"B" TICKETED BY POLICE

Another quick update.... we are back in Linxia, safe and sound. It it rather warm here especially with no AC. Must backtrack for a minute.... the other day when we arrived in Xining, B and Susie were looking for the apartment where we were going to stay. B was driving like Chinese normally do... but sure enough he was stopped by a Xining policeman (refer picture) for driving the wrong way on a side street. Ticket in hand, B had to go to one of the local banks and pay the fine... about $12 US Dollars.

While in Xining we went shopping and per my music interests went to a downtown music store where there were pianos and various Chinese instruments. I was able to purchase a 2-string fiddle (Erhu) and a Tibetan string instrument that resembles a Mandolin, also a weird looking flute that is popular in southern China. While in the store I sat down at a grand piano and began to play/compose some music that I thought sounded similar to some of the local folk music. It wasn't long that several people started to surround us and listen. I think I could have played for hours... The setting was GREAT!

It is good to be home in Linxia. We have about 3 days left before heading via train towards Hong Kong. Hope to blog again before we board the train. Laban