do not give up! So
Here we are in Jiaohe, a city in ruins. Very wide, is made of mud. Not much left.
But it was a fortune to be late, because the light is perfect and there are no other tourists.
really impressive.
E 'morning and we are ready for the latest hits: the mosque, the caves of the Thousand Buddhas, in fact here in the past were Buddhist, but has been little in this site, what has not been taken away by British and Italian archaeologists, have destroyed the people once they become Muslims: how sad.
The only frescoes are still visible on those times, but were smeared with mud, which was launched specifically to delete the faces.
Now the Chinese government has realized that these sites are an economic rent, so we go to see that nothing is left. This site
we wanted to avoid it and instead give us a hand around the markets.
I'm more and more evil!
Urumqi, now I know this city, we ask the guide to leave us alone, just sightseeing, we want to live on our own, strolling through its streets, observing its people ...
E 'on Sunday, are 8.30, my stomach is still acting up. Maybe it's the yogurt that has hurt me? It seems that the pads begin to do something, I took the "DISSENTEN ...
back to the airport, waiting for us to fly from Urumqi to Beijing, our journey is ending. Baggage check, they discover I had bought the knife in Kashgar, I'm so sorry but I am obliged to give it to the guide. But how do they think that I could use a knife packed, locked and placed in the hold??
The last day in China, mostly in Beijing, with no one telling you where to go, finally free to spend time as we want, to sit in the vast Tiananmen Square and observe.
Search for a restaurant and choose just because it is crowded with Chinese, try to order on a menu written in Chinese, laughing among ourselves happy not understand anything.
Going to explore what remains of the "utong" ancient homes and discover that behind the skyscrapers of glass still resist.
I'm delighted, This trip gave me a lot. And 'the fourth time I visit China, this beautiful country with ancient history, are increasingly convinced that we should learn a lot from China instead of criticizing them ...
I'm back home. The return flights were quiet.
My son has painted the whole kitchen, I did not expect!
! THANKS!
Now everything seems like a dream, I saw so much in a few days to digest everything I have to think, but I'm sure it wont be long ... I'm already planning the next trip ...
also warmly thank Mr. Miao Yue agency Chengdu
its professionalism and reliability make it a truly reliable tour operator. These
his contacts: Email: Web ca@uuuz.com: chinatravelz.com

Fakku Tarzan Doujinshi

yet still

Sichuan to Tibet from 6-18 June 2007

06/06/2007 Wednesday
HOME! Finally we

in Nice, we have the electronic ticket, we do not know to use it. In all this time we asked ourselves: how do once you arrive in Nice?
In fact, we make the smart move to put under the nose of the famous hostess "ticket", and she looks horrified, keep repeating: "ce n'est pas billet valid" fear and panic mingle and merge. The look in his eyes, hoping not to have understood his words with repeated insistence that there "that" business is not good, is not valid.
Perhaps our eyes imploring pity, the girl decides to ask the passports. Just enter our names on the keyboard smiles and informs us that it's all right, all right? thank goodness! beginning as we have already received a good dose of adrenaline, and the trip has not yet begun!
climbed up on the plane we admire the views that run before our eyes, we get angry rather than happy to begin the adventure. In fact, we are contemplating the famous Netherlands, tidy, well organized, modern greenhouses in the eye unroll before our eyes. I feel discouraged, I feel that my husband swears softly, but what do we have less, why can not we be like them? Do not ever reach them.
The airline KLM, with which we fly is perfect. We land on time at the airport of Amsterdam is a huge thing, to be afraid, we arrive at the GATE F9, it takes a good 20 minutes if you decide to go on foot.
We decided to stretch our legs!
The flight to China took place quiet, time passes in an instant. Among the dinner, excellent, a few snacks, struggles with the small screen placed on the seat and a nap we already arrived.

