NZPhotographer Issue 24, October 2019

cotton seed-head in his hand. The Policeman’s reaction
was severe and only after our hosts intervened and the
photo was shown to not be a security threat, did he
leave and the camera was returned to its owner.
In the city of Kashgar we were told not to go into town
(except in groups) with words to the effect: “because
there are people here who would like to embarrass the
Chinese Government, and Western tourists could be
made targets to that end”.
Having said that and having seen the incredible level
of security everywhere, I never felt in danger at any
time. In Kashgar, Police sirens wailed all night, just to
let everyone know that they were there. There was a
Kindergarten next to our mid city hotel and at school
closing time (8pm) there were Army Personnel Carriers
and Police SWAT teams to guard the children’s pick up.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH US
ABOUT YOUR TRIP?
The population in this area of China is a historic meld
of genes from all the countries that are in proximity.
Traders have been travelling this route for centuries and
borders have changed with political power changes.
The majority of the population is Turkic speaking
Muslims know as Uyghurs. The Uyghur independence
movement calls the area “East Turkistan”.
The Uyghurs were not only photogenic but very friendly
and this was one of a number of photo moments in
China, that for me was heartwarming.
The Institute (Prof. Guan, Dr Li, and Dr Liu especially) were
generous and wonderful hosts. The people we met were
fantastic and the scenery and the food were amazing.
It was such a privilege to visit China. I’d go back (even
to do the same trip again) in a heartbeat, but I doubt it
would be possible without such influential hosts.
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October 2019 25