It was about 4 in the afternoon when we arrived, and our tour guide advised us to relax in our hotel room for the evening, and avoid any strenuous activity so that we could get adjusted to the altitude change. We were in the one of the highest cities in the world!!! We were at about 4000 meters above sea level. This was almost 2.5 miles!! Yes, Miles!! Also, the air was very thin here... they say that there is 35% less oxygen in the air at this altitude then what you would get at 'sea level'.
So we did as we were told and chilled out for the evening. The hotel was OK... it was only a 3-star and it showed. The heating system was weak, and it was very cold, especially at night and we felt it!!
Day 6 started with a full day of sight seeing. We first went the Summer Place for the Dalai Lama. This trip was filled with bits of Chinese History... I did not know that the Dalai Lama (the 14th one) escaped out of Tibet in 1959 when China took over. He is now living in India in Dharamsala. The take-over by the Chinese has really disrupted the peacefulness and simplicity that was once there in Tibet. The Tibetans have been told to call the take-over a 'peaceful liberation'..... Well, after the 'peaceful liberation', now there are Chinese military and army casing the entire city. It is quite a disparity between the locals and the army folk.
The Summer palace was nice. Our tour guide was very well versed on the history of the dalai lama and Bhuddism and he was able to tell us about how the origin of Buddhism links back to India.
After the Summer Palace, we went to a monastery to see the monks. It was again, very peaceful. The people are so dedicated. After the monastery, we were then off to see a Tibetan house. As part of the tour, we were taken into the house of one of the local families. Again, the simplicity in there life was seen with the way that they live.
Day 7 we went to the Potala Palace, which is also know as the winter palace for the Dalai lama. This palace was nested on the top of a hill. We had to climb over 370 steps to get to the top. Let me tell ya, with 35% less oxygen in the air, we definitely felt winded... after just 15 steps.... it took a long time to make it to the top... many breaks were needed, but we all made it.... Even Mira and Milan!! They were such troopers!
Here we saw the tombs of the Dalai Lamas from the 5th to the 13th... that then begged the question.... when the 14th Dalai Lama dies, will his tomb be placed in Potala Palace?? Each of the tombs were made of pure gold and jewels... Supposedly the tomb of the 13th Dalai Lama is made of 1-ton of gold... yep, that is a lot of gold!!
After the trip to Potala Palace, it was a quick dash to the hotel to grab the bags and a quick lunch and then we were off to stop #4 - Shanghai!!
This is a view of Potala Palace. A shot of us after we climbed up all the stairs!!
Another View of Potala Palace also know as the Winter Palace
Here are people doing prayer (full lay down, to standing up) towards Potala Palace. They do it repeatedly for an entire day. Only taking breaks for food. This is real dedication!!
Another view of Potala Palace
Here is a view of the mountains that surround the Winter Palace... It was beautiful...
Vim with a great backdrop view.
Tibetan Monks.....
Here is the Potala Palace before we started the climb.... Notice the snow on the trees.... yes snow!!
A view of the snowy mountains....
Views were amazing
Who is that cute kid??? The black mark on the nose was a blessing that he got from the Sera Monestary. This is supposed to bring him good luck for a year....
A view of the town from the Summer Palace
Awwww......
The summer palace.........
This is a Tibetan local dog breed that is supposed to be very ferocious. It has been know to attack a lion and actually win.... At least that is what our tour guide told us...
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