First impression i got is 'Man, this place is really sunny and bright!'. Being at higher grounds, it really made a huge difference. I tried getting out without putting on any cap/sunglass but failed for the next 100m. (Both my sunglass and cap proved to be precious companions throughout the trip)
Second impression you will have is the frequent sight of the Chinese soldiers along the streets. I shudder at times since this wasn't exactly the common sight in any cities around but you will learn to get used to their presence. They are generally 'invinsible' and will not interfere in the locals or tourists daily activities - except if they spot you snapping pictures of them. If you do, be prepared to be approached by them who will most likely request to review your camera and delete any pictures they deem fit.
To climatise to the new place, we checked in early to rest for the evening. The inn (or hotel in local terms) was heavily decorated in ancient Chinese architectural design. Our door is made of real wood - exactly like those of ancient Chinese buildings! It was a pleasant surprise, until we found out that means it will leave a significant gap even when we close the door fully (not a sound proof room afterall).
The inn corridor decorated with Chinese lanterns.
The first place we've decided to conquer is the Potala Palace. Afterall, you need to register a day before to ensure that tickets are secured (The number of visitors is limited on a daily basis).
The Potala Palace is huge even across the street. It is nevertheless the city's most distinguished building since it's in striking red and white. Not to mention that it is the tallest building as well.
Ascending to the Palace actually is not a difficult task. Most are steep slopes and steps - just a few hundreds, unlike those other places where the number of steps run into the thousands. However, try doing this at a higher altitude and it is another story all together. Less than a quater of the way up to the entrance, we were starting to be breathless. Everytime we started to be breathless, stop and rest. It's just the way to keep it slow and steady. Afterall, we didn't get hurried at all (every other tourists were breathless too!) .
The view up was really great. Since there was no other high rise building, you literally get a nice view of the whole city. The air was fresh and cooling too, abeit it's a little thin.
I love the sky - it's bright and the clouds were fabulous. There's no need to even have special lighting or flash. Just a simple camera will still capture such scenes. Afterall, it's unusually bright in the day.
I was mentally prepared for food available to us for this trip. I mean when you read books on Tibet and what do the locals usually eat? Tea with Yak butter and mutton meat.
I guess one great advantage of lowering your expectations is you tend to have great surprises along the way! Which did happen - we had steamboat! Coupled with fresh vegetables, ribs (pork or mutton), potato, radish etc. We so loved this steamboat we went back another 2 times during the trip. I don't understand why this small shop was never crowded. It should.
八角街 Bakhor Street & 大昭寺 Jokhang Temple
Tibetan monks engaging in scripture debates.
The pious locals doing their prayers outside the temple - oblivious to others.
The candle room - each flame burns on donated yak butter.
With the first successful try of the local soup and steamboat, we went on to try another one - duck soup hohoho. To be honest, i never thought the food can be so good.
It was only when we reached Bakhor Street that i realised the reason for the presence of heavily armed Chinese soldiers there. That day was exactly the 1 year anniversary of a riot on the very same venue.
The soldiers were practically patrolling every street - you will not see them here since we are not allowed to capture them.
Just like any Tibetan temples, there is a heavy Yak butter smell welcoming you the moment you stepped inside. It doesn't smell that bad - you will soon get used to it. In fact, i pretty much enjoy their Yak butter tea as well!
Tibetan monks engaging in scripture debates.
The pious locals doing their prayers outside the temple - oblivious to others.
The candle room - each flame burns on donated yak butter.
With the first successful try of the local soup and steamboat, we went on to try another one - duck soup hohoho. To be honest, i never thought the food can be so good.
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