7:06 Thursday
The formalities of landing were fast, how far did these Chinese! Since the last time it hard to believe that in China everything has changed, bureaucracy and streamlined a lot, seems to be impossible! There
the machine sent by Daniel, is already there waiting for us. In no time, despite the traffic chaos we are in his agency. And 'huge, dozens of employees everywhere. Paid the bill and we are now together in the hotel. Set your bags down the street splashed Chengdu are all for you, wait for us!
now calm and serene, we enter a bank to carry out the operation of the exchange. Cold shower. We thought that the bureaucracy had been overcome ... but there is still a last gasp We'll get him in the chest! There are many people at first glance by noting the chairs we wonder what will serve about half an hour ... after that we stand we understand the value and take advantage of this unexpected comfort. We are too far away from the door, from our point of view it is not clear but the time devoted to each task seems overwhelming. We have our numerino, logically very high, while Domenico seems strangely resigned, it seems to me to be finished on the set of Bitle Juis fact, the scene has all the credentials to be surreal! When at last it's our turn ... we understand. The controls used many times the money that we give them count and recount them, then the total marks on a bulletin. Count and recount the yuen, same procedure, duplicate, take the passport data, double-check them ... follow the entire procedure is exhausted, is endless. Finally ... we have completed the practice, that bank has stolen as many as 3 hours, but were not useless, we were able to observe closely the Chinese in their daily lives, their sense of order and discipline is disconcerting, in Italy in the same situation, we would see the usual smart, who wants to go first, those who feel privileged to who knows what merits ... but he did not feel even the breath of all those people. We are tired and refer back to the hotel 's exploration later, we now have need a shower and a well-deserved rest.
We leave that is already dark, but there is a lot of people on the streets, looking for a restaurant, there are plenty of inviting all, some very luxurious and very expensive: to be avoided.
We go into a place that inspires us, there's so many local people believe they eat well. In fact, for 70 yuen lead us duck and braised beef, rice and two beers from 500cc. one o'clock!
continue the walk, seems like a dream to be here! Chengdu-Friday 8:06

Bamba
Breakfast: coffee, toast, butter, watermelon and nudols spicy.
very long day one transfer: from Chengdu to Damba. The full path of yards, the whole of China is a construction site. At one point we had to stop for 2 hours, due to road closure for mine! Do not worry, our guide informs us, and we take a couple hours of freedom, we are in a tiny village. It 's over the school day and there are many children who go home alone, singing, using, pulling folders, hopping happy. At one point they drop all their bags and slipped into the woods, gather the berries, are competing to see who eats more, it started to rain but not a problem, the game and berries are the most important, certainly.
We stopped for lunch, but still sated for hearty breakfast we were given only a cup of tea. We
Damba: the country is very small, but there are many internet points, we can connect with the world from this microscopic town. Our hotel is comfortable, did not expect to find the structures at this level. China has the potential for growth really exaggerated, our old Europe faces a bone really hard to deal with soon.
Our dinner: spicy sheep, fresh pork, rice, vegetable soup and 2 beers, all for 100 yuen, a disproportionate amount to the local standard of living, we are 10 € in total, ie € 5 per person.
Walking down the main street we see a lot of gyms, beauty salons, hairdresser, sauna and all that can be used for welfare, youth are all very trendy, western course, the girls curl up and dye their hair beautiful and blacks, too bad.

