Moslem Quarter

Wednesday Debra was able to secure the use of a second bicycle. With it we went for a ride. One of the main destinations of the ride was the Moslem Quarter.

This section of the city contains some of the oldest buildings that are in regular use. It is identifiable from a distance by the lower skyline. The buildings are, almost, all made of rough brick and the streets are much narrower, having been made at a time that had no need to accommodate motorcars.

As there was little need to accommodate motorcars, the streets were available for more practical uses, like the slaughter of animals. The skin was first opened, in order to provide a clean work surface, and then the cow was sectioned and butchered in the street. Similarly, there were also goats foraging, being sold, and being butchered in the same streets.

While there we visited three Mosques. At the second we were invited to walk to the top of the calling tower and see the city form there. It turned out to be the highest calling tower in the city and provided an incredible view of the Moslem quarter. Like many other buildings in China, it was made entirely of masonry and the stairs were steep enough, in places, to more resemble a ladder than what they were.

We also visited a couple of outdoor produce markets with one small disaster. It turns out that Debra lost her wallet. We rode for a while in hopes of locating it; but to no avail. The good news is that she had very little in it: about 60Y, her Hostel card, and her bankcard. The bankcard may turn out to be the hardest loss of the three. The banks in China should be able to replace it. The problem with dealing with any institutions is always the language issue.