Oh man. I love my job. How many people get to say they went on a business trip to Lhasa. Met w/ our clients this morning and mapped out some plans. Meeting with Tibetans who want to legitimately help their brothers and sisters is always a joy.
Was really excited to get to walk around the Barkhor again today. Last time I got to do that was in 2006. There is a noticeable ‘security detail’ that wasn’t there before. Nonetheless, the Barkhor is an amazing place.
We arrived in Lhasa around 4pm today and were picked up by some friends. Was great to get back into the city but also a stark reminder that the summer time here is Tourist Central (20k-30k) a day as well as a constant reminder of the modernizing force that drives China. Good to be working…
So it’s been 4 years since I was here last and I can say the city has changed quite a bit. Lhasa is an awesome place, but in the summer time it’s loaded with tourists. It’s good to be here and for free 🙂 More to come.
And more of the same, but w/ some light.
Not the greatest view in the world, but you get the point. It’s spectacular out here!
This is Golmud or Germu. Last time I was here was 2005. Nothing has changed since there is only a tower and a small building here (kidding). Nonetheless there is nothing here like so many towns in western china. We continue on through kekexili and the Chang tang next
Mmmmmm. Ramen noodles. Literally the only thing people eat on the train. I brought a homemade pizza…roughing it.
This is a view from my “bunk” on the train to Lhasa. These beds are stacked 3 high on two different sides and are incredibly cramped for a huge foreigner like myself. You can see the baby who pee’d on in the background if you look close.