From Moscow to Qingzhou: Tracing Sogdian Footsteps: Day 48: China: Kashgar

Sonntag, 24. April 2011

Day 48: China: Kashgar – Abudu

As I stand in front of one of the showcases of the Kashgar Museum, suddenly a guy a little younger than me comes closer. He greets me in a very good English, asks me where I come from and what I do in Kashgar. We start talking and somehow spent the rest of the day together. His name is Abudu, he is 24 years old and was born in Hetian (Khotan). He studied architecture at North-western University in Xi’an. After his graduation last year, he had received a job-offer in the Kashgar Museum – that’s how he got here. He tells me that he should actually be attending a workshop at this moment, but he was bored to death. When his colleague told him that a foreigner was visiting the museum, he decided to leave and spent the day more interesting. He is happy to have a permanent job, however, he feels bored and fears to be stuck with this situation for the rest of his life. He envies all foreigners who seem to be more independent according to his point of view. Actually he would love to spent some time abroad, improve his English and become a specialist on Uighur architecture. The reality seems different: he feels pressured by his family – they want him to get married as soon as possible, get a child, a house and a car – all in all, to settle down. I later learn that Abudu is dating a girl for about one month. He likes her and already thinks about getting married. He has just signed a contract for the purchase of an apartment which he is going to pay with a mortgage – it should take about 15 years until everything is paid off. Next month he will get a car – his dad is going to lend him the money. I was surprised about all of this information and happy to lead the life I live…

Some impressions from Kashgar: