There are two market areas, the general market and the animal market. We first went to the general market, but it was too early and the market wasn't open, yet. But folks were already gathering to start their shopping...
We watched this gentleman carried who we assumed to be his wife into the market...
Since the general market hadn't opened, we drove over to the animal market. Here you can buy pretty much any type of animal you would like... dead or alive. This was really the first thing we we saw when we arrived at the animal market...
freshly slaughtered sheep...
What do you think these sheep are thinking as they walk by their former buddies?
Breakfast here at the market was almost like breakfast after camping out... wood fire ovens and everything
except for the sheep carcasses... I've never been camping like this before
The animal trading lot. Anybody need a cow?
Hey, don't damage the goods... I don't want a cow with a broken leg...
How about a camel instead?
How about a horse? Horses were going for RMB 10,000, or about $1,500... at least that's what they told us, and that's the price for foreigners, before bargaining. This guy is taking one out on a test drive, doesn't he just remind you of the "Marlboro Man" cowboy?
No, today I settled on getting a donkey. A firm handshake and we have a deal, that's how business is done.
Sheep were also plentiful at the market...
This little boy was so cute. After I showed him the picture I took of him, he became really excited and showed me what he had...
...little lambs, whose fleece (and fleas, probably) were white as snow!
Not everybody was happy that we were there. I took a picture of this guy sheering a sheep's wool, then I noticed as I looked through my camera that he had reached for a rock to throw at me! He probably would have nailed me... fortunately he didn't throw the rock!
Getting hungry for a snack, yet? 
I was... time for another "shaslick." We ate so many of these little things... inside meat and veggies, wrapped up in bread with garlic powder on the outside. Seriously, so good...
Leaving the animal market... 
And back to the general market. We didn't see any guns here, but lots of knives and swords. The real attraction was not what was available, but the energy of the people at the market... it was so alive
Some things were not unexpected, such as buying material for a new dress of veil...
But some things were surprising, such as the Paris Hilton pantyhose! I'm sure she is diversifying into this market...
Time to eat again... 
and that was the Market... next stop Tashkurgan
and that was the Market... next stop Tashkurgan
No comments:
Post a Comment