Artistic Traditions of Amdo, Summer 2007

Berkley, Romy, Nick, Anna, and Addrienne rest while ascending the hundreds of Potala steps

Like all of China, Lhasa too is arresting in its beauty, but I think what strikes me as the most astonishing thing is the spirit of the people here. Very friendly ruddy-faced children will stare, only to blow up with giggles and smiles after you say "Tashi Delek" to them. The adults too, are just as curious. They gather around and muse over braided hair- you'd think we were celebrities at the crowds we gather. Finally, once you've gotten from the Oh Dan Hotel steps (yes, all this has happened even before you stepped onto the street) the sweet-funky yak butter smell hits you. Merchants sell it for everyday temple gathers. The butter is given as an offering much in the same way oil is used in western churches. Once or twice you might get startled by a shop owner yelling to an American traveler, "HAALLLLOOOO", the universal greeting for "Pay attention to what I have to sell you!"

Once, a young girl stopped us to tell Tauska her handbag was unzipped; she didn't let us leave until she helped us to close it. This reminded me so much of the Midwest I thought for a second I was back in Chicago (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little here) but the experience was no less heart warming. There are many cool shops and galleries to lose yourself in...I think I left my mind back at one up the road...but I'm loving every minute of it! To all my friends and family, I love you! Happy Belated birthday Nikki! I hope there were lots of fireworks on the 4th just for you!

Muah!