Back in Lhasa
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Lhasa,
China
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Visas, visas, visas. Arggh. If you've read most of my entries than you know I have spent way too much time dealing with Chinese visas. Today I attempted to secure my final visa extension so that I can remain in Tibet until October 2. Otherwise I have to leave, somehow, instantly, on Sunday.
Today I arrived in Lhasa around lunch time from my six days in the mountains. The Lonely Planet Tibet advised that I first stop by and inquire at some travel agents. I stopped by 4 or 5, and all told me that I had to take care of it personally at the PSB (gonganju, Public Safety Bureau).
So, I headed to the PSB marked in the old Lhasa map in the Lonely Planet and then realized that it wasn't the PSB office that handles visas. Correcting myself, I head to the address listed in the Lonely Planet only to find a block full of furniture shops. A kind man points me across the street, where upon closer inspection I found a nice reception area labeled 'Exit/Entry Office'. Unfortunately the nice, English speaking officer explained that this was the PSB office only for travel agents, not individuals. The individual exit/entry office was two blocks northwest. Of course.
I walk the two more blocks, find the exit/entry office of this PSB branch, only to find a sign on the door that says 'In Meeting' and "This office is now closed Tuesday and Thursday afternoons." Argggggggh.
So I try again tomorrow...
[Next Day] Went by the first thing this morning and was able to secure an extension for
(are you sitting down?) seven days. One more week to see a province twice the size of Nepal. And it cost me 760 yuan. That's $100. For 7 days. Ah, the privilege of being an American.
