More driving today seeing lots of sheep, long haired goats, and people harvesting their crops. We crossed two high passes, the highest of which was 5248m (17,200 ft). Near the top of this pass were nomads who pasture their yaks and live in tents.

Also near the top of the pass we had our first glimpse of Mt. Everest - or Oomolangma as the Tibetans call it. Unfortunately, it was shrouded in cloud but we hope to see it in all its splendor before we leave.

The small town of Xegar where we are staying tonight is the traditional small Tibetan town we have expected to see. You can walk the length of the town in about 20 minutes. People here drive carts pulled by horses to town to do their business. Everywhere in Tibet the women wear long skirts, even working in the fields. Here, with their skirts, the women wear large silver buckles that are beautifully decorated. Also, we have seen throughout the country women wearing beautiful turquoise and orange coral necklaces and hair decorations that have been passed down in families for generations and are now very valuable. I would love to have photos of many of these gorgeous decorations, but the people do not like having their pictures taken.

Not a bad way to spend my birthday, but Ron promises me that we will go somewhere interesting for my birthday next year!!!