Ana_Tibet, China

Sun. Sept. 17
Woke up around 5:30am. All tired and still in pain. Our ride was waiting for us at 6. I didn't want to eat anything. I kept drinking lots of water. The pain would come and go. But I couldn't release in any way. Top or bottom! Tim kept asking me if there was anything he could do and I kept saying Make it go away!

The ride to airport was adventurous like always. People drive super crazy over here. I couldn't understand why our driver was driving like a mad man. There was NO TRAFFIC at that time. It was actually scary he kept racing and just cutting the few cars on the freeway. I was glad to make it to the airport in one piece.

We couldn't check in right away since they only open the check-in counter an hour before. I just wanted to sit down. I was lucky I didn't get sick on the plane it just remained a tolerable pain.

We landed in Lhasa about noon. I thought they’d check for the “special permit” we had to get before buying our tickets. Only the shuttle bus asked us for the paper. We had free transportation into town with this permit.

I was surprised it took about an hour to get into downtown. We got dropped off at hotel, but not the one we were looking for. We thought of walking but took a bike-taxi instead, only for $1US. I felt bad for the guy, we were heavy. The town seemed more mellow and low key that Xian. I saw monks just walking down the streets and mingling with the other locals. The people reminded me of Bolivian people, very indigenous looking. Some are very tan and have refined features with hazel eyes. I liked the change of scenery. The taxi guy took us to Yak Hotel. They didn't have dorms for us. Tim went to check to another nearby hotel but couldn't find it. He came back and we wanted to take the double room for one night but it was already taken. It’s weird in this town they don’t take reservations. It’s first come first serve.

The hotel we found was OK! A bit dirty and rundown, it was standard for this area. The cleanliness is not the greatest here in Lhasa. Streets are a bit dirty and the smells are quite bad in some parts. Plus the spitting all over the place, I can’t stand that. Specially after the incident. Besides that I do like the vibe of the city, it’s very peaceful. And the people are super friendly. They smile all the time. I was feeling pretty sick walking around. We stopped by for lunch at this Western friendly place. I didn't feel like eating anything, just iced tea. I love the iced tea here. It's different from back home. It’s probably my favorite thing, food wise, so far.

We asked around about the tours in Tibet. We're looking on doing a 6-7 day tour where you rent a land cruiser and a driver and he takes you around Tibet. One of the highlights is they take you to the MT. Everest base camp. That sounds amazing. Just to be there must be incredible. Not that I have the desire to hike it, but just to see it, is enough for me.

We're trying to get two more people to share the cost of the car. We've couple of days to plan and figure it out. But if we don't find anyone we'll go just the two of us. We won't wait too long.

They have tons of cold weather gear for cheap. We were looking like a nice windbreaker with a liner. It was only like $20US. Very cheap!! We might buy some for the trip.


Mon. Sept.18
I woke up feeling better. Still no desire for food. But I knew I should force
myself to eat something. We bought our return tickets to Xian. Quite an experience. The lady helping us was a pain in the butt. I knew she was busy with other people. But when we asked for prices she kept switching the price on us. We went to the same place the day before and told us a different price and guaranteed us that the price should be the same the following day. Not the case of course. We just gave up and went to another lady. She was nicer. We just got the tickets. We ended paying $50 US
more. We walked back to our hotel. Asked around for more prices on the tours. We did
see a listing on the bulletin board of another couple doing the same trip than us looking for two people. We called them and later on we met and decided to do the trip together. So the rest of the day was taking care of the details. They seemed really nice. He is German and she is Chinese. So it's great she can translate for us. They informed us to enter the Potala Palace in Lhasa is long process to buy the tickets. It's quite the mission. You have to buy them a day in advance and go early otherwise you might not get it. They only allow 500 people a day, including tour groups. They were thinking of going tomorrow morning around 5:30am to first wait in line and get a number and the return around 11am for not sure what. You do have to give your passport number and then they'll tell what time you can go the next day. It's one of those things you have to do while you're in Lhasa. The palace is huge. It used to be the summer palace of the Dali Lama. I know part of it is still use as monastery, but not sure what else. We'll find out. It looks amazing from the outside. You can't take pictures from the inside.

On our way back to the hotel we wanted something to drink like that good iced
tea. Most shops were closed already. Found this market that had M&M&'s,Snickers and Skittles. We were in heaven. My stomach was still upset but I didn't care. I shoved a packed of M&M&'s. I loved it. I tell you the little things. I'1l get over the food issues. This place is amazing! And the people are very kind so it helps a lot.


