Since our time was limited, we woke early, ate breakfast, and were out the door by 8:00. After breakfast, we visited the permit office. Let me tell you, it was well hidden. The door was near the exit of the “outdoor” market, so that is where to look. We asked whether they issued travel permits, and they simply said, “Go get one in Lhasa.” Thanks.

In the other direction was Tashilhunpo Monastery, which turned out to be one of the best we saw on the entire trip. Although locals could enter and leave as they pleased, we had to pay an admission fee. It was well worth it. The little settlement below the monastery was interesting, and we wandered among several of its small houses. The more religious buildings were farther up the hill. The view from the balcony of the highest temple was magnificent and extremely peaceful. We spent perhaps an hour on the large balcony, simply sitting in silence with no agenda. After walking around the back of the temple, we met a monk who grabbed my arm and said, “Yak.” If that doesn’t ring a bell, a yak is a high-altitude animal raised for meat and milk. “Yak, yak, yak.” We took a photo with him still holding my arm.

Eventually, we left the monastery, picked up our bags, and went to the bus station. Our “bus” was a small minivan crammed with people, which raced along Tibet’s high mountain roads. The four of us stood out, but everyone was quite kind. As planned, I tried to break the ice by bringing out a bag of candy I had bought earlier that morning. Most people eagerly took a piece or two, although one person took four or five. The ride was a little nerve-racking, but after a few hours, we finally arrived in Gyantze.

We surveyed the hotels in Gyantze and found one that seemed acceptable. One factor in our decision was a fellow traveller we had already met in Lhasa who was taking a lengthy round-the-world trip. Over dinner, we met an older teacher from Thailand and had an interesting conversation. Eventually, we played some bridge and went to sleep.