After we landed and had passed all safety inspections, we were greeted by our guide with a Khata. It is a traditional greeting scarf, which stands for happiness, kindness and compassion. The airport is about an hour bus ride from Lhasa.
The first impressions of Lhasa are somewhat sobering. Wide, busy roads run through a rather faceless and boring Chinese city. Lots of colorful billboards and here and there a monument to Chinese heroism. When we
but could take a first look at the Potala, the picture changed completely. This powerful, towering over the city building, exudes remains something of what one remembers much described in the mysterious old Tibet. A little later we came
at our hotel in the city. Situated on the Jokhang, we were here in the religious center of Lhasa. That was quickly forgotten a suburb and you could glimpse traces of the old Tibet. Only the number of soldiers and police officers who stood on every corner, and the Chinese characters constantly reminded of the buildings on the political situation in the country. I have often tried to imagine what it have looked like before the revolution must.
The next 5 days were scheduled for a visit to Lhasa. Also required is the time to adjust to the height get used to over 3600 meters. Unfortunately we lost in Lhasa 3 days due to us a bad cold with a high temperature tied to the bed.
But we could make some short trips and get to know the city a bit. The visit to the Jokhang was the first option on our trip to see inside of a temple. Hides you from the masses of tourists and pilgrims who tried to enter the sanctuary, one got a glimpse into the inner temple. A heavy smell of butter lamps and other incense filled the air and makes breathing sometimes quite difficult. Many murals, statues and other religious symbols told of Buddha and his path. It's amazing how religious the people are and how they live their lives accordingly.
Later we visited the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and exploring the Barkhor, where the day is very busy. Already 6 am clock, the pilgrims threw down towards Jokhang and the Barkhor to 21 clock was filled with people. From our hotel room we could watch the action even in our hospital days.
Lhasa offers I think a lot of interesting temples, buildings, squares, streets and even people. The Old Town offers visitors a little about the country and culture award and it is with some exceptions, just beautiful in every corner of the old town to explore. On the other hand, China and related issues very present and apparently taking an ever greater place in Lhasa. Nevertheless, it is still a place that you absolutely should experience ...
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