Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Wednesday, April 28

Ingrid's birthday. We have risen to four hours to half five was the wake-up call and we left for five hours to airport for our flight to one of the highlights of this Travel: Lhasa. Unfortunately, at least five hours late. After negotiating, we were by Françoise carrier with a room in a hotel bit further. There we could rest, shower and breakfast. The was a Chinese breakfast, so that was not everything, but a experience to sour cabbage to taste (and spit out again). They did take some warm milk and rice, so rice pudding was very quickly produced. It was a hotel with a beautiful garden We have nice and quiet can mooch. Certainly better than at least five hours hanging around an airport. When we were picked up the aircraft was also present and was only confusion about what we had and flight number so which gate we had to have. Ultimately we are left half hours late. After a quiet flight of two hours and again at the same time the bus we arrived at our hotel (Banak Shool). It looks good and everything works. Some nice easy made a cup of broth. Then we ate with the group with Dunya. Western cake for dessert with the aged that are also a gift received by Françoise. Nice to bed after this long day and feckless.


Thursday, April 29

I slept for seven hours long, and then expanded in a hot tub area. We stayed in the hotel restaurant breakfast, which was very good. When does the light actually expedition, or should we really wait for the draw. Then we left at ten hours to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa Square gone. As always, the hotel is within walking distance of weather all important matters, great as it is regulated. It may not always luxurious, but then we go further down sightseeing and there we have no sense. A good bed, hot water and a working toilet is often enough. Tickets purchased for the temple, which are not cheap (Y70) but for several days. The temple is overwhelming and it is crowded with pilgrims. Everywhere they put money in images of the Buddha, even though they look like they themselves can not miss. Left and right are also large baskets money which you can swap them as pilgrims up multiple buddhas can put a donation. Why a matter of confidence, there's nobody to watch everyone and can therefore thus. The experience of the faith of these pilgrims is very that of the Meenakshi temple in Madurai (South India) and me back to tears. How can you and your whole soul salvation lay in a belief then I ask myself, while I while a lot of admiration for the people who can. After visiting the roof of the temple we decided this time not too long in the temple stay hanging, especially since we went to the summer palace of the Sera Monastery would go. We went for lunch at the Snowland Restaurant. During dinner we thought it might be better to within the center of Lhasa and continue the pilgrimage on walking and some souvenirs. Both cases are successful, we even shoes that we bought the river during the Drawing could cross. The latter gave a lot commotion, apparently only tourists buy souvenirs and no "normal" consumer goods such as shoes. Then, a Lhasa beer drinking on a terrace only Tibetans and overlooking the square in front of the Jokhang. Then we had to hurry home because we are both horrible to WC had, yet we found time to mantras and terrible ugly heads now. Back at the hotel we came to Angela and Ingrid together and have some gesnackt drunk and in the restaurant. Then I bought a Chinese jacket for Y120, I had already a few times and thought it was very nice, so for those price I could anyway. All you might wear even once at Christmas. Soon return to the Jokhang Temple for the prayer of the monks. Since we were alike again within half hour earlier to the pilgrims (stores of course no sense at all, but we were as it were inside controlled). The prayer of the monks was something very impressive case. They were then given some money (per Y3 person) from our donation, bread and tea. Together we Snowland dinner at the hotel even before we have done a beer. Nice to bed on time, it is finally break.


Friday, April 30

Queensday in tibet. I slept, in the Netherlands Finally a day off. After that we at our leisure to the Potalapaleis walked. As a tourist we had of course After the investment of Y100 (and it's not even a CD) if we through and make a good climb to the entrance of the palace. At the top we first bought a book with postcards of the interior (later dropped a bit disappointing). Inside we saw that it was not still on photos to catch. Such magnificence can only be with your own eyes behold, that's on a postcard or photo set to get. A lot of Buddha statues, but also 3D mandalas and beautiful murals. Halfway through the walk between all galleries we have still a chance eight treasures tea tea drunk. Sido and Frankie sat there too. When we left the Palace went so we had to very gently to both pee and we looked at the toilet. DAS deep pools was natural again a hole in the floor, but this time at least four floors down. After visiting the interior and the wonderful experience of the high toilets, we walked to the Potala and have Lukhangtempel visited the Dragon King Pool. When we park Y3 went in we had to pay admission, the temple was free (There was at least no one asked for money while still someone walking around). In the park we saw for the first time near the plants to serve kettle. Very inventive, a dish containing a type of boiler water. The water to the boil by the reflection of the sun, here at this altitude of course very strong. Via a detour we returned to the hotel. En route we have called home when we heard from his grandfather blood already had. He is obviously deteriorated rapidly, but do it only at the end of May to come back to the specialist. Yet it was awfully scared, we have there at night and still had discussed whether we should go home go. But we still decided to go even it took some effort, we are always as good at home if necessary. We still take the kids emailed and asked if they wanted to stop by and wanted to call. We are only in the hotel stayed to eat.