9-06 Damba-Bame-Daofu
During our walks we have always approached by the Tibetans, are not used to seeing tourists, every time you meet a traveler, mostly Japanese or Australians, but people are lonely, do not want be approached, but we are a couple, I think we give a sense of confidence, so we approach them and ask to be photographed, is posing, happy, then ask to be able to review on the digital SCREENS, almost embarrassed at this point run away laughing!
We are still in China, but the population is Tibetan, all businesses are run by Tibetans, but we note with regret ... a big barracks CHINA, with only Chinese soldiers, but they seem to leave quietly observed, however, very closely by the celestial empire!
E 'was very interesting visit to a huge complex of Stupa, among other things beautiful, you can see the architects, workers busy, they are making measurements on the ground, ask what they are doing, the guide does not know and asks info the answer that's given him more surprising, Chinese, we tourists: a new stupa, the Chinese have realized that the only way to keep calm the Tibetans in Tibet or China, is to stun them with religion, what which also have always done.
We stopped for the midday meal in a restaurant packed with Chinese soldiers, managers may have noticed our embarrassment and lead us into a secluded room, we bring the hot water we use now to make us a very good coffee, and after there's a lot of time with the dishes we ordered, maybe they had forgotten us? Our meal: beef killy sauce, potatoes and rice. Then someone dares to say that in China you eat bad!
We continue our tour and past the shops, our gaze is drawn from a photo, small, used as a label for socks, is a photo of an Inter player, unfortunately passed away some years ago. A young Facchetti I recommend for purchases ... ... but I wonder how old they are blessed those socks?? Jump to understand that they make the rounds to the goods, impossible to know which road led to suit the goods here, not just fashion. How many people will be won over, how many more will do so before they buy and consume a guy finally put an end to this round. And how many people will be fed photography Facchetti? Of course the so-called global trade is truly without borders!
While we walk we see another shop sells just about everything, but the surprising thing is that it has an international telephone, we can not resist calling. In a moment we can make ourselves understood, we are practically the street, the shop offers us the phone, type the number of waiting a short time and our son's voice greets us surprised!
How exciting! We tell ourselves we put the phone down and everything, we pay: 0.70 € ct, impossible, we believe it is wrong but it certainly did not protest. Just would like to have some explanation from our telephone operators, because they make us pay the astronomical prices? We welcome and at that point, and only then, we realize that we are surrounded, all the land, or nearly met all around us, even more curious feeling to speak loudly in Italian. We are sure that it is not something that happens every day around here.
raining and we take advantage to do a little shopping: plums, bananas, water, coffee and grappa China to take home as souvenirs. I see the beautiful tapestries, and I would like to buy one, but I'm not used to dealing with tourists and when we approach the retailers are surprised and I think maybe a little uncomfortable, there is no possibility of dialogue, patience.
We are very interested to watch people watching the technology go hand in hand with tradition, all have mobile phones, antennas and repeaters are everywhere, the shops are full of technology, but the customs of the Tibetans are always the same: very colorful, very their beautiful hair, especially the boys, olive skin, the delicate features, her hair jet black and long wear with casual ease hats leather caw-boy type, their proud carriage, are usually very tall and beautiful!
The girls are all pretty much what they have preserved traditional costumes, unfortunately many have left fascinates by Western fashion with the result that they now have a look vulgar and slovenly: it is a shame!
Children, however, now have been shaped by the school are virtually identical, Tibetan and Chinese, maybe it will be good, perhaps, we know that development has always been led by contacts between ethnic groups, more or less peacefully. I think the law of opposites, there must be something positive to this "invasion" of Chinese, Domenico does not agree, but I am convinced, the whole world is held on the balance of positive and negative, of white and black, as there can be all black so can not be all bad, I will not defend absolutely the Chinese in Tibet, even though I love these people in China, but the story has its own course, often the fruit of an event to collect future generations, maybe one day you will understand!
It stopped raining, you can not just stay at the hotel closed, the streets are still flooded but we simo already out, passing a carpet shop as we were attracted by a magnet, not resisting, we make our first buy a beautiful carpet Between and among Tibetan, bargaining has been exhausting, all taken by the beauty of the design we did not realize how big and heavy, now that we leave the shop all proud, the question arises: how do we bring with us to in Italy? ...
Other purchases: 3 tanka silk, beautiful and fortunately these lightweight! Eat dinner in the hotel: plums bananas coffee and biscuits.

10-06
Daohu-Luhuo-Ganzi
Daofu Leaving at 8. Before our eyes is unrolled a panorama of breathtaking beauty and wild: the endless pastures, cultivated fields stretched as far as the eye can see, if you want to imagine a paradise on earth is that we must think of these places. A
Luhuo are not used to seeing foreigners, is a quiet town, is only a step, but we stopped to walk willingly. The children come to meet us, greet us and answer our laugh, trying to make himself understood, then we begin to speak in Italian, a language they have never heard, have fun, they look at each other and then with a nod run away, happy. They play with anything, invent games, it's a hoot watching all these kids from honest eyes, their serene gaze is contagious!
NEVER heard a whim or a lament, their joie de vivre is palpable! We
Ganzi: practically occupation of Tibet in Chinese territory! Only around
Tibetans, Tibetans are also shopkeepers and shoppers. If I had been here I would be confident of being parachuted into Tibet!
Ganzi Monastery is very beautiful, nice and clean. We allow ourselves the luxury of a walk, our guide, a Chinese boy, not afraid to make the ascent on foot and this we are grateful. In front of us for the same path there is an elderly lady who brings her grandchildren to visit the monastery, go up almost together, the children trotting behind her grandmother, are curious and are attracted to whatever is in their line of sight, not complain about the walk, it seems that they are accustomed, as if the visit to the monastery was part of a daily ride. They perform together us around the perimeter and then descend the same route later in the center of the country we feel very warmly welcome: it was the lady with her brats, all very happy to found us!
Needless to say, here are a surprise for everyone. The shopkeepers do not even try to offer their wares, I think they are intimidated by our appearance. Many of the Tibetans are nomads who meet, arriving with their animals for sale, take advantage to stock up on everything they need, the kids can not resist: they definitely play billiards, here is an institution, there is country that has not this fun, we've also seen on the steps to over 5000 meters!
Although women play, sometimes for money, but neither men nor women, did not alter ever ...
In this study Tibetan, to our surprise, we had the impression that the people do not care much if they are to dominate the Chinese and Tibetans, perhaps it is our impression, but ordinary people seem absolutely indifferent. Another surprise was that do not recognize the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama but worship, this fact confirms our intuitions, whatever it is for them to power does not change much, people are always exploited, perhaps now we have the corn !
For lunch we went into an oven, we took a kind of cake, very good, the butter Yak does not disturb us more, travelers are now licensed, and a bottle of water. Walking through the streets of downtown we consumed our meal fleeting. To leave the country even our guide to request information, are very remote places. Our guide imitates me in photo shoots, Daniel asked him to also include photos of the tour on its website: We are leading the way, what a thrill to be among the first Italians here!