Tues. Sept. 19
Didn't sleep much. Kept waking up every hour or so. Woke up around 5am.
We got picked up by the Chinese/German couple to go wait in line for the tickets
to the palace. Man, there was like 6 people already when we got there. It was
still dark and freezing cold. I had my full gear on - thermal underwear, hat, and
gloves, like three layers you name it. But it was still cold. We waited about 3
hours in the stupid line. Then it was so gross because the people around us kept
spitting. DISGUSTING! I can't even tell you. I just kept hoping it didn't land on me again. I think I would be ready to punch somebody. The time passed by pretty fast just talking to Dirk and Aihua, the couple. Closer to 8:30 the doors open. We went in and waited few more minutes. This first line was only to get a number in line and show your passport. Good thing Aihua could translate for us. She was told to come back 11 to get another paper that had time when we could enter the palace the following day. Again this is not the ticket yet. You actually buy the tickets inside. But at least we got in. We'll see tomorrow. I hope it's worth the hassle. I'm sure it will be beautiful. Also I heard you only get 40 minutes to walk around and after they kick you out. Gotta love the system!

After we walked around in the direction to our hostel. This ticket thing took all morning. We wondered around a big supermarket. It was very clean and things
actually looked appetizing. Except for the meat section. I preferred not looking. You could see all sorts of interesting stuff. Tim did buy some stuff from the deli section. It was actually good like some dumplings and chips. I bought some grapes. We ate everything outside on the supermarket. Couldn't wait to try.

We went looking for some pants for Tim. He only has one pair now. But it's so hard. The biggest size they have here it doesn't fit him. Even for me. No luck with the pants. The pants are usually too small and short. Oh, well. Got tired of looking around. Took a break and went back to hotel. Fell asleep. I love naps. I'll miss that. Its so great just to nap whenever you want. It's stressful I know.

After our lovely nap we went to a local market. Wow! It was amazing. Full of locals walking around and you can find anything possible. From local crafts to veggies. And you see the monks walking around too. It's so cool to walk beside them. We'll be back for sure. It's so huge and we didn't get to see a third of the market. I had two teenage monks come up to me and said GIVE ME MONEY with a smile. I responded back NO YOU GIVE ME MONEY.They laughed and went away. They're so cute. But then again I think everyone with a smile is cute, especially here from older people to babies.

Later we met at the travel agency to take care of the final details for the 6-day tour. Aihua and Dirk where there too. I think we'll have a good time. They seemed very low key people, easy to get along with. For dinner we ate at a new restaurant. It was actually really good. It was full of backpackers so it was a good sign. I had a chicken with some veggies. It was really good! Probably the best meal I've had that is Western style and only paid about $3US. Fancy! It was a good day after all.


Wed. Sept.20
Not sure why, I kept waking up throughout the night. Had to be ready by 7:50am.
Aihua and Dirk came to pick us up in taxi. We made to the Potala Palace by 8.
Forgetful us left our passports at the hotel. Had to grab another taxi and get it. Tim was pissed. He said we keep forgetting stuff. I was more like we'll get it. No big deal.

I don't feel like writing. But here we go... The palace was actually really beautiful inside. It was quite a hike up to the entrance. I kept walking really slow, at a steady pace. The several rooms we saw were gorgeous, very intriquet and tons of gold. Very spiritual rooms, you could smell the incense. Also we saw the rooms where several Dali Llamas are buried. That's where you see the gold sculptures. I'm talking like more than 1,000 pounds of gold. It looks amazing. It was worth the wait. Too bad we couldn't take any photos. It was so hard to capture everything at once. I didn't know where to look. Every room had tons of stuff to look at from the ceiling to the floor.

We went food shopping after the palace. Our 6-day trip is tomorrow. Not sure how
the food is going to be, so better to take some snacks just in case.

Felt tired and just came back to the room and took another nap.


Thu. Sept.21
Woke up early around 6:30 to go on our trip. We where pretty much packed. Waited for Dirk and Aihua to pick us up in the truck. To our surprised Dirk came walking to our hotel. He said - we have a minor problem, the changed the driver on us and the contract looks different. We had already checked out from our hostel and had all the junk with us in the streets. We decided to take a taxi to their hotel where the new drive was.

