Greetings From the Top of the World, And Happy 4th of July!!!
After a two day, 4064km train ride from Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet we arrived to by far one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring places on the planet. Matching the beauty surrounding the city are the people native to this region. They are so friendly and inviting and always smiling at us...and they are just as interested in us as we are them!!! Our first full day in Lhasa was of course a busy one...Beginning the day with a tour of one of the holiest places in Tibet- the Jokhang Temple. The Temple is filled with the most colorful and magnificent paintings, statues and carvings that I have ever witnessed. Then we were off to the Sera Monastary where we watched the Monks in their afternoon debates in one of the courtyards. This is like an oral debate between the Monks to test what they have been learning at the Monastery. The Monks are full of energy and passion and laughter...and sometimes they get all rowdy and heated that they start pushing each other around and then they all laugh and begin the process again. I think everyone here is beyond excited and it has only been about a week since we left...Since we are 12 hours ahead it is the 4th of July here in Tibet, and you can bet that everyone will be thinking about their families and friends back home throughout the day...Consider this while you barbeque, watch fireworks and have a good time...There are many people in this world that don't experience the same freedoms that we do in life. So live it up!!! Peace and Love...Addrienne
Comments
There are 40,000 firework shells planend for the Macy's 4th of July show tonight here in NYC. I read it in the paper, and was so proud that us north americans have our minds in the right place. The money and resources needed to produce this show could feed several towns in Africa, and help nations suffering from our neglect. Travel opens your eyes, but it's only a vacation unless you give something back, which Addrienne i'm sure you will.
love ya and miss ya, elia.
Posted by: Elia | July 4, 2007 04:03 PM
Addie,
awww... nice to see you even in pictures, Tibet looks amazing.I am happy you are having fun. I saw you pondering as you looked at the water were you wondering where I was? Was it that tree in the forest making a sound thing? Unsure what you wanted for dinner? Hmmm now I am pondering. I will light a sparkler so you can find your way home. Happy 4th!! Biggest AMA
Posted by: Andrea Amato | July 5, 2007 03:35 AM
hey addie, glad to hear you are having such a wonderful time, live it up it's a once in a lifetime experience that must people will never get to see. we all miss you and i hope all the message we post are getting to you. look forward to hearing more. big xoxo's Ash
Posted by: ashbird | July 5, 2007 02:06 PM
what a lovely email addrienne i always have taken seriously the freedoms we as americans enjoy...the problem is so few remember to do so--much love mom
Posted by: ellen amato | July 5, 2007 02:50 PM
Hi Michelle: Get out in front of those pictures. It all sounds so wonderful. I know you all are having fun. I Love You, Mom
Posted by: Dotte Hass (Michelle's Mom) | July 5, 2007 03:46 PM