Tibet—One Happy Ending!

It’s been about two months since I left the Himalayas and between one thing and the other I never found the time to sum up my travels through the beautiful land of Tibet, so here it goes:

After 9 days in Kyrgyzstan, Wilson and I embarked on our dream adventure of travelling through Tibet all the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Nepal. Arriving to Lhasa definitely surfaced all of those childhood dreams of one day walking among monks in the fabled holy city of Lhasa. A faraway Himalayan land mystical and mysterious with tales that date back to the 7th century. Chanting monks and smoky billows of incense filling its air. The nostalgic views of wide blue skies and high snowy mountains framing the walls of this beautiful plateau—it was a dream come true to say the least. 

The city of Lhasa

Lhasa HAD that feel, as if time stood still and old traditions never left the mind of its people. Its streets, still bared the resemblance of hundreds of years ago. It was particularly breathtaking when entering the city and noticing from the distance the massive presence of the Potala Palace—the home of the Dalai Lama and the epicenter of sanctity for Buddhism. I was really thankful when our Tibetan guide (mandatory for all foreigners) dropped us off at one of the very few hostels you can find in the old village. In essence, after the Chinese occupation, Lhasa was divided into two cities—the old and the new one. The old, where all Tibetans still reside to this day, was kept untouched, while the remainder of Lhasa was transformed into an emerging Chinese city.

Potala Palace

I debated for a while after leaving Lhasa, what my true feelings were surrounding my experience in Tibet. Given the current political climate, Tibet was sort of a bittersweet experience for me. On the one hand, the Tibetan people, their traditions, and religious devotion make you feel as if you are immersed in a world of pure spirituality and peace. On the other hand, you are a silent observer of persecution and oppression, of a culture once so free and beautiful; it makes you wonder, what happened to justice, to faith, to honoring the good and condemning the bad. I tried shaking off all negative thoughts, but it was particularly hard when constantly noticing that permit checkpoints and metal detectors were present everywhere in the streets. That Tibetans, as well as monks, rarely exchange a word or two with foreigners, for police patrols closely control what they say and do. That the air, as well as the walls, are always filled with political propaganda.  A real nuisance to say the least.

Along the Friendship Hwy

Tibetan prayer flags

Prostrations at the Jokhang Temple

Nonetheless, I left Tibet in harmony carrying within me a sense of beauty and serenity I've never felt before. Something that will never be forgotten. 

Mt. Everest base camp

After crossing the border to Nepal, Wilson and I embarked to the last leg of our trip. The change in energy was so dramatic, I remember not being able to sit still. Nepal is chaotic, colorful, vibrant, and extremely friendly. Simplicity is the way of living, and common knowledge is that every second lost is a Rupee you’ll never get back. For that reason alone, being in the back of a taxi feels like a roller coaster ride. And don’t expect to not be pushed around in the bakery line! We first stayed in the city center of Kathmandu, but after being wisely advised by our Dutch friend Lisa, we packed our bags and headed to the hills to the wonderful  and glorious Kopan Monastery. Frankly, this was probably my favorite part of the trip. It was perfection at its mostest. There, we met a group of travelers from all over the world, and after our meditation classes, we sat together and talked and laughed for hours over milk tea and veggie yum yums. Monks were kind and allowed us to experience as much of their lives as we could. As an outsider, I contemplated the stillness and enlightenment that comes from Buddhist philosophy, and on my own, happily dwelled on its teachings. These were days of pure bliss.

P.S: My nickname in Tibet given to me by the Tibetan calendar is: Fire Tiger! Shocker?

Prayer wheels

Nepal's crowded streets

The amazing travelers at Kopan

Nepalese Stupa

Inside the Kopan Monastery