Aihua said she didn't like him at all. He kept being pouty with her. Also the contract which was in Chinese and she read something about the petrol, sorry gas, being extra and the price being different. We had breakfast at the restaurant upstairs, Namtso Restaurant. Had the best omlete yet on the trip. About 9 in the morning the office opened. I went to buy water and came back to Dirk being pissed and talking to the lady in charge to get a different driver in 20 minutes. The lady got all flustered and at the end gave us the money back.All of it too.

We immediately went to another company we had requested a quote from. Aihua kept
insisting we get a good driver and that he had to listen to us. The guy at the new travel agency kept insisting we had to be nice to the driver too. I sensed a tension between them so I interfered and explained the situation what just happened to us and why we were skeptical. He promised to find a good driver and that we could meet him in the night as well to see the car. I had a good vibe from the guy. Plus his office was very organized compared to the other one.

Our daily routine - went back to the hostel to take our nap of the day. Just this
time we slept an hour. Tim didn't sleep much the night before. He said he had troubles breathing. Like holding your breath under water and coming up to catch your breath again. Weird! I think it had to do with the altitude and maybe eating so late. Who knows. At least we had another to rest. Had no plans. We've pretty much seen Lhasa. We went around the market again just to look and see if we wanted anything. We did buy a flashlight for the trip for the grand price of $1.

Had dinner again at the Namtso restaurant. They served western style food and it
doesn't taste Chinese! This time I had buttery potatoes with cauliflower. And
another side of potato salad. So good! Was craving potatoes I guess.

The only bad thing of the restaurant is walking back to the hostel. We have to pass all meat stalls. Specially at night time it smells so disgusting, like old meat. And they're-stocking up for next day. So you'd see big pieces of meat,like half of the body on the nasty floor. It's so gross. I won't miss that at all. What kills me it's the meat stands are next to a clothing store or a convenient store on the main streets. Don't crave meat when I see that. I've become somewhat of a vegetarian. I limit my meat intake so far.

About 8 o'clock met Aihua and Dirk in the tour office. We met the driver,Jala, he seemed nice. He had the cutest smile. I had a good vibe. Of course he didn't speak English very much so couldn't say much, he did speak Chinese so Aihua could communicate with him. I felt better about the whole trip.

Walking back to our hostel we walked into a gallery. Oh my gosh, the paintings
where absolutely beautiful. They were portraits of Tibetan people from kids to
abuelitos in Realism style. I felt in love with all of them. They capture so much emotion and actually seen the people in real life she was right on with the expressions. The lady, I forgot her name, was working on a collection for her next exhibition in Laguna Beach, California this November. Small world! We told we use to work in that area. It was so cool to see a painter from Tibet at of all places making it in the art world. We asked just for curiosity how much the painting where - $1,000 USD. I'm sure she'll sell it for more in California but we can justify spending that much for a painting right now. We rather visit few more countries for that money.


Fri., Sept. 22
Jala picked us up in time 8:15 am. We had long drive ahead of us about 10 hours to our final destination.

The drive started with beautiful views. I can't help but sound like a broken record. The countryside is Tibet is amazing. Rolling hills with smoky clouds covering it, sometimes you'll see the blue sky peek in.

Our first stop was in turquoise blue lake at an altitude of 16,500ft. The top
was decorated by banners hanging from poll. It's everywhere in Tibet. The banners actually have Tibetan prayers written. They're for good luck and fortune. Very colorful banners red, blue, yellow, green and white. Tim took tons of pictures of the banners.

We stopped at a small town for lunch. Aihua ordered like five dishes to share among us. I love that fact about China food is served family style. You shared your food. I'm getting better with the chopsticks. I felt embarrassed to eat in front of an actual Chinese person with them. But I managed. I'm lefty so it looks even funnier. Oh well!

At this restaurant I had the experience to use the communal bathrooms. I've heard about them, but never been until now. They're dirty, whole in the ground with no divider. So you pick your whole, squad and do your business. I first I was embarrassed, but hey I got a pee. The locals don't seem to care. I've learned not too either. But the smell it's so disgusting because it just collects there. I don't think they ever hose down the floors. I rather just pee on the side of the road with nature.

Arrived to Gyantse, our first town. Dirk got off the car looking pale. He said he wasn't feeling good. I think he puked. Poor thing he didn't look good at all.

