Lhasa, Tibet

3-7.11.2011

Ok. I am on my 3rd week and I am just writing about my 5th day on the trip and I haven't even got to Tibet yet on this blog! Mind you, there was no Internet in China & Tibet, so I am doing this a wee bit late and I find myself wanting to explore Kathmandu (where I am now).

So I will try to keep my writing shorter. And maybe add text later. When I am bored and just want to sit inside and browse the net. Travelling is great for my facebook-addiction! :D

When arriving in Lhasa, the first hightlight was a shower. I believe we were all humming (from dirt), but at least we were all in the same boat, so none of us smelt each other.

After a lovely dinner in a Yak-dinner we went to buy some local 56% alcohol, which cost about 4 Euro's. Attention, DO NOT let the Finns enter this country! ;)

I was feeling the altitude (3700 meters) with some headache and dizziness, so I had an early night. The headache continued for the next morning, so I decided the start the local herbal medication for the altitude sickness that Hanif recommended. But only the bare minimum. Sillyoldme. As I later discovered.

I am not doing too well with the writing less. Writing less, talking less, all the same. The days in Lhasa were just so amazing that a few words is an absolute must.

We visited the Jokhang temple and its surrounding Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit which surrounds Jokhang including a market selling everything from yakbutter and prayerflags to carpets. When entering the temple and seeing the tens of munks chanting, it brought tears in my eyes. It is the calmness of the whole place, the friendliness and beauty of the people and the surrounding natural beauty. We continued the day by walking around the old town (the new town is only 40-50 years old), followed by a Tibetan dinner, including delights such as egg-tomato soup, Yaktea and Momo's (local dumplings). By this time I had quite a bad cold. I am sure this does not surprise anyone, as I clearly had not packed enough warm clothes. (So that I don't have to carry them in the warmer countries after this. )

 The next few days we visited the amazing Potala Palace and Sera Monastry, where we also saw the munks debate. The only bad this was a very bad migraine I had since the morning and some dizzy spells.

It got worse and worse and by evening, I was throwing up and had chest pains. All symptoms of the altitude sickness, but alone in my hotelroom, I was getting a wee bit scared. I accidentally locked my mobile phone whilst trying to open my phone to call phone and now it is locked. And even had a little cry.

By this time there had been a few of the group getting ill, and I had read too much about how dangerous it can be. But it got better as I up:ed the dose on the herbal stuff.

The next day we were meant to go for a hike, but it was cancelled, as it was too cold up the mountains. After the previous night I was rather happy it was cancelled despite looking forward to it a lot. The agency that arranges the hikes is owned by a south-african woman, who puts a lot of the money towards helping the nomads. I have the business card someone is going to Tibet and is interesting in hikes (where money goes to good cause).

Instead of the hike we went to Drepung monastry, which was very beautiful and I learn a bit more about buddhism. One must that must be said is although you will enjoy Tibet without great knowledge of buddhism, but the more you know, the more it opens this place for you. We also  visited a home of a local woman. (See picture). Following the monastry, we visited the Tibetan museum, which is maintained by the Chinese though. It was interesting..

I then decided to buy a new "real" Northface jacket in preparation for the Mount Everest basecamp. You could also see jackets with the logo "Horthface". I am not sure if it was a spelling mistake or a joke. :)

Punam ( a lovely Indian-Canadian girl from Ottawa) very sadly had to go home after been very ill for days on altitude sickness so we had a little farewall for her. It is very sad to see her go. (She is a big fan of HIM btw).

The following day our trip would continue to Gyantse.

I have now been sitting in the reception of my hotel in Kathmandu for 3 hours writing this, as uploading photoes is taking way too long. TBC. :)