miscellaneous rambling

Part 4

Our last portion of the trip. We arrived back into Lhasa again. This time late at night. We were supposed to go to see a traditional dance performance but there was a huge mix up regarding tickets etc. I won’t get into it, but all I can say was that it was a big waste of time. I would have rather have liked to be own my own the last day there.

The next day ( day 15 of the trip ) some of us went again to the Jokhang at 5am. It was a cold, rainy morning, and we were in a different hotel, so we had to take a taxi. After our chanting, we burned some incense and said good-bye to Lhasa, and the temple. We had to get back to the hotel by 8 am to meet the others, and we would leave Lhasa again. This time, for the final time.

It was very sad. I felt at home there during the short time in the city. I feel I will be back again, but I don’t know when right now. Many more travels are planned.

I did feel a peace there that I hadn’t had for a long time. And a feeling that life was going to be different returning back to Taiwan. Simpler- at least I hope it will be.

It was a quite drive out of Lhasa. Everyone felt a little melancholy. Our first stop was just outside the city at Dreprung Monastery. This was at one point, one of the greatest learning centers in the world, which had over 10000 monks. Now, there are many who still practice here. It was nicer than I expected, it had a good feel to it.

Our final days we visited 4 monasteries as well as Yangbulangang palace, which is the oldest building in Tibet. It’s located on a hill overlooking a valley. Considered the “cradle of Tibetan culture”, it is a smallish building, that looks big due to its positioning on the hill.

There is a small chapel in the building.

On our last day, we visited Samye monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet. My photos of this place were accidently destroyed when there was a power out while my film was being processed. I lost about 75 photos..

Samye monastery was a little disappointing. I expected more. But on the same day we went to the Pik Chuk hermitage, which was very cool.

Located nearby, we all piled into the back of a big truck, and held on as it clumbered up the hills. We stopped to pick up a monk on the way. It was hot, and dry, and it took us about 45 minutes to the small monastery. From there, it was another 2 hour hike up the hills to the hermit caves, were monks were living in tiny refuge caves. Some had been there meditating for over 15 years! Only some of us hiked up in the sun. It was very hot that day. I carried some prayer flags to be hung up at the top, for someone, so it kept me going in the heat. The view was nice from the top.

This year, there have many many typhoons in Taiwan. As I type this now, there is one passing over us.. While in Tibet, a super typhoon came through Taiwan, and we were uncertain if we would be able to fly back. I was hoping we wouldn’t and would be stuck in Chengdu for a few days. That way, I could grab a nice tea, and visit an old friend there.. unfortunately the fight was still on schedule, just a little delayed.

I spent the last of my money, at the airport. I bought a big photography on the landscape of Western China. Not only will it remind me of Tibet, but it will also inspire me for the next trips to the area. I still have Jiu Zai Gou, Mt. Emei, Dunhuang, Xinjiang etc. to go..