Saturday, May 1

There is a visit to the monastery of Ganden in the program. We deal with eight people, so the bus is more expensive than we had expected, too bad, but nothing to do, we can not to walk. On the way we made some photo stops. In the monastery, we got a first tour. We gave Françoise we went through and we come back to the group would if we add the bus departed. After just having we walked the kora little to do. This was not only completely, finally, we more or less lost. Luckily we were on a mountain and we could have reasonably orientation, but we came to the wrong instance side of the sky burial site, and we had to cross over back on the path to come. Some things are not so pleasant. Fortunately there was no funeral for a while longer and been we saw some small bones behind not lie, but still. When we got back to Lhasa, we have something small in Dunya ate, walked around and bought some souvenirs. Way to the hotel to freshen up I have a dress to measure jacket because none of the two was nice pants. The had some trouble in the ground before the lady understood that the dress the next day was to be completed i.v.m. we left the next day. Her English and my Chinese was not so good we meet without hands and feet could make clear what had to be done. Dared to measure anyway and, of course After negotiating the price. Ridiculously expensive: a dress to be custom fit for Y100. In the evening we ate together in Naga, a restaurant only ten days open. Very good food, but when we cognac Cointreau and ordered the boys had the control or went to the boss to call to ask what it should costs. It has some different things, it was certainly a very nice, quiet and not very Tibetan restaurant. After dinner we went for a nightcap to Dunya. Nice shot, I went home, accompanied by Piet and Ingrid.


Sunday, May 2

We would first just do some walking around, but came up later that glass would be nice to rent a bike and Sera Monastery to go. That rent bikes that went all not so easy, it took quite a while two bikes before there were no defects found showed. Piet also had to go back to the hotel because We do not deposit enough with us. Succeeded eventually went we set off. Because we apparently had the exit to the monastery missed, we are very nice places been mostly rural. Here we thought that the monastery all the way up a mountain lag, but that could hardly. That turned out too. But then back to the road and into the center of Lhasa, we had Finally, though a substantial number of monasteries seen, so a less was not so bad. Then the trouble with the chain of my bicycle. Flew off at every turn, finally, Piet but my bike and made at least ten times the chain again need to impose. When we had left the country saw We missed the exit to the Sera (that anyone who could missing was equally incomprehensible). Yet only a ticket purchased for the monastery to go see. Delicious walked around and just over a hallway beaten, there was also a row at least half hour and we had no feel. Back to the hotel to the bikes returned, of course quite some discussion about the price. They went because of the time we had expressed that we wanted a bike rent and forgot about the three wartier they have been busy good working order two bikes to give. The dress had to be retrieved. I just had to take a small piece of it, so we had once again (2 hours later he was ready). Walk go to the nunnery and two towels purchased the draw for pegs and because it is preferable as so windy. Then we stuff for the trek packed and we got together with Angela and Ingrid have dinner at Naga. Very nice it again with those two ladies.


Monday, May 3

It will begin the first day of trekking to the holy more Yamdruk-Tso. I so looked to have and which I also really wanted to do this trip (instead of eg Djoser or other organization). First we have to bus to the starting position of the four days. Because the pass which is normally closed, we crossed earlier away. Also the alternative route is of course fully work thus bumping and delays abound. After lunch noodle soup with a half-hour by bus. We would also a monastery, but there was no time for it because otherwise we too late for our "campsite" would arrive. Piet and I were as usual the