Today the wonderment of Xinjiang pretty much ended. Everything was okay this morning, though. First, Reborn, Kelsey and I got on one of the tiny, super crowded buses, which was filled mostly with Kazakhs and their giant fur hats. The street looked like it was during war-time. People were bundled up in very old-fashioned clothes. Some people argued with food vendors on the sidewalks. Massive trucks of coal passed by, and dozens of soldiers marched through the street.
At one of the bus stops, a bread van picked us up to take us to a ski place. We headed directly for the beautiful mountains. It was like we were in Switzerland, but the tons of cattle roaming the snow-encased, narrow road showed otherwise. The little stone houses people lived in were half buried in snow, and looked like they were from another century. The rickety van had to swerve around horses, carts, and wandering cows.
We finally arrived at the ski place, which was pretty nice as far as China is concerned. And it only cost 50 yuan from ski rental and skiing all day, which is less than $10! I hadn't skied since I was 11 years old, but it was a little like learning to ride a bike again. I just felt older, taller, and less flexible. It was so much fun to ski down the fairly empty slopes, surrounded by pristine mountains. The mountains weren't developed at all, so the beauty was nearly untouched. The sky was a gorgeous blue. I don't think many people can say they've gone skiing in such a remote place. I felt very close to heaven.
We really enjoyed skiing, although I was the only one who didn't fall. Maybe it was because of my ballet skills? Reborn, who has been skiing much more often than I have, literally fell on her face about every two feet. Then Kelsey was feeling brave and went on the craziest, steepest slope. She wiped out halfway down, and ripped something in her knee. The ski patrol had to come save her. All the other skiers were so excited. Little kids would ski down the mountain and report, "There's an American up there who looks Kazakh! And she's hurt!" It seemed to be the most thrilling thing to them. So many people were involved in rescuing her. One very nice man even drove us all the way to Reborn's home in his car.
After we made it back into town, Reborn's dad took us to the hospital. The hospital visit was free, because Reborn's dad said Kelsey was his daughter. Nobody even batted an eye, although Kelsey wasn't obviously even close to being related to him. The hospital itself was smaller, but nicer than Nanchang's hospital. Nobody was dying in the corners or throwing up on the stairs. They took an X-ray, although Kelsey didn't think she broke anything. We took the developed X-ray into a room, where a chain-smoking doctor sat playing video games. We didn't feel too confident in him. He just looked at the X-ray, and announced, "You're fine! Nothing's broken!" Yes, we know... So the hospital visit was pointless and Kelsey still feels a lot of pain.
(On the road to the ski place).
(The slopes).
(Skiing with cute little Reborn).
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