TravelStream™ news feed for member huddyandange on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/huddyandange en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:57:47 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190299800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190299800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190299800/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:57:47 -0500 TIBET.

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TIBET, China

Tashilhunpo Monestary, Shigatze, Tibet
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190150400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190150400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190150400/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:47:25 -0500 TIBET.

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Yamdrok Lake, Tibet, China

Lhasa to Gyantze via 4x4, travelling now up to 9 hours a day. There are no real roads to speak of. regular "release " stops are courtesy of the nearest bush. On the way we visited the stunning
Yamdok Yumtso Lake It is one of the holliest lates in Tibet. It is Turquoise blue and truly indescribable. The Tibetans call it "fairytale in heaven". According to Tibetian Mythology Lamdok/Yamdrok lake is "the transformation of a godess". Surrounded by snow capped mountains you can see why, However we certailly don't feel like Gods and Godesses in our thick winter clothes and no sleep for .......... nope, now lost count of how many days we havn't slept. !!! Our destination for the night, Gyantze, is about 90 km by , yes........... no surprises here ......... 4 X 4 !! There are also photo's of the "best" hotel at this part of the journey ........ Not the Grand Intercontinental by far !!!! But none of that mattered as we marvelled at the most stunning lake we ever seen.



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1221727680/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1221727680/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1221727680/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:43:41 -0500 TIBET.

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TIBET (Gyangze), China

We also went to the Palkhor Monastery (meaning lucky and happy monastery)

Palkhor Monastery lies at the downtown of Gyangts County. Some serious colours here, beautiful, rich and from the Ming dynasty. The rooms were in pitch black so we were surprised at how well the flash captured the images. It was strangely creepy though. It was here that we saw our first real practicing monks, meaning that in as much as although we had seen many saffron robed monks along out journey through Tibet, Here there were no mobile phones or Nike trainers.

As we entered the temple the usual overpowering smell of burning butter hit our senses. Interestingly, the Tibetans here very rarely use Yak butter for the giant candles (which are everywhere) because Yak is such a precious commodity this far into the Himalayas . They use goat instead

The Palkhor Monastery has a Chinese name Baiju Monastery. It has two features: there are three classes of Buddhism (Sakys, Gedang and Gelugpa) existing harmoniously in the monastery. Those three classes of Buddhism had experienced repulsion and rivalry for a long time, peaceful with each other. So both the oblation and the architecture style in the monastery embrace and adopt good points from all quarters. Palkhor also features "Bodhi stupa", or "Kumbum" in Tibetan. Deemed as the symbol of the monastery, the spectacular "stupa" consists of hundreds of chapels in layers, housing about a hundred thousand images of various icons. These icons include Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Dharma Kings, Arhats, Disciples, great adepts of different orders in Tibetan Buddhist history, and outstanding figures in Tibetan history such as Songtsen Gampo and Trisong Detsen. In total there are about 3,000 statues, so it is called "Myriad Buddhas Stupa"So people often call it "Myriad Buddhas Stupa "
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194470040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194470040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194470040/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:58:59 -0500 TIBET.

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Tibet, China

Sera Monastery.

One of the three largest monasteries in Tibet. Sitting at the foothills of Tatipu it means " Wild Rose Garden" in Tibetan since wild rose woods once grew around it.

Legend says that Tsong Khapa and his two disciples travelled in the area, spreading their religion. One day they heard a horse whinnying as they took a walk in the rose gardens, the noise was coming from underground so they dug, uncovering Hynagrivw ( a horse headed demon) The monastery was erected around Hynagriva to enshrine it. In reality the Monastery was erected around 1414 and finished in 1419.


+ The Emperor Chengzu granted title of Dharma King of Great mercy . Tsong Khapa instructed Jamchen Chojey to build a monestary to house treasures. Sera has a main assembly hall ( Tshomchen in Tibetan) occupying 1,000 square metres. There are 4 chapel's in which the sandalwood Arhats ( treasure) Tsong Khapa and Chenrrezi are enshrined. Later a huge Maitreya was enshrined in the hall during the reign of the 7th Dalai Lama. There are also other ancient valuables kept adjacent to the hall.

The Debating Square is where groups of monks gather, seated on cushions lying in a rock garden, to debate Buddhist theory.

One monk stands before the group, seated, whilst the others form a half –circle around him. He presents his ideas/arguments, while the seated monks listen, ask questions and debate back.



When the standing monk feels he has presented a particularly strong argument he delivers an animated clapping of his hands. Conversely, if he feels he has failed to deliver his point he slaps the back of one hand to the palm of the other (like a backwards clap).

While they are debating the monks become so passionate there is almost physical contact.
There were around 100 monks debating at any one time, making up about two dozen groups, Some groups were subdued whilst others seemed like they might come to blows. One particular group were having a great time, playfully pushing each other aside or getting in the face of a dissenting, seated monk The whole scene is quite a sight to behold, as most people generally perceive monks to be quiet and peaceful people .
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1199631300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1199631300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1199631300/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:35:38 -0500 TIBET.

