Tibet.
The very name evokes images of a forbidden, exotic land that is remote and strange. All of these descriptions would be accurate. But ultimately I would have to describe Tibet as a challenge. Tibet is a challenge to reach, and the Chinese government seems to go out of its way to make it so. Tibet challenges your endurance with its 3600+ meter (11,000+ feet) altitude which makes climbing stairs and even sleeping difficult. Tibet challenges your comfort zone with often unappetizing foods, disturbing smells, and with the exception of the Lhasa Hotel, questionable hotel housekeeping. Tibet challenges your politics and your conscience with scene after scene of the past devastation and current oppression inflicted upon Tibet by the People's Republic of China. But for those ready to face such challenges, an incredible travel experience lies in store. (I have some tips and comments for those interested in traveling to Tibet.)
The most famous symbol of Tibet is certainly the Potala, a truly awe-inspiring sight:
The Potala was the palace of the Dalai Lama, who served as both spiritual leader and secular ruler of Tibet. Where is he now? Tibet was invaded by China in the 1950's and the Fourteenth Dalai Lama (still alive but in exile) was forced to leave Tibet. Thus the Potala is now essentially a museum, still kept operating by monks but no longer serving any official function. It stands as a constant reminder of Tibet's past and present, but I imagine it's also a symbol of hope to the Tibetan people. I certainly hope that international efforts to bring freedom to Tibet will someday see success. Pictures of the 14th Dalai Lama are illegal in Tibet -- one of the many things that have ground away my respect for the Chinese government.
Here is a view of the Potala from the Jokhang (which we'll visit later):
Walking up to the Potala, here is a view of Lhasa:
On the way up to the entrance to the Potala is a spot on the wall with a hole it in where you are supposed to start from a few feet away, close your eyes, and then try to walk forward stick your finger in the hole. If you do it, it's supposed to be good luck. Neither Mike nor I succeeded, but Dave got it. Here's Mike taking his shot at it:
Dave and I take a minute to pose on the roof of the Potala:
View from a courtyard at the Potala.
Walking down from the Potala, here's a view looking back up.
After visiting the Potala, we headed out to Norbulingka, which was the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Outside the entrance, we were approached by some unkempt Tibetan youngsters playing instruments (badly) and asking us for money. We had frequent encounters with Tibetan kids begging for money.
The front of Norbulingka. It's a nice, pleasant place. Inside everything seems just like it was in the 1950's. A very interesting place to visit. There are huge piles of small bills and coins inside in the Dalai Lama's bedroom, study, etc. which are presumably left by travelers. The Dalai Lama may be in exile and pictures of him outlawed, but signs of how much he's respected and loved are everywhere.
Well, we've visited the two (former) palaces of the Dalai Lama and gotten a good introduction to Lhasa. Now we visit one of the most interesting places in Lhasa: the Barkhor Market!
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Any comments or random thoughts? Send me some e-mail at
cflaat@msn.com.
All content copyright 2000 by Christopher A. Flaat.