We walked down to the bazaar this morning, before the sun got up too high + imprisoned everyone. We wanted to take some photos, + certainly succeeded, shooting half a roll. The scene was so good, with so many fascinating people, it was difficult to resist clicking the shutter. And not only were people far less self-conscious than those elsewhere in China, they paid a lot less attention to us. I have taken to saying (phonetic spelling) “Salaama Melakkem” to the older men too. It’s a Muslim greeting, + generally receives a fine response.
I cut Val’s hair when we got back, but then we were forced inside by the heat, where we read, wrote, + waged violent war upon the many flies. A powerful wind sprang up in the late afternoon, truly angry – more than one pane of glass was smashed, + clouds of dust were whirled around. It put paid to our intentions to go out for an evening walk, but had the effect of making us decide to leave tomorrow – today had made us bored + restless. We weren’t able to buy a ticket however as the booking office was shut, but we shall turn up early tomorrow, + hope to get on the bus. We both ate in the hotel dining-room, but it was a poor meal, + I felt physically sick an hour or 2 after. I had hoped such things were behind me, but apparently not.
Little to report. A trip into town to take photos, but then more or less imprisoned by the storm.