We went ahead to see the local monastery. The 11th Panchen Lama was visiting the
monastery the next day. He is second to the Dali Lama when it comes to spiritual
importance for the Tibetans. For that reason we couldn't stay the night in that town. They were going to block the streets starting at 1 am. Also visited a temple right next to the monastery, it was circular shaped and as you walked around it the figures of the Buddha's kept changing. Not sure what they all mean. Some had three heads and the hands position changed too. But it was cool to walk around the temple and look inside each room. Some of the walls were really dirty and couldn't see much of the murals. Not very well preserved. But the Buddha's where intact.

We picked up Aihua and Dirk back in the hotel they stayed behind resting. Dirk
still looked pale. We drove to the next city Shigatse. It was only 1 1/2 hour long. For Dirk it felt like eternity. He sat in the passenger seat. Tim said it would help him see the road, lucky him it was all pretty much dirt roads. So a bumpy ride. I felt so bad, it was only the first day of the tour. Good thing the city was the second largest in Tibet, so very modern and had nicer hotels. We dropped them off at very nice hotel. It was only $30 US. Not much but for us we wanted cheaper. We went to another hotel with dorm rooms for only $10US for both us. It had awesome showers, great pressure with hot water. Plus, we ended up having the room to ourselves. Clean beds, couldn't complaint.


Sat. Sept. 23
Woke up scared thought I didn't hear the alarm. No I was so use to being ready before 8 am. But Jala was picking us up at 9 am. Picked up Aihua and Dirk, he was still not feeling good.

We had two hours to see the temple nearby. Dirk made it but returned back to the hotel. Again the temple was really beautiful and very peaceful. It was neat to see the monks just working. I love the smell of the incense in every room. My favorite is to hear them pray out loud. Talk about peaceful. Don't understand a word, but can fall asleep to that.

Stopped again in small town for lunch, this time we had stir-fried spinach with white rice. It was decent, very light. Local kids where looking through the window. The restaurant was full of Westerners. I keep saying that, but that's how we're called over here. In this trip I've been called so many things including a Yankee. Strange!

Driving along was so relaxing. You have time just drift away. And the scenery kept changing all the time. Loved seeing the farmers work and tried to imagine their day to day live in the middle of nowhere. No wonder they often stop what they're doing to look at us. Sometimes they smile and waved with curiosity. The younger kids wave and shout HALLO. It's so cute. We did encounter some aggressive kids. We got out off the car at a view point and they immediately started asking MONEY, MONEY, with this mean look on their faces. I kept saying my classic line NO YOU GIVE ME MONEY! It didn't work for them,that usual throws them off, but they kept insisting. Tim took them on. They were touching his pockets and chasing him. I got a video of them bugging Tim for
money. After that Tim was out of breath from running around plus being at 17,000 ft.

Arrived in Shegar around 5:30 after two hours of dirt roads, I was happy to get there. The town is tiny and very rundown. Our room was very basic, with bowed beds. Toilets sucked! It was the concrete ones with the hole in the ground. I had to hold my breath to pee. In contrast the showers where new and decent. Although no hot water, barely lukewarm. I felt so gross from so I had sucked it up and showered. I washed my mob of hair. It was so cold I kept taking short breaths to shower. I did feel clean after.

We walked around the small town. There was nothing to do pretty much. We did bumped into a Mom with her 15 year old son. They just came back from the base camp. They didn't see Mt. Everest, bad weather. We started chatting. It was nice to meet her. She too traveled around the world 25 years ago in her 20's and she loved it. Now she travels with tours and takes her kids. It was cool to meet a mom traveler. She doesn't know if she has done wrong about taking her kids to adventurous places. I told her no way I think is great. Now her eldest is in France. She said she hasn't told her kids everything she has done as far as traveling, she doesn't want her kids to feel there is a limit, they've to compete with mom, do more. I thought that was very wise. I think I'll do the same with our kids. It was great talking to a mom traveler!


Sun. Sept. 24
Started again at 9am! Dirk said he was feeling better. We drove straight to Rongbuk 8km away from Mt. Everest basecamp. The weather looked very shitty. Cloudy views. Although we did stop for a break at one spot that had fields of short red plants. It loved the contrast against the brown mountains. Arrived around 2pm. I was so hungry we didn't eat much breakfast. We ran out off our muffins. Plain butter muffin but moist. Very good and light. You get something in your stomach but don't feel full. It's good for the altitude, eat light. We've learn our lessons from Bolivia. No greasy food and drink lots of water.Had cup of noodles for lunch.

