Stirring up the Chinese: Lhasa (Apr. 28

Lhasa is the traditional capital of Tibet and the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the R.P. China, in Tibetan Buddhism is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet. The altitude is approximately 3,650 m (11,975 ft) being one of the highest cities in the world.

Tibetan prayer wheels (called Mani wheels by the Tibetans) are devices for spreading spiritual blessings and well being.

The fifth Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso (1617–1682), conquered Tibet and moved the center of his administration to Lhasa, as the religious and political capital of Tibet. In 1645 the rconstruction of the Potala Palace began on Red Hill. In 1648, the Potrang Karpo (White Palace) of the Potala was completed, and the Potala was used as a winter palace by the Dalai Lama from that time. The Potrang Marpo (Red Palace) was added between 1690 and 1694. The name Potala is possibly derived from Mount Potalaka.

The palace is extremely big and stuffed with thousands of buddhas, praying and sleeping rooms of all Dalai Lamas starting from the the fifth one. Everywhere you look, Tibetian images in green, red, yellow, blue and of course gold. There are tons of it. For instance, the fifth Dalai Lama was burried in a 12 m high tomb consisting of 3721kg of gold and over 10000 precious stones! The air is filled with thick smells of burned yak butter and incense.

On top of the roof of the world.

The Tibetian Buddhist praying towards the Potala Palace.

http://www.myvideo.de/watch/1538631

Yak butter is sold everywhere. You can use it either for sacrificing or for making tea.

The Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square.

The Jokhang Temple.

Mani wheels are found all over Tibet. There are many types of Mani wheels, but small hand-held wheels, like the one shown here, are the most common by far. Tibetan people carry them around for hours, and even on long pilgrimages, spinning them any time they have a hand free!!!

Lao ber, I am taking the pig feet please, and a Lasa Pijiu!

For the first three days, we were always tired. We decided that altitude pills are for sissys and thus we faced the headaches and sleepiness. Walking around for a few hours was therefore already pretty exhausting. That's why we settled down for naps every now and then.

Ahh, one more hair sticking out, got it!

Ha, got her!

Lhasa is bordered in the south by Lhasa River.

another temple.

Prayer flags are colorful panels or rectangular cloths often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside. The colors represent the following elements: