Category: Beijing
Tibet
Tibet has always been one of my favorite destinations. I have now visited Tibet 4 times, 2006, 2007, 2013 and 2019. While still a beautiful destination, it saddens me to see the changes occurring throughout the country. Others may not see the decline of Tibetan culture unless you visited here prior to 2017. In 2006, while you did need a special entry Visa, they were easy to obtain. And the best part, you did not need to go through a travel service and once you were in Lhasa, you were free to travel about and take buses to any town or location you desire. Unfortunately that changed after 2008 and now there is strictly no independent travel other than being permitted to walk around Lhasa or Shigatse without your guide. Now you are required to book through a guide service who provide an English/Tibetan speaking guide and a Chinese driver.
As you would imaging, it is very expensive now almost to a point where not many people can afford to go. This is taking a serious toll on the local Tibetan economy. This last visit I hardly saw any Westerners or Europeans. Many locations are now tourist traps however, you can still get a sense of the old ways if you explore a bit.
Category: Beijing
Amok Restaurant
Stopped in here for lunch one day. Nicely decorated and I noted that on their awning for the restaurant were the logos for Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet. Thought I would check it out. Very nice decor but there was no wait staff around. Waiting for a little bit and someone showed up and sat me. One issue I had right away is the chairs at all the tables. They are sized for little children. Very uncomfortable.
I ordered the Amok Curry. It was good but nothing special and I thought the portion was a little small. At the time I was seated I didn’t notice but there was some music playing on a very short loop over and over again. I could hardly wait to get out of there. I had to get up and look for staff to pay the bill. Would not return. Wasn’t that special.
Directions: It is directly across from the Old Market.
Category: Beijing
Chiang Mai Temple
Category: Beijing
Steep-Leaf Lounge
I was very happy to find a tea house in Flagstaff. I stop in one evening around 9pm. Nicely decorated with tea items for sale such as mugs and tea pots. there are only a few table for seating but in the window fronts are low floor seats and tables. They have a few pre-packaged snacks for sale like cookies and scones. I ordered a cup of Jasmine Tea. It was good tea and properly steeped. They have a good selection of tea, especially herbal teas.
A very nice place to relax. They do have wifi if you are camping and want to keep in touch with family and friends.
Address: 1 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8:00am to 10:00pm; Friday and Saturday, 8:00am to 11:00pm