Decided to walk to the base camp and stayed the night even if we didn't see Mt. Everest. We packed only one bag with stuff. Took our warmest clothes! I'm so glad I brought my thermals, hat, gloves, and big jacket. It was pretty cold. Dirk and Aihua decided to go too even though Dirk wasn't feeling 100%. They took the donkey up. You can pay $7 US to get there in half the time. We thought maybe coming back the next day it would be a good idea. It took us almost 3 hours to hike the trail. It wasn't hard it was gravel roads and we pretty much where the only ones walking. Very relaxing! We did see donkey's with people passing us. They had like a wagon attached. Towards the end of the trail I was so ready to get there. It was a little steep so we kept going slow. Didn't want to get sick. Finally made it to the base camp.Couldn't see a glimpse of Everest. I was bummed. I kept hoping maybe tomorrow before we go.
The tents where actually nicer than I expected. Big tents, kinda like a room size with metal post inside. They even had doors. We kept looking inside all of them to find Dirk and Aihua. They took our bags with them in the donkey, so we didn't have to carry it. We found them after the third tent we peeked in. They were all bundled up, lying on sofa type bed. It was nice to see so many blankets. The lady working there gave us hot tea immediately. Here they drink lots of tea. You walk into a restaurant and the first thing the serve you is hot tea. You only take a sip and they're refilling your cup. This time I didn't mind it felt so good to have something super hot. The lady was cute. She wore this big metal belt. She didn't speak English and couldn't get what it was for. It was very big.

We ordered some spinach from her. Didn't understand we wanted rice, so just at
the spinach. It was good and light. Walked around the base camp. Tim went crazy taking photos of the yaks. Tons of yaks walking around. I do have to admit it was beautiful to see them against the foggy mountains. We did see the bottom part of Everest for like 1 minute. But then clouded over again. Kept walking back inside the tent to warm up.

Hung out the rest of the night. Was still a bit hungry. We had peanut butter with some bread. Also had some skittles for snacks. It tasted so good up there. Oh, can't forget sat close to the fire to warm up. And the coals they use are yak poop. Couldn't believe we where warming our hands with smoke from poop. It was funny. I didn't care. Hey, at least it didn't smell. I think it was like 10 when we went to bed. I had like thousands of layers inside my sleeping back and two blankets on top. I was warm. Had a hard time falling asleep. I kept breathing heavy. I had what Tim has been talking about.He too was breathing really heavy. Didn't sleep much. Kept waking up throughout the night. But was warm at least!

Mon. Sept. 25
Woke up around 7ish and it was still pitch dark. Laid there until 8am. Tim walked outside to look for the donkey and the guy who we hired the day before. He didn't find him.

He came in and said I've a surprise for you. I'm like what. He said come with me. Holly smokes! I walked outside and saw snow on the ground. I mean like 4 inches. Everything was covered in snow. I've never seen so much snow. I knew for sure there is no way we'll see Everest. I was kinda bummed. Not sure if I'll ever make it back there. I know Tim wants to see it bad. So he is like shit I'll have to make another trip one day. It was magical being in the snow and it was still snowing. The sucky part is that we had hike down to Rongbuk. We waited few minutes for the donkey and no luck.

We started hiking down with our umbrellas so we didn't get our pants wet. Tim was in front and I followed his trail. The ground wasn't even and with the snow you couldn't see anything. About 40 minutes into walking we hear the bells. Some donkeys where coming up. We manage to identify our guy that we booked with Jala the day before. He asked us how much. We already had a price set which it was 60 Yuan. He was trying to
hassle us for 80 because it was snowing. I said NO we already walked for a while. So I kept walking and then he said OK, OK, OK. We got on the wagon. It was freezing just sitting there. It was better to walk, at least we kept moving.Twenty five minutes into the ride down the hill the guy just stopped and make hand signals to get out. We understood that he was just dropping of us since it was close, not quite there but close. He wanted 50 yuan. I'm like no way. So then I thought of 40 yuan. I was pissed at this point. I got flustered and got out and Tim didn't have change. Had a 100 yuan or a 10. I told Tim just give him 10. We're not there yet. But then the guy said I have change. The whole time I was pissed. We did give him 40 Yuan. Then I realized we had a ways to get to the Rongbuk. I was furious. I even told the guy FUCK YOU when he turned around. I hardly ever say that. I kept walking really fast and just brewing inside. Tim said it's OK! We got screwed. It's fine. I just felt really stupid for giving in. He for sure took advantage of the situation. He just wanted more money. I could punch him. We made it down and I felt better. I just had to let it out.

