Tashi Dele

I guess it pays to get to the airport early, I was second in line. Originally I was concerned my bags may be overweight based on Eastern China Air's website, but I had no issues and they didn't even care my carry-on was heavier than the 7kg limit (Virgin Atlantic was more strict). After checking my bags, I get escorted to a security desk where they check my passport and my Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit, it seems all is in order and I'm free to travel to Tibet. Next stop - Lhasa.

Upon arriving in Lhasa, I immediately sense Tibet is like no other place on earth. But right now I'm sort of lost, I don't see my pick-up person, I don't know a single word in Chinese or Tibetan, and I'm not sure if Visit Tibet Tours really exists. This is when it hits me that I'm completely alone, don't know the language, and I really don't have a clue - why the fuck am I traveling alone to unfamiliar places? (Hopefully I'll have an answer when I'm done traveling)

As I follow people outside of the airport and about to get into a bus (of course the bus driver doesn't speak English, and points to the bus and says "Lhasa"), I noticed few people standing by the parking lot with signs. I skipped the bus and walk over the parking lot and I see a sign - KIM EDWARD - yes, someone is looking over me! My tour guide's friend (can't remember her name) is standing there with the sign and now my epic journey in Tibet is about to begin.

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and is the only place within the region where one does not need to have a guide. Outside of Lhasa, one must have the TTB permit and be escorted by a guide along with hired transportation.

Along the way into Lhasa, we picked up Mathieu (Mat) at the train station and drove straight to our hotel (Shangbala Hotel), in the Old Town district, just steps from the Barkhor Square.
Barkhor Square is the heart of Lhasa and a focal point of many political protests and battles between Chinese and Tibetans - most recently the 2008 protest. The addition of Dico's (tacky fast-food joint) at the western corner is a shameless infiltration of Chinese capitalism. On the eastern end of the Barkhor Square is The Jokhang - the most revered religious structure in Tibet.