Potala Palace

This morning we climbed all 362 steps of the Potala Palace which was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Much of it is closed but we were able to see the living quarters in the white palace and then many of the stupas, another word for tomb in this case, of the previous Dalai Lamas. It was quite a hike in the thin air, but it was stunning in the morning light. If any of you saw Seven Years in Tibet, it looks just like that.
Later on we visited the Jorhung Temple which is in the ancient part of Lhasa. What a sight...everywhere pilgrims slowly circumambulate the temple, often prostrating themselves periodically. They use paddles on their hands and slide forward on the stones as they fall to their knees. Their dress is so different...black yak wool lined with sheepskin, numerous braids, colorful scarves and headdresses. We went to the Borhor market which was truly a wild experience...vendors are very persistent. Tonight at dinner we will be seeing Tibetan Opera.
I may be incommunicado for awhile as we will next be on the Yangtze for the river cruise. I hope that Anne is reading this to Lauren and also I hope Mike reads this. I am really glad that you have been looking after Whizzer so well.