To Chengdu then on to the TOP OF THE WORLD

Writing this Sunday Nov 9th
Left Cambodia for Chengdu on our jet. While in Chengdu we went to a Panda Research center. As we walked into the center there was lots of vendors pushing stuffed Panda bears and even Panda ties (mmm just what I wanted.ds) We walked by a walled and moated area where the Pandas were on display. The first group of four were eating fresh bamboo, going at it like they have never eaten before. They were sitting up eating and on their backs and were very cool looking. As we walked we saw more pandas sleeping and playing. There were more Pandas here than in any Zoo that I have ever seen. Then to the nursury. All the women on this trip were in gaga land looking at these baby Pandas. They were in a large crib sleeping. The looked like they were stuffed to me. Actually they moved while the sleeped. There was a nurse there feeding one of the Pandas human breast milk. Apparently collected by the research center from the locals and they are "paid handsomely for it".

We then flew from Chengdu to Lhasa, Tibet. Our hotel is supposed to be at about 13,000 ft. The air is really thin and during the winter season the O2 is really thin. We have been taking meds for the altitude and Doug has been doing fine while Bets has had a headache here and there. Yesterday we arrived and went to the largest and best orphanage in Tibet. The kids presented several song and dance routines for us. They were very cute. We were allowed into their homes. Homes are basic although they were well decorated. During the winter the only heat comes from the kitchen, (it can really get cold in the winter). Part of our trip fee paid for several donations to schools along the way including this orphanage. We then came to the hotel where we were greeted by the famous Yak Dance. In the afternoon after lunch we went to the Yokhang Temple. This temple was from the year 700 and is still in use today an is kept up by the monks. No pictures inside but I took lots of picts on the grounds. Each temple has a home for the Dhali Lama. This one looked great from the outside. Very colorful and lots of gold on top. The markets are always interesting. The first one that we went to was inside and was very organized and had lots of art and antiques. We bought a few things there. Borkhar market is no different than most outside markets. It lined the large square where 6 months or so ago there was lots of fighting in Lhasa. The views were classic market views. Lots of hawkers and beggers. You are not supposed to go up and really look at something unless you plan to buy it. They will follow you down the street in some cases. It did not happen to me but one of our friends did get harrased. I walked deep into the markets to get the full affect. Betsey went back to the hotel a little early and I was wandering on my own. Got tons of great shots of the market and the local people. Came back to the hotel and rested before dinner. We slept on these beds that felt like box springs. We both actually slept pretty good. And that brings us to just about now....