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TIBET, China

Lhasa, Barkhor Market and around Lhasa town


Lhasa's Barkhor Street is located in the center of Lhasa. The street circles the Jokhang Temple, and has been an essential pilgrim route since the foundation of the temple. Buddhist pilgrims can be seen throughout the day and night walking, or prostrating themselves clockwise along Barkhor Street spinning their prayer wheels and chanting sutras. There is more to Barkhor Street than just a place for pilgrims to walk. Barkhor Street, often called the "Window of Tibet" is famous for its shopping.

The shops and booths along the street are filled with all sorts of items unique to Tibet. There is a large variety of Tibetan Buddhist articles including: Thangkas, Buddhist statues, prayer wheels, butter lamps, prayer flags, sutras, beads, incense. There are also shops that sell house wares, but Tibetan house wares are also unique, and often beautiful: cushions, aprons, leather bags, quilts, shoes, knives, hats, butter pots, wooden bowls, and dried meats. There are also an abundance of souvenirs available on Barkhor Street Besides the shopping and location for pilgrimages, Barkhor Street has a lot of historical interest. A small building that used to be Lhasa's Yamen is located on Barkhor Street. It used to be the office of Lhasa's magistrate. A small lane going north from Barkhor street leading to a market is the oldest street in Lhasa.
There is a small three story temple is located on Barkhor Street and it is said that Tibetan characters were invented in the temple.

There is one, unique yellow building that stands on the southeastern corner of Barkhor Street. (all of the buildings along the street are white except this one).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190045400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190045400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1190045400/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:22:52 -0500 TIBET.

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TIBET, China

Norbulingka translating as "The Jewelled Park" was originally the Dalai Lama's Summer Palace in Lhasa. The reason that it was called "The Jewelled Park" was because the Palace was not only surrounded by stunning gardens; It was also ornamented by a rainbow of colour on its terraces were adourned by flowers too. There still is a beautiful garden there and a million teracotta pots filled with Marigolds



The Dalai Lamas of past resided here in Summer up until the 1780s and the entire Palace was covered in Ruby. Sapphire and Jade. All the way until when "sadly" the PCR - (Peoples Republic of China) takeover in the late 1950s.

* East Asian religion and rule has a deep part to play. Its ancient civilization traditionally dates to 2700 B.C.After a bitter civil war a people's republic led by Mao Zedong was established on the mainland, and the Nationalists fled China. At the time Taiwan had the highest settlement. However, as we are in 2009, and not the 1950's Beijing is now is the Capital (Shanghai is actually still the largest populated City though, with a Population of 320,000,000). This is confusing, to say the least! but Tibet and China's history is clearly a complicated story!


In the context of our journey we were just here for the essence of the absolute peace and tranquillity that this magnificent City of Tibet has to Offer

*The Bibliography notes give a Summary of China and Tibet's history).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1197150720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1197150720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1197150720/tpod.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:14:19 -0500 TIBET.

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TIBET, China

The following pictures were taken in a restaurant at a show inside the "Kirey Hotel." in Tibet. The show was so dreadful that it was excellent.

The owner's entire extended family preformed and we were in stitches from start to finish. It was like sitting in somebody’s front room. It was better than being at the pantomime yet there was an overwhelming urge to “boo" and “hiss“.

To add to the comedy the owner grilled all the guests, asking us what we thought of his daughters singing, did we like his son in laws costume . You had to pass him to get to the food buffet so there were no hiding places.

It was here that we tried our first taste of YAK. Although good it was hard to eat as there were 2 panto YAKS snuzzling our ears and smelling of Yak pooh as their costumes were so heavy and hot. The owner must have asked us at least 15 times how we were enjoying the show (we were convinced he was going to take our plate away if we said anything other than fabulous !. Anyway after 4 rice wines later and you really didn’t give a hoot

The hotel is one of the main places to eat in the town. It was full of every nationality possible. (the Japanese thought it was fabulous, as did the German couple behind us who couldn't understand why we were was in stitches at the 2 men in pantomime outfits dressed up as a YAK ................ We loved it too as it was so bad it was really, really good 10 out of 10 from us. (Altitude sickness clearly got to us)
The family are set for a career at Butlins if they ever come to the UK, except the owner, or should we say food police, he is heading off to a career in MI5
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1189936800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1189936800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1189936800/tpod.html Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:20:41 -0500 TIBET.

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Lhasa, China

TIBET, Lhasa

Norbulingka, Lhasa, Is without doubt one of the most stunning places we have ever visited. We felt really privileged to see the Potala Palace. It was everything we dreamt it would be and more.

The Palace itself covers 5 miles. It is built within the hilltop . At 425ft (130m) above the Lhasa River valley. "Potrang Karpo" is the name given by the Tibetans to the white part of the Palace. “Potrang Karpo” translates in English to the more familiar name of “The White Palace”.
The White Palace was completed in 1648. It served as the seat of the Tibetan Government but mostly (in our lifetime anyway) we know it as home of the Dalai Lama.



