When a young foreign student in China complains of being brainwashed in school, his mom must find out what’s really going on at school. And it’s not what he thinks…

In light of all the many riots, “terrorist” threats and deaths that have occurred over the past couple years in Xinjiang, it stands to reason that many travelers might think twice before making their planned journey out to China’s west.

I’d like to introduce you to one of the most popular buildings in Karamay, a small city of only 200,000 people here in Xinjiang. It represents the only place of worship that is not only accepted by the local government but also boasts a large membership from their ranks.

Within the narrow alleyways of this Old Town lie thousands of years of Kashgar’s history.  Aged wooden doors and cobblestone paths have witnessed the passage of innumerable donkey carts, small Uyghur children and, in recent times, many foreign tourists.  On the outside, these mud-brick walls seem at peace with their place in history but just beyond the padlocked door a crippling truth emerges.

I have taken a couple trips to our local cemetery just for the adventure as well as to quench my curiosity. This weekend many people here will be making that same journey out to these grave sites to burn money, set out incense and sweep the tombs (literally) so I thought it might be an appropriate time to share with you my experience visiting a Xinjiang cemetery.

Over the past year or so, though, I’ve also taken notice of one more trend related to pirated DVD’s that I actually enjoy – the back cover. I personally don’t buy movies often, but when I do one of my favorite activities is to turn the case around and laugh at the back cover. Why? You have to see for yourself.

During my visit to Karakul Lake along the Karakhoram Highway we saw the majestic mountains and the crystal-clear water, but the most memorable experience was meeting our host, a Kyrgyz woman from a nearby village.

Why should you live or travel to China’s far western province of Xinjiang? The better question is…why not? But for those who need a reason, here’s six.

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.

My dad once told me that in order to fully understand a culture you need to attend a wedding, a funeral, and a baby shower. Unfortunately our Chinese friends never got that memo, so instead of a well-balanced cultural immersion, we’ve been invited to five (yes, count them…FIVE) weddings this month.