A wonderful final night of celebrations was had by all last night. We had dinner and many drinks until we got kicked out of the restaurant as they were closing. We were not ready to call it a night so headed around the streets looking for a bar that was open. Found this tiny Tibetan bar in one of the back streets where the people made us feel very welcome and reignited our belief that the Tibetan people were warm and welcoming not liars and cheats!! I think we ...

Nice easy 0930 start this morning with visits to 2 of the most important monasteries of the Gelug Sect in Lhasa. A little bit of the city history was discussed last night between some of my fellow travelers but we were careful not to stray into the political arena as you never know who might be listening. There is a VERY high police/army presence here and I have to say it is quite disconcerting seeing very young men with loaded guns marching through the streets a...

Slept like a baby last night and managed to find the dining room for breakfast – no mean feat when there are no signs in any language!! Late start today – 1000- still allowing everyone to acclimatize. I'm having no problems so far, a few in our group have headaches, dizziness and vomiting. First stop today was some random carpet factory/tourist shop chosen by our guide – no doubt for some commission…..none of us were very impressed as we w...

Tashi dele...that's hello in Tibetan!! Managed to arrive in Lhasa only 20 minutes late which by Chinese standards almost means we arrived early!! Met by our guide, Sunam, who gave me a traditional Tibetan greeting with the "Hada"- a white silk scarf placed ceremonially around my neck before setting off to my hotel. After arriving at 1630 and heading into Lhasa it is easy to see why for centuries Tibet has been one of the most mystifying and fascinating regi...