Tibet Day Two
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2009
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Trip End
Jan 26, 2009
Today was another beautiful day in Tibet. I slept much better last night, and was excited to start my day today. We went to the Summer Palace this morning. It was built by the 7th Dalai Lama, as he traveled there in order to preserve his health. The palace was built in the 18th century, and while some of it was destroyed in 1959 and also the cultural revolution, much of the original structure stands today. After touring this palace we went inside of the 14th Dalai Lama's Palace. It was completed in 1956, only three years before the Dalai Lama relocated to India. The palace has not changed since his departure in 1959, so we actually were able to see everything that was in the palace when he lived there. In one of his sitting rooms, there was the history of Tibet in pictures painted on the wall. It ended with the Dalai Lama's journey to Beijing to interview Chairman Mao in the 1950s. It was very interesting to be in the same rooms as the Dalai Lama, and see how he lived and be in such a significant place. The grounds of the Summer Palace were beautiful, even though it was winter. I enjoyed visiting the Norbulingka, and the historical significance of the Dalai Lama's Palaces. After our two hour visit to the Summer Palace we went to have a traditional buffet style Tibetan lunch. After a VERY good lunch, we went to the Tibetan Outpatient Hospital. One of the most famous doctors in Tibetan Medicine met with my group and gave us an explanation of Tibetan Medicine, and the way Tibetan doctors diagnose and treat. It was very informative, and really interesting to understand the differences in Tibetan medicine in comparison to modern medicine. After our visit to the hospital we went to the Jokhang Temple, in the center of old Tibet. It was originally constructed in the 7th century, and some of the images inside are original. Some of the temple was destroyed in 1959 and during the Cultural Revolution, but for the most part, the original temple still stands. Outside of the Temple is a lot of little vendors. I got some beautiful scarfs, jewelry, and dishes. It was really nice. After shopping we came back to the Hotel, and Christie and I have been in relax mode ever since. I have learned so much while in Tibet, and I am very sad to leave tomorrow. It is absolutely breathtaking here, and the history and dedication of the Tibetan Culture really left a mark on me. Enjoy the MANY PICTURES, I got todayLove, Anna