11-06
Ganzi-Dege
Just out of the country again, we are immersed in the pastures. The sky is clear at times. Sometimes cloudy and sometimes a light rain falls, we got color imaginable, a painter could never reproduce all shades of green and blue that run as far as the eye can see. We stopped near a lake, we are in 4050 meters of altitude, cold enough, me neither the temperature nor the height can distract us from the haunting beauty of this enchanting place. The lake is nestled in the mountains, hills and demanding of respect, some of them almost reach 7000 meters, on top of their large glaciers merge with the sky. There is an absolute calm, the wind here is the supreme master, plays his melody through the prayer flags, or as they call them here: Horses in the Wind. The water is calm, a mirror reflects all the colors of the sky, clouds and glaciers. Being here and contemplate these wonders is a huge privilege, I would not go away anymore, the tranquility of this place, free the flow of my thoughts, the serenity that I can take ....
But we have a program and must continue. We expect the pace "Quershan Fairy-Like" 5050 meters. I do not know if it's the beauty of these places, it is the friendliness of the people we meet. Or if it is simply my body, which has grown accustomed to the altitude, but do not feel any discomfort, I can enjoy the handful of views that this trip is giving me.
I'm not a scholar of religions, in my opinion are a bit all the same, for what little I know, of course I like to study in terms of culture, so do not know if the serenity of this people is a gift of their faith, but they certainly seem happy. We in the West with our studies, our luminaries of medicine, our consumers believe they have attained the civilization and happiness. It 'a huge mistake, not the material things to give happiness, but thoughts of endeavor, if you have a lot of things you value then you are afraid of losing them, if you decide to live beyond our means we become slaves of consumerism . Now the trade is a good thing, but be careful, I do not lose sense of proportion, and keep it simple. Here's what I found in these people: simplicity: we read in their eyes, and we their actions!
We are now in Dege. The first part of our trip has passed. How they run these days, the issues for months and then ... like a breath go away.
We visited the monastery, very important for prints. The Chinese government is spending a lot of money for the restoration of these holy places, is certainly not a religious choice, the other, but the fact remains that after having destroyed many hours trying to save those who have escaped to their own race.
So, as I said, this monastery is important for the sacred books and prints for the "notes" (certainly not called that, but right now the name escapes me), the faithful use them to launch exceeded steps, in fact, wherever they are, then it will be up to thousands of the wind to your destination.
was very interesting look at the different print operations. Before washing the clay tablets. He takes off the overalls carefully traces of ink above the water that comes out is a mixture of red clay, color blocks, and ink, a slurry liquid and not thrown vine because it contains the sacred words of the mantra, but it is used by the faithful who visit the temple of tiny sips drink it and bathe his head with great devotion perform these rituals.
Then you climb the pine tree where the print runs of the new prayers, all the work is manual, you pass the ink on tablet, it supports the sheet, it passes over a roller with the decision, the new prayer is written, all you need to do a few seconds, the work is continuous and well-paced, whereas here we work from dawn to sunset, the result of every single day is nothing short of breathtaking!
Our guide takes us to the hotel, we greet each other warmly, and am looking forward to the Tibetan guide, should arrive at midnight. 22
At the phone rings, an excited voice repeats the same phrase which we understand only "Gaido tibetan", failing to understand others, Domenico decides to go down in the lobby, is the Tibetan guide and driver, tired, hungry and sleepy can be understood, practically the Tibetan tour operator did not pay them or dinner or a room. They covered about 1000 km. From Lhasa, and tomorrow will take us back to the road with us. So what? Simple we offer them well-deserved rest and meals. Thank you and try to make us understand, at least this is what we understand, which is a loan.
goes without saying that the loan was not. But we could not do through the night, these kids in the car, uncomfortable and hungry after a long trip! In the end it was 100 yuen that are 10 €!

