Artistic Traditions of Amdo, Summer 2007

Addrienne strikes a pose atop the Jokhang Temple

Tashi Delek from Lhasa-

Everything continues to go well here in Central Tibet. After a 48-hour scenic experience on the train from Beijing, we rolled into Lhasa yesterday evening to surprisingly balmy temperatures and dramatic evening skies. A short stroll through the center of town established a basic orientation to this most sacred of cities, and we became more familiar with much of the happenings here throughout today. A morning visit to the Jokhang Temple, Holiest of Holies in the Tibetan world, was followed by an afternoon excursion to the 14th Century Sera Monastery. Having visited no less than dozens of chapels over the course of the day, we are quickly becoming proficient at identifying the central members of the extensive pantheon of Tibetan iconography. Tomorrow morning we will visit the local Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Dropenling, where Global LAB Advisory Council member Claire Burkert directs women's development initiatives focused on traditional handicraft production and other cottage industries.

Beside the Kyichu river, Addrienne sits, Berkely gazes, and Robert shoots the afternoon light upon the Potala Palace

We'll spend the afternoon at the legendary Potala Palace before again visiting the Barkhor market and central square, the best place around for quality photography, endless bargaining, and excellent people-watching in the evening hours.

We're glad to be here and will soon have more to share-

Galen