On the one hand, one might consider Linxia to be an off the beaten path, obscure destination. But back in the heyday of the Silk Road, this was an important trading town.
And today? I suppose due to the heavy concentration of Hui Muslims, it is known as the “Mecca of China”.

My focus on this brief trip to China was meant to be more about the people (especially ethnic minorities) and less about “famous landmarks of China”.

Well, on this first day in Linxia there was no shortage of person-to-person interactions!

After checking in to the hotel, I decided to look for some lunch. Down a nearby alley, I saw a “hole in the wall” restaurant and was coaxed inside and encouraged to sit down. The only unoccupied table had not yet been cleaned off. But a middle aged guy invited me to sit with him. What he was eating looked good, so I ordered the same. (I learned the technique of asking for “what he is having” from my friend Marlene!)
It was simple fare, but indeed tasty.

Broth, chicken pieces and yummy square cut noodles. While my bowl was being prepared the cook was chopping up some peppers. The combined aroma tantalized my nostrils!

After eating I took a short nap and prepared a map of about eight places more or less in the neighborhood, that seemed to possibly be interesting. First on the lust was the ‘White cloud temple”. It wasn’t too hard to find, and was an ornate Daoist temple. Having gotten permission to take some exterior photos, I snapped away.

While admiring the temple, a young man came over and struck up a conversation with me. Then he invited me to go sit and drink some tea. Soon there were about six more sitting with us, and we all chattered away. Among other topics, I mentioned that as a young lad I had collected coins. Of course these days in China very little actual cash was used, having been replaced by Alipay and WeChat pay on phone devices. One guy slipped off and returned with 5 or 6 current coins. Nothing unusual or special about them, but I thanked him with sincerity.
Well, in addition to the coins he gave me two tiny, prized shells. They *were* special. So cool!

We all probably chatted for about an hour, but then I apologized that I had to go, and I took my leave.

At the Nanguan Mosque, after asking permission I took some photos. Three young Hui Muslim guys came over to me and we had s long chat .

It was aleady dark by the time I reached the “8 squares and 13 alleys” neighborhood. This essentially is a labyrinth of alleys with lots of shops. Apparently this was the historical locationwhere silk Road traders had met up hundreds of years ago.

Lots of smiles and greetings from people. Then a group oy young Hui women passed. One doubled back and wanted a selfie with me. Soon her friends decided they wanted photos with the weird guy too. Then various iterations of group pics as they giggled away.

OK, super tired. I have a long day ahead tomorrow!