12-06 Dege-Jingde-Chamdo

Wake up early, we must reach and exceed Tibetan border, the usual breakfast at the hotel and we are ready. The Tibetan guide and driver to thank the room. After about 50 minutes. Street feel that these guys are exchanged phrases, seem angry, you do not understand what you say, but feels that there must be a problem. Without saying anything they do not stop and maneuver to turn back. At this point we ask explanations: they forgot their papers at the hotel by all means go. I notice a monastery and ask if you can visit it. Not all evil is a silver lining: while the driver returns we can make our visit. It is a very important temple, is also a little bit in need of restoration, but it is always interesting, especially because away from the tourist routes and therefore authentic. The faithful there is so far from any town, I think they get far on foot, then tell us who is on the way to Lhasa, and many also make a stop here to spend the night! For the meal
Jiangda we stop, we're already in Tibet, the border is a bridge, guarded by Chinese soldiers, can not be photographed, but I would not recommend driving me, the Chinese army is no joke, better not tease!
Here, as in China, chasing yards, buildings, roads, bridges and all sorts of possible infrastructure is in port. These Chinese have much to learn, you're right T. Terzani: "the future is played in Asia," these words were spoken by a journalist in the sixties distant. Today we understand what they were true! To get to
Chamdu still cross expanses of pasture land, as they call them here "grass land"
or "land rich", the yaks are everywhere, along with horses, sheep and goats. Beautiful beasts.
tents of nomadic pastoralists spread to hundreds, really live in full respect of nature, some environmentalists should be our own here, at least for a season, to understand what it means to respect the environment.
over a couple of steps of about 5000 meters, and after the last step, the landscape changes completely: we are woods. Km of forests. Not if they end in sight. While we admire these trees that makes driving feel of the verses of disapproval. I do not understand, but following his gaze is known that the wood has been injured, many trees are cut, but the night before at the hotel I saw on TV, a service note on forests, particularly on reforestation, explained that the cut was done in rotation, so that you always have new trees. But driving is not in agreement, and explains that cut the trees and plant them in Tibet in China, but later we realize that the new plantations are carried out in Tibet. It was just an excuse for us to understand his "love" for the Chinese. Of course it is always a military occupation, but if you think about it, the benefits would the Chinese Tibetan depleting forests, once stripped would not have any more income. We understand the spirit of mind: it was all too clear! We ask also if there are mixed marriages. We replied that do not exist. It tells us that the two races are too different. Here too, then we should blame him, young people are engaged in mixed marriages, this gives hope for the future.
In the evening explore the city of Chamdo, we look for a place to dine. We can not find anything that we can make it clear: the menus, when available, are written in Chinese or at least in Tibetan, for us it makes no difference, as if they were written in Arabic! Desolate
back to the hotel, at worst we have dinner in the restaurant surprise, nothing written here in England. We go out again, entered a shop we buy 2 bananas and 4 peaches, well up here we are. We're planning to go to the hotel, we have some cookies and coffee. Coincidentally
see some kiosks had not noticed them before because they are mounting now, when cooked kebabs are tempting, but what are they? I approach the lady, indicating the meat ready to cook, I make the direction of the sheep "beee-beeeee"
the girl looks at me funny and I answered: "ror-ror" trying to imitate the cry of a pig. Here we go, we have found a way to communicate and understand each other. We settle on chairs and wait they get our steaming kebabs. Delicious. We realize that we have become the attraction of the country. A knot of people around us. I am amazed that we appreciate their kitchen, among other good even if overly spicy violently. So sexy to remember "or Franco Franco" of Zeling. But I think, indeed, I am sure, that would be too much even for him!


