From 2006 to 2010 – a mere four years – China’s railway system will have grown an astounding 17.5%! As if that weren’t enough, last weekend China’s State Council just approved 2 trillion yuan ($292 billion) to expand the rail system even more…all of this in the midst of a worldwide financial crisis. Thankfully, all this change is actually going to affect us here in Xinjiang.

I figured my friend was pulling my leg when she told me this was her prescription, because medicine in America usually comes in one bottle or a small packet, but these six boxes made a stack higher than her textbooks!

Walking the streets of Xinjiang, it’s not uncommon to see a restaurant whose sign claims that it is a “Western Style” restaurant.  For those of us who live here you get used to companies trying to gain exposure by selling their products as foreign made or influenced, and unfortunately for the most part it works.
Every man wants to buy a foreign-made car, kids think that all Americans love KFC, parents want their kids to be taught English by native speakers, and women think that Amway is still the most popular …

Xinjiang, besides being a major producer of oil products for China, last year accounted for 36% of the country’s total cotton. So when the price of cotton begins to fall, just like the price of most everything else right now (rice, the stock market, etc.), it has major effects on Xinjiang’s cotton industry and its migrant workers.

I learned a lesson in Chinese etiquette last night that I think might be worth sharing. I learned it in an unusual place, though – the basketball court. I love to play basketball, and fortunately for me it is a sport that is catching on like wildfire over here in China.

Pretty much the only thing that I find worth ordering at KFC is the Mexican chicken wrap. I have no idea if they even sell this item in American KFCs because frankly I’ve never stepped foot in a KFC in the U.S. – this is one of the many embarassing things that living in China can lead you do.

Few experiences compare to visiting Kashgar’s Id Kah Mosque during Eid ul-Fitr, the day that most Uyghurs break the month-long Ramadan fast. Check out the video!

I wanted to give a quick show of support for my Alma mater, Belmont University, which just hosted the most recent presidential debates.  Ever since our new Curb Events Center was built a few years ago, the vision was always to host one of the presidential debates.  It’s been more than 4 years since I’ve been back on campus and even though I’m still paying for my degree, but I’m as proud as ever to say that I graduated from Belmont.
Quick facts:

It costs close to $3 million to put on …

Welcome to Kashgar. In terms of size, Kashgar is relatively small, boasting close to only 400,000 inhabitants, yet it is well known all over the world as the cultural and commercial capital of the Silk Road.

My experience traveling to Xinjiang proved to me that Kashgar poses very little danger. What’s dangerous is the distrust between Han and Uyghur.