Muslims left over form the Silk Road Days

We were in central China last week. 

(Didn't hear about the situation in Paris till after we got back.)

While there, we visited the Muslim district along one of the central cities.

The tour guide said there were 29 million Muslims, out of the 1.3 billion Chinese. 
They were left over form the days of active trading along the Silk Road, staring over 2,000 years ago. 
And 95% looked just like any other Chinese, he said.


Yes, lots of Muslims were there, selling foods in the market.
You can spot them by their hats.

It was quite a lively place.

And the smells were so exquisite.......

I told Cindy I would not mind living there.

Just in case you are wondering, though, these are not pig's feet. 

It's lamb feet.

There were some things that at 1st. looked appealing,

like fried crabs.

But, how about what this guy is preparing?

Here's a close-up.

Yes, it's octopus. 

Well......to me it seemed a little too far form the coast to be real "fresh"
...so it might be best to pass it by, I thought. 

Changing the subject.......
These seem to be hard-working folks.....

These young guys pounding and rolling a nut brittle candy.

But there is something that gave me some concern.

(Tell me if you agree.)

Here's another pic of what I was noticing.

There were just not many smiles in this side of town.

Yep. I think I am glad I was there with a big group.

And, I thought, as we headed out.....
It might just be best to get our tail out of this place.