Kelvin the Yak

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:30:00 +0000

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.

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Kelvin the Yak