Music leads the way part three: Yili
Nomadic living means a constant change of locations in chase of warmth. Even in summer, it is cool and even chilly here at night, Kazak handcraft tends to serve the practical and aesthetic purposes at the same time.
In a place like this, don't you want to just be born with a pair of wings? Kazak people call their horse "thewings"...
Kazak people are known for their open heart and straightforward character. Even between boys and girls, there is no subtle flirtation, more of, "if you like me, go and get me!"
This is a rare occasion where girls have to seize the moment and express their affections to a special someone in a rather loud, and even seemingly violent way. Called girl-chasing game, boys are actually the ones who are chased after and, yes, whipped. But they usually take the physical pain blissfully, --because the furiously she whips, the more she likes him...
Paw city
Apparently I have been outside of city life for so long. When I was excited about finally passing by a city, called pakuwa city, I experienced a fish- on- beach anxiety.
I have never been proud of my sense of orientation and a normal map hardly ever cease the "lost in traffic" problem, but this time I am well equipped. I had a special map - yiqing yinyang divination lines.
The ancient city planer of Pakua city is said to be a well-versed Taoist monk Qiuchuji from midland china traveling in Xinjiang. He brought Taoism here and even planed out the entire city according to Pakua principles. In Taoist belief, the city is built in a auspicious spot that brings peace and balance to every citizen, hopefully, also everyone who passes by...
Traveling in Xinjiang can be arduous at times, or to be fair, all road trip romance has to hit harsh reality sooner or later. The most practical benefit of traveling in Xinjiang is there is no charge for highway in entire Yili.
Like the importance of a four-wheeler in the city, life without a horse is inconceivable in Kazak's life, and the life on horse apparently starts early on.
