Tibet: in the bowels of the Potala
Top of the buttresses that support the Potala to plunge into the heart of the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama is like crossing the drawbridge of one of those castles of Amadis of Gaul that lit the holy madness of Don Quixote our universal.
The night has been prodigal in fireworks, insomnia and headaches merciless. The rain has been, it was time, the Chinese annals and gave us good news: The Potala is open again. We got the tickets to the race and we have cited twenty eleven. There are waiting to entertain and what better to get on the Chagpo-Ri viewpoint, the hill from which you enjoy the best views of Lhasa. The show is fascinating from this box that lets you see the pilgrims who come to do the kora (circuit surrounding the places of worship of Tibetan Buddhism) Potala spinning their prayer wheels and flailing their prayers with devotion.
The Show 1.000 Room
We are not alone. There is a flood of tourists, as we, spent several days waiting for the Chinese official end to the celebrations to set foot in this giant golden roofs white. Once inside, overwhelm the monumental funerary stupas of the Dalai Lamas, the fifth (3.700 kilos of gold and 15 meters) above any other, Current and rooms Buddhism's spiritual father, to the faithful walk with special veneration (ie not just considering that display photographs of the Dalai Lama is still a risky sport). For an hour and a half travel with parsimony intricate corridors of this fort with over a thousand rooms and a huge library.
The road down the esplanade is a delight. A few steps ahead, a monk is hoarse talking on the phone. On stone Potala immaculate pinholes are observed. I ask. "They are to place red flags", listen.
For an hour and a half travel with parsimony intricate corridors of this fort with over a thousand rooms and a huge library.
Once down, insistence on recorrer of heart, flanked by rows and rows of prayer wheels and stalls where pilgrims can buy your rosaries, yak butter lamps and. A picture lasts forever, that of a woman cachectic, consumed by years, that does not remove eye while rummaging in the backpack Bethlehem. Just measured body feet sarmentoso, poured out like a raisin. In the end he decides and asks us water bottle. They offer it with a smile and ask permission to take a photograph. But now that he has taken a run, wants money. We made our way.
It's noon and sweltering during the half hour it costs us go all this spiritual journey that circles the Potala. Half an hour during which sun rays sting you neck as you try to understand something and you can not help but feel like a Japanese Sales bulls confusing with halters.
18 liters of water and three oxygen bottles
The later must be seized to buy some groceries. Tomorrow we begin our long journey to Kathmandu through the Himalayas with stellar stop at base camp on Everest north face, which shelters the legendary Rongbuk Glacier. In the Tibetan expedition kitt the water can not miss, much water, to try to combat altitude sickness. Buy twelve bottles of pints, 18 liters in total, by 48 yuan, and three oxygen bottles. Son bombonas ligeras, plastic, which can be applicable in case of emergency. A countryman with signs indicates that the best way to inhale the air is directly through the nose, regardless of the mask. Never disregard the advice of a local. We also bought some nuts, Small Bars of chocolate, rolls, snacks varied and vacuum packaging kebabs and mutton dried invite not just to feast.
Away from home happiness, sometimes, not more than a few sips of beer and some cooked pasta and godliness.
Clouds begin to close the north, which does not bode well considering that we are still in monsoon season. The rain rages furiously when night falls. There was only water and darkness. Tomorrow we leave at dawn and you have to go to bed early, even to fight with the pillow and listen as the drill echoes inside your head. In a few hours we will overcome the 5.000 meters. How our bodies react? Are we prepared? These days of acclimatization in Lhasa have had to count for something. In this spirit we say goodbye to the capital of Tibet with a memorable dinner in the Dunya, junto al Yak Hotel. The noodles with vegetables or yak meat are unmatched. Fred, owner, is a German based in Lhasa for years that does not lose detail so that your guests leave with a smile on his stomach. Away from home happiness, sometimes, not more than a few sips of beer and some cooked pasta and godliness. For what may come, enjoy the eating as if they were the last supper.
Comments (3)
Tweets that mention In the bowels of the Potala | Cultural Tourism - Cultural Tours -- Topsy.com
| #
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alicia Ortego, Graciela Vina and Trips to the Past, Travel to the Past. Said Past trips: In the bowels of the Potala http://j.mp/iamtFo via @AddToAny […]
Answer
Pep
| #
I love his proposals, not where they get so much time to travel. I recommend the product to all my fellow travelers
Answer
belen
| #
I follow with great interest . in the bowels of POTALA. ricardo still deleintandonos with your writing. CONGRATULATIONS . NILA ELENA
Answer