13-06 Chamdo-Bangda-Basu

The stage today on the program was described as a test for the body! Narrow streets, cold, dilapidated hotels, meals frugal etc.etc. But when they printed the path to today everything has changed, these Chinese are very fast. The roads are paved, the new hotels and thoroughly clean: these Chinese!
A little bit but I'm sorry ... I wanted to see the real things, but you know you can not stop progress! And rightly so, it is right that we give everyone the opportunity to live better, because without the comforts life is uncomfortable for everyone, just that we in the West, many times we are selfish, we enjoy our ease and we hope that others countries maintain their traditions so that we can dive in the past few days to feel close to nature, but then return to progress inexorably, without guilt, so there are "they" that keep the tradition! I find this childish behavior: every human being has the right to take advantage of available technologies and convenience to today 's. Many ecologists speak, but I want them to live here for one season with the shepherds, for our whole trip we were able to see their full respect for nature. A nature that no discounts here and who does not forgive!
It 'easy to talk to environmentalists in the elevator, running water and hot water, heating, mobile phones, cars and believe the globalization of the fight with the internet!
Even in these countries that we have crossed the English and there is no other language understood by us. But the generosity of all allowed us to be able to converse with their looks and gestures. Children who ... clear eyes, that happy smiles ...

14-06 Basu-Ranwuhu-Bomi-Nyingchi

The beauty of the individual trips: the today's stage was just a transfer, you would have to stay overnight in Bomi, but we got there in the early afternoon, the town is really small, clean enough, the weather is bad, it rains, the whole landscape is penalized by a dark sky, there is little to see, so we agree with the leadership continued to Nyingchi, a beautiful city! Very important for businesses ... it's chock full of Chinese, where there are no trade them, where there are jobs there are Tibetans, this is a real military occupation, I never tire of repeating, I admire the Chinese but not necessarily approve of their invasion, even if the Tibetans do not have the capability of the Chinese, would still have the right to live in their own way in their homeland!
The hotel is a "Grand Hotel", these Chinese! The city is very modern, almost a Shanghai with all its tall buildings, major roads, shopping centers disproportionate. We decide to get out, walk through the streets of downtown, young people trying to get closer, they would like to speak with us, but there is no possibility of dialogue.
We enter a restaurant's menus strictly written in Chinese, you do not understand anything, do the "Indians" and we go out, it is repeated until we find a special restaurant. In fact, compete to be understood: the chef arrives with a live fish on the menu tells us the price of this delicacy, a girl comes in with a package of frozen mushrooms in there, arrive with other dishes, are given by a large do. Decided we trust. We were right: the dinner was excellent!


15-06 Nyingchi-Lhasa

There goes the rain, but certainly did not expect the snow! The pace, 5300 meters welcomes us a snowfall, strong winds and very cold. It 's the highest pass of our trip. Some people live here, they sell the "hands" of prayer flags, do not seem to break down a lot for the weather! After the storm down the valley we stop at a "luxury" Tibetan restaurant. After all the wet and cold I have to do a bit of water too. I ask politely, to operate a toilet. The guy takes me out into the yard, it makes me go off the air fenced off and gives me a sign with his arm, in short, makes me realize that any place is good! I make my needs in front of a breathtaking panorama, expanses of grasslands and towering mountains in the background, severe, distant, but the air is so clear that only seem to touch them if I wanted to reach out. When back in the room
Mrs. we need a steaming yak soup, hot and spicy accompanied by fresh bread. After a day like no you could wish for more. We
in Lhasa, our guide forgot to book the room, waiting for us for tomorrow, a small problem with a little good will on all sides, is now eliminated.
leave your luggage and we dive in the city. A nasty surprise in the center front of the Jokhang Monastery are the trucks of soldiers in uniform are riot, complete with shields, tear gas and other devilry: why? We can not understand, I do my photos to document the employment ... some tourists pretend to anything ... even when they notice my behavior vanish. But then, he is quick to mention that we want free Tibet, all are good with words, but when it comes to document things as they are ...


