Rooftop of the World

A long time since the last post... Went to Tibet with parents, in-laws and G for 10 days. Thankfully, the trip went well and none of us experienced altitude sickness. I guess taking 红景天 helped (found out about this thanks to OY).

Our journey took us to 西宁 (Xining), 青海湖 (Koko Nor), 塔尔寺 (Kumbum Monastery). I felt really happy travelling to 青海湖 as the canolas were in bloom and provided a sharp contrast to the blue lake.


The main part of our trip took place after we board the train that took us along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. In my view, the construction of the railway is no mere feat since the highest point has an elevation of 5,010 meter, and the oxygen content of the air is only 50 percent of low-lying areas! Mercifully, we 'survived' the small cabin space - 6 pax to a cabin!


At 拉萨 (Lhasa), we toured the main tourists sites including 布达拉宫 (Potala Palace), 大昭寺 (Jokhang) and 八角街 (Bakhor Street). I was touched by the sincerity of the Tibetans who would prostrate all the way from their hometown (many many months of foot journey) to reach Lhasa's Jokhang and Bakhor Street. Was told that the rich would have their folks waiting on them along the way but the poor would simply beg for their meals...

We also travelled west to 日喀则 (Shigatse) and the sights were amazing! We rode through/past so many mountains but this mountain range is considered one of the 'youngest' in the world and is still growing. Here is when I really admire our shifu for bringing us across all the mountains (and back) safely... We stopped by 羊卓雍錯 (Yamdroktso), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams and shines with the most brillant turquoise colour. We also visited 扎什倫布寺 (Tashilhunpo Monastery) but I was more impressed by the scenery than the monastery ...


The trip ended in 昆明 (Kunming) where I met up with J, a friend whom I have not met in 6 years! She's returning to notthingham for PhD in October and I'm glad we had the chance to catch up!

Some firsts in this trip (even though I consider myself quite a seasoned traveller):

• Travelling with both sets of parents... felt that they overshopped but I guess it makes them happy too so maybe shopaholism is inherited?
  

• Surviving the longest train ride of my entire life by peeing just once in that entire journey (25 hours!)... Considering the amount of water I drink and that I visit the washroom at least 4 times in a workday...


• On a related note on washroom, this is the first time I experienced the full Chinese toilet culture...


• Seeing two arches of rainbow appear simultaneously at a holy place - the seat of the Panchen Lama... really a special moment that I will remember and treasure forever.


• Got to know a guide who would help his tour members refund overpriced items they bought...


• and I got a rosary (from the same guide)...
  


• and another (last but related to travelling) first for this blog - using Mandarin!