The whole city was a thriving wash of colour and kindness. We felt utter peace here. Sadly the altitude hit Ange hard (altitude ................ not attitude, for a change!).



Unfortunalely, Some members of our group were airlifted all the way to Kathmandu (in order to take them which was ground level) to meet up with us later.



The sights, sounds and smells were second only to the incredible colour.




It was hard going. Make no bones about that (especially the serious altitude sickness) and, by God the loos (EWE)!: But ultimately you just got on and tried to block all memory of them out, blistering heat in the day, below freezing at night. Bad accommodation (and we do mean bad) No sleep (as you are terrified of the small person sized rats), 5AM starts most days and fodder that is "interesting" to say the least (SO going complain to the local restaurant when our egg fried rice comes without shell) as we have become accustomed to it now!

Let's face it, you don't go to this kind of place to expect 5 star luxury. It brought out the intrepid explorers in us. We went there to soak up the atmosphere, Share som4ee pretty amazing times together and to create the kind of memories that we will hold onto until we die.


So what if the list goes on and on about the down sides (which it quite easily could if you were that kind of person) for us though, Nothing in this world wasn't worth enduring to be rewarded by some of the views we saw, and some of the experiences the trip gave us.

"No pain, no gain" we say!... BRING IT ON !!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194473460/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194473460/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/tibet/1194473460/tpod.html Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:58:51 -0500 TIBET.

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Lhasa, Tibet, China

Jokhang Temple or, "House of the Lord". Is the holiest site in Tibet; and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists.


Thousands of Yak butter candles flickered inside. The temple is thirteen hundred years old.

We arrived just as the festival of Yogurt finished. Pilgrims make clockwise circuits around the temple ( most prostrate on their hands and knees )

NB: The monks don't have to be male, they are also female too.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/7/1190711160/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/7/1190711160/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/huddyandange/7/1190711160/tpod.html Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:18:43 -0500 FROM TIBET TO NEPAL, via the friendship bridge ,

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Zhangmu,, Nepal

From TIBET we took the harrowing drive to NEPAL this was certainly an experience we will never forget there was a sheer drop and the 4X4 was alarmingly close to the edge.

This was the only day of the whole trip that we didn't feel safe. It wasn't for the faint of heart that's for sure! (I now understand why people kiss the floor when they get to a destination in one piece) We begin early doors (6.00 AM again)! We had a full day of travelling ahead. The road we took was not supposed to be open to pass until the evening due to them working on clearing the landslides fortunately our guide had paid for us to take it during the day. A friend of his was the "gate keeper" for want of a better word. We couldn't take photo's, but at the top but there were hundreds of trucks all parked up waiting to pass, We did felt a bit guilty que jumping because we were on an escorted foreign tour, but the locals didn't seem to mind. It looked like bedlam yet everyone seemed to know just what to do and what the "etiquette/protocol" was for the queuing. It certainly wasn't like England with one line, far from it, We weaved though trucks to get to the front to be let through. (Part of this was on foot, at either end of the pass). We walked approx 3 maybe 4 miles. Families were camping at the side of the road cooking and singing. Some trucks were full of livestock. We didn't see anyone other than the workers as we drove the pass which was a real privilege, and purely because we were tourists with a guide. Although, we could also have been described as the nutty foreigners, mad enough to try! When we got to the bottom (after several breakdowns along the way) there were the same heaving crowds. We drove a lot of miles just passing row after row of waiting trucks ready for the road to open. We got to the bottom and having had the most terrifying of experiences (in the form of our 4x4 being at some points less than 2 inches from a sheer drop and certain death ( with very bald tyres too) We were eternally grateful we didn't have to do that drive in the pitch black at night like everyone else.

The drive itself took about 4 hours winding through waterfalls and round landslides. Huddy is wearing his PJ's in a few pics because he managed to spill a bottle of beer over himself when we stopped for lunch and was reeking the 4x4 out so he changed into the only clothes he had with him (our bags have gone ahead and we have only the clothes we stood in and the clothes we slept in the night before) I personally think that he spilt it because his hand was shaking so much from the drive as it's not like Huddy to spill a drop!

We had started from from Dingri and drove to Zhangmu (which Geographically sits between the border of TIBET and NEPAL.) It has become the major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. (Hence the reason for the trucks) the Nepalese were trading into Tibet and the Tibetans were trading to Nepal. The scenery was beautiful, if not scary!

There was a very different feel at the bottom as we arrived in Zhangmu the first thing we saw were our bags disappearing (we have got used to seeing this by now) but they were being carried by the tiniest woman and children you have ever seen. It has been raining and the mud was deep and slippery, yet they were carrying the cases with the dexterity of heavyweight boxers.

We then said goodbye to our Tibetan Guide and were greeted by our guide for Nepal where we walked across the friendship bridge heading for Kodari.
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