16-06 citizens of Lhasa

we granted a tour of the Potala together with the faithful. For a few hours we like them. Nobody more famous now. This is very nice. Not everyone can go to pray in the Potala, Tibetans make their prayers outside in a clockwise direction. I'm too peaceful and tolerant. We've been in the building, not worth it then do not repeat the mistake. The Chinese have completely distorted the building, the monks were evicted, they meet only the guardians who pretend to be monks, absurd! An entire wing has been converted into a restaurant, bar and entertainment, shameful. At that time I felt very dejected.
It 's almost time to think back, what a shame. We absolutely have to reconfirm the flight tickets. I have the phone number of Daniel from Tibet ... but you can not contact the cell: how nice! We look in vain to make ourselves understood by the various tour operators, but there is no chance. We play the last card: a public phone call from the agency of Sanremo, we respond when they hear our voice and she is alarmed, reassures her, we just want to reconfirm your flights!
All right, we did it! We take a gift: a map of Lhasa in English, was also wanted in China, though! We never tire of walking, The city always offers us new views, new surprises, we realize that is very large, very large. In some districts there are only Chinese, others only in Tibetan, and in others only Muslims, it seems that there is dialogue between different cultures. Certainly where there are no trade, the Chinese, this is not about us it's raining! Of course, some small business is also covered by the Tibetan but it's really a small thing!
Light dinner: soup, yak and sheep stew and potatoes, beer!
From the terrace of the restaurant we can see that the faithful turn around the Jokhang Temple,
always respectful and devout, but I think, how they must have suffered, how much? At the time of the Cultural Revolution, when religion was considered a criminal offense, these people deprived of their faith, you will certainly feel as private air, as oxygen-free, there should be no such tragedies ...


17-06 more in Lhasa! We

in Lhasa today all day, get organized, take a taxi, paid 300yuan for round-trip, we head to the Ganden monastery. We have an hour and a half for our visit, we could certainly spend more time ... but we know for us it is always a tyrant! The monastery is very large, beautiful, perched at about 4500 meters. Really impressive: the panorama from the summit, reached strictly on foot, at this altitude is not very easy either walk. Each step is extremely difficult. The breath becomes short, the head seems to fly, the equilibrium becomes unstable, but we do not allow certain impressions! We are so charming in this corner, we want at all costs to see as much as possible! Historically this site was to house thousands of monks, about 3000, we are told, because in addition to the sacred place, very extended through an area of \u200b\u200bruins. We were informed that the ancient dwellings of the monks, were destroyed during the revolution. How much pain everywhere, trampling these debris still seem to hear the lament that these people must have suffered!
We were lucky enough to see eagles, with their flight safely ruled all the valley, it is difficult to escape something in their eye! Then
is a coo-coo to get our attention. In the collective imagination has always thought of this bird as something impressive ... but a little dove, we are disappointed and suddenly I am reminded of a passage from the book by Terzani: In Asia, precisely where he feels disappointed feathered by the sight of this animal.
We feel exhausted, as drawn, no doubt we wanted to do too much, but it was worth it, I do not know if we will come back around again, and we are happy to have done all we could do in life we \u200b\u200bmust try not to have regrets, or at least try, I think it's terrible to be one day old and have to say: "how many things I could do and I did not have more time and still have many things to do!"
These trips for me have been very educational, taught me a lot: things materials, consumerism, do not bring happiness, mind you: they are, are indispensable, but do not stake everything on them, you run the risk of becoming slaves, they are a complement, a side dish to make our lives easier, but must always keep a sense of proportion ... all over! Life is also let go, let your mind take flight in front of a beautiful landscape, contemplate a fresco and free thought, feeling so light to touch the stars, or nearly so, and find serenity in and view the world with happiness in your heart, do not expect the impossible and never enjoy what we have.

18-06 return to Italy
E 'unfortunately finished our journey, we are embarking, the plane that takes us back at home waiting for us on the track of Lhasa. These days were really intense, I'll always remember the faces that I saw lying, serene eyes of the children here have children yet ...
E 'was organized everything very well, no obstacle, but sometimes also studying everything in detail ... something escapes and must not make a tragedy: we should have taken one night in Chengdu instead of doing everything so fast, in fact we run the risk of losing a plane to Europe, would surely have been problematic, though I am sure that whatever there is a remedy, we just have to thank the Chinese, this wonderful people, have done their utmost to help us without reservation. It 's just because of their interest that we have offered without reserve, if all went very well: they began to run with us to show us the way to the airport board in a HUGE kilometers in distance!
THANK YOU, we can not say anything at all extraordinary people, from policemen to simple to use and also the pilot of the plane that we have waited!

soon CHINA!