We left Lhasa having arranged our PSB (Public Security Bureau) tourist permits through the Govt. tourist agency. As mentioned, we had linked up with Carl and Tulli who we agreed to share the costs of a 7 day jeep journey to the border of Nepal (via the most interesting sights of Tibet).
The first day of the trip made it quite clear that we had been right in our decision to 'dump' the two wierd ladies that we had originally met as Carl and Tuuli were great fun (even if Tuuli's rating system of places that we had visited was a little strange .... ratings go from 4 to 10 and not the usual 1 to 10). Having said that Emma and I now adopt the 4 to 10 rating system so I guess it works!
Samye was a a fascinating place ... nothing there but the monastery and a few 'restaurants' but plenty of atmosphere. We stayed in the monastery which had pretty much the most revolting toilets that we have yet seen. All mod cons though as there was at least a tap where you could fill a filthy bowl with water to sluice down the sides of the hole (although it looked as if most people didn't actually bother with this).
The monastery itself was incredibly atmospheric and we were priveleged to be there during the changing of Lamas which involved a week long ceremony. We were in the temple when the monks were chanting, cymbols crashing and the horns (some of which were 12 foot long) were being blown. What we later found out was that the blowing of horns continued throughout the night ... so ... no sleep but a wonderful few hours sitting on the rooftop listening.
Samye was a a fascinating place ... nothing there but the monastery and a few 'restaurants' but plenty of atmosphere. We stayed in the monastery which had pretty much the most revolting toilets that we have yet seen. All mod cons though as there was at least a tap where you could fill a filthy bowl with water to sluice down the sides of the hole (although it looked as if most people didn't actually bother with this).
The monastery itself was incredibly atmospheric and we were priveleged to be there during the changing of Lamas which involved a week long ceremony. We were in the temple when the monks were chanting, cymbols crashing and the horns (some of which were 12 foot long) were being blown. What we later found out was that the blowing of horns continued throughout the night ... so ... no sleep but a wonderful few hours sitting on the rooftop listening.
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