My first trip to Tibet was in 2006. This is the year I have the fondest memories. It was very wide open at that time because the railroad into Lhasa was not complete and there were few tourist. You still needed a permit but there was no tour guide requirement. I was able to take a bus, on my own, anywhere I like. People seemed friendlier as well. I don’t speak any Chinese and taught myself a few Tibetan phrases but it was still easy to get around.

But my fondest memory of all was during a bus ride from Shigatse to Shalu. During the ride it was only me and a small group of Tibetan women ranging in age from mid 20’s to very old. I was sitting across from them and they kept staring at me and giggling. Finally, the oldest of the group leaned over to me and grabbed the hair on my arm and they all started laughing! Apparently, from what I could tell, they rarely see a man with hair on his arms. Then they started pointing to my eyes. The only thing I could tell from that was that I have blue eyes which is rarely seen here. It is possible these women were on a pilgrimage from a remote area. That would explain their reaction. Made for a very memorable experience!

In 2007, the railroad was complete and changed things forever. I took 5 students here and I was surprised at the amount of tourist.

2013

This most recent trip saw many changes in Tibet. Mandatory guides, check points leaving and entering cities. Airport type screening when entering some monasteries, and popular shopping areas. Strict rules on the purchase of gas.

Many of these changes were imposed after serious rioting in 2008. The rules on purchasing gas is a sad reminder of the extent some Tibetans will go to show their opposition to Chinese occupation. Last year over 100 Tibetan lit themselves on fire with gas in protest of Chinese occupation and the exile of the Dali Lama.

That being said, I made the best of things and still saw some amazing things. For Monasteries, the ones that should not be missed are Sera, Yumbulagang, Samye and Tashilhunpo
Most memorable of 2013

Having the opportunity to visit Mount Everest was a highlight but the distance and road conditions really take away from the trip. Two events however, were extremely memorable for me. The first was when I decided to change my set itinerary to visit some smaller, often overlooked monasteries. One in particular was Nalendra. The scene driving up into the monastery, through the ruins as a result of the cultural revolution and to see rebuilding in progress was moving. But what really hit home was the time I spent with one Monk who offered me a meal and told me of the rebuilding. Something I will never forget.

The other was a much lighter note. It came when I visited Samye Monastery. While walking the inner Kora, I came across a good number of Monks practicing a dance as Tibetan horns were practiced in the background. The Monks were all smiling and joking. It really seemed they were having a great time and had no problem with me taking it all in. Fortunately I got some video so I can look back and remember this moment.

My first trip to Tibet was in 2006. This is the year I have the fondest memories. It was very wide open at that time because the railroad into Lhasa was not complete and there were few tourist. You still needed a permit but there was no tour guide requirement. I was able to take a bus, on my own, anywhere I like. People seemed friendlier as well. I don’t speak any Chinese and taught myself a few Tibetan phrases but it was still easy to get around.

But my fondest memory of all was during a bus ride from Shigatse to Shalu. During the ride it was only me and a small group of Tibetan women ranging in age from mid 20’s to very old. I was sitting across from them and they kept staring at me and giggling. Finally, the oldest of the group leaned over to me and grabbed the hair on my arm and they all started laughing! Apparently, from what I could tell, they rarely see a man with hair on his arms. Then they started pointing to my eyes. The only thing I could tell from that was that I have blue eyes which is rarely seen here. It is possible these women were on a pilgrimage from a remote area. That would explain their reaction. Made for a very memorable experience!

In 2007, the railroad was complete and changed things forever. I took 5 students here and I was surprised at the amount of tourist.

2013

This most recent trip saw many changes in Tibet. Mandatory guides, check points leaving and entering cities. Airport type screening when entering some monasteries, and popular shopping areas. Strict rules on the purchase of gas.

Many of these changes were imposed after serious rioting in 2008. The rules on purchasing gas is a sad reminder of the extent some Tibetans will go to show their opposition to Chinese occupation. Last year over 100 Tibetan lit themselves on fire with gas in protest of Chinese occupation and the exile of the Dali Lama.

That being said, I made the best of things and still saw some amazing things. For Monasteries, the ones that should not be missed are Sera, Yumbulagang, Samye and Tashilhunpo
Most memorable of 2013

Having the opportunity to visit Mount Everest was a highlight but the distance and road conditions really take away from the trip. Two events however, were extremely memorable for me. The first was when I decided to change my set itinerary to visit some smaller, often overlooked monasteries. One in particular was Nalendra. The scene driving up into the monastery, through the ruins as a result of the cultural revolution and to see rebuilding in progress was moving. But what really hit home was the time I spent with one Monk who offered me a meal and told me of the rebuilding. Something I will never forget.

The other was a much lighter note. It came when I visited Samye Monastery. While walking the inner Kora, I came across a good number of Monks practicing a dance as Tibetan horns were practiced in the background. The Monks were all smiling and joking. It really seemed they were having a great time and had no problem with me taking it all in. Fortunately I got some video so I can look back and remember this moment.

My first trip to Tibet was in 2006. This is the year I have the fondest memories. It was very wide open at that time because the railroad into Lhasa was not complete and there were few tourist. You still needed a permit but there was no tour guide requirement. I was able to take a bus, on my own, anywhere I like. People seemed friendlier as well. I don’t speak any Chinese and taught myself a few Tibetan phrases but it was still easy to get around.

But my fondest memory of all was during a bus ride from Shigatse to Shalu. During the ride it was only me and a small group of Tibetan women ranging in age from mid 20’s to very old. I was sitting across from them and they kept staring at me and giggling. Finally, the oldest of the group leaned over to me and grabbed the hair on my arm and they all started laughing! Apparently, from what I could tell, they rarely see a man with hair on his arms. Then they started pointing to my eyes. The only thing I could tell from that was that I have blue eyes which is rarely seen here. It is possible these women were on a pilgrimage from a remote area. That would explain their reaction. Made for a very memorable experience!

In 2007, the railroad was complete and changed things forever. I took 5 students here and I was surprised at the amount of tourist.

2013

This most recent trip saw many changes in Tibet. Mandatory guides, check points leaving and entering cities. Airport type screening when entering some monasteries, and popular shopping areas. Strict rules on the purchase of gas.

Many of these changes were imposed after serious rioting in 2008. The rules on purchasing gas is a sad reminder of the extent some Tibetans will go to show their opposition to Chinese occupation. Last year over 100 Tibetan lit themselves on fire with gas in protest of Chinese occupation and the exile of the Dali Lama.

That being said, I made the best of things and still saw some amazing things. For Monasteries, the ones that should not be missed are Sera, Yumbulagang, Samye and Tashilhunpo
Most memorable of 2013

Having the opportunity to visit Mount Everest was a highlight but the distance and road conditions really take away from the trip. Two events however, were extremely memorable for me. The first was when I decided to change my set itinerary to visit some smaller, often overlooked monasteries. One in particular was Nalendra. The scene driving up into the monastery, through the ruins as a result of the cultural revolution and to see rebuilding in progress was moving. But what really hit home was the time I spent with one Monk who offered me a meal and told me of the rebuilding. Something I will never forget.

The other was a much lighter note. It came when I visited Samye Monastery. While walking the inner Kora, I came across a good number of Monks practicing a dance as Tibetan horns were practiced in the background. The Monks were all smiling and joking. It really seemed they were having a great time and had no problem with me taking it all in. Fortunately I got some video so I can look back and remember this moment.