Dirk and Aihua where not back yet. Fifteen minutes later they show up on the same donkey with the same guy. We got of the truck and told asked them if they had paid. They got worked too. We started talking to the guy like if he understood. He knew what he did because he rushed out. Tim managed to throw a snowball at him. Lessoned learned. It's all about the principle. I felt much better just venting.

We drove off to the next city. I had the my 747 shoes wet. I was freezing. The weather was horrible. Foggy and snowing! The windows kept fogging off. And plus we had to go through dirt roads of slushy snow. Aihua was driving me nuts at this time. She was not having a good time because Dirk wasn't. She was the victim too. I don't know but I sensed a heavy space around her. She kept asking Jala to roll up his window, because of the fuel smell. I felt like saying you rather smell fuel or crash because of the foggy window. Anyway, I just ignored her and mind my own business. Tim was in the passenger sit so couldn't vent with him in Spanish. We practice Spanish all the time. Anyhow we got to a part the road was blocked because of an accident. We had to take an off road. Crazy! We literally drove on a creek on top of rocks. There was no road Jala was making his own road. Other cars were doing the same. He is a good driver got us through. I was scared a few times of getting stuck. Four land cruisers did. I clapped when we got out of the bad road. Jala was smiling. You can tell he was proud he managed to get out of that road without getting stuck.

Made it to Shigatse in the evening. We dropped off Aihua and Dirk in a nicer hotel again. This time the told us they were going back to Lhasa. It was surprised since they told us last minute, but in a way I was glad. They needed their own space. I liked Dirk but didn't care for Aihua. So I think it was better for all of us. Jala dropped us off at the same hostel from two nights ago. We had three other roommates. Had a nice warm shower again. The small things. Tried to look for a place to eat. Wasn't too hungry. Just ended up having more muffins and iced tea.


Tues. Sept. 26
Woke up in time for another hot shower. Lazed around until 10 am. We drove for 7 hours to Namtso Lake, the last stop of the journey. I love the scenery and felt could enjoy it better with just me and Tim. We did stop around some farm lands to take a break and take photos. The locals working just stopped what they were doing to look at us. There was this lady walking with her three young girls she stopped right in front of me and stared. I asked to take her photo she agreed. The girls were shy and hid behind the mom. So cute! The men working Tim would ask to take their photo and they said no. I think they're shy more than anything. It was so cool just to stand there and watch. Very peaceful! I love hearing the guys whistle as they plowed the ground with the help of the yaks. Few minutes later I saw another lady walking down. She stopped and looked at me. I asked her for a photo. She said NO too. I took a picture of myself and then showed her on the screen. Then she agreed for me to take her photo. I think a lot of time they still don't know what a camera does, so they just say no. I had a cool portrait of her. Nice to mingle with the locals.

Before entering the Namtso Lake area we stopped for dinner. You never know what
you're going to get. We ordered fried chips and fried rice. The fried chips
where shredded potato, really thin, and slightly fried. And the fried rice was
different. Just OK! Jala ordered some kungpao chicken that was good. We all
shared.

We arrived at the lake at the perfect time. It was almost sunset. So the light
was really beautiful. Tim went crazy on taking pictures again. The lake was massive
you couldn't see the other side. It looked like an ocean with rolling hills on
the background. Really nice! We had a tent type thing again. A bit dirty! I told
Tim a rather not think about it. We didn't have much such everything was very
basic. We where still pretty high up like 15,500 ft. Lights went off at 9am. So much for trying to stay awake. Tim didn't want to have problems sleeping so we wanted to play cards for a while it didn't happen. I managed to stay awake until 10pm.


Wed. Sept. 27
Had to wake up fast. I almost pee in my pants. I rushed to the lovely toilets. Tim was still sleeping. Couldn't find Jala to coordinate the time to leave. Our last day of the trip. Tim finally woke up. Found Jala, he wanted to leave now. I told him we wanted to walk to the lake and see it one more time. He understood after a while. He knows when you tell him time. It was darn cold too. I had all the gear on. I was ready to leave after few minutes. We headed out around 9:30 ish am. Arrived in Lhasa around 2pm. We stayed at the same hotel from before, Kirey Hotel. We even got the same room.

Thurs. Sept. 28
Blogging and more blogging. Catching up! Still behind but not bad.
Chatted with Mani(my sister) and Mami online. It's great we instant messenger
all the time now. Last day in Lhasa. No big plans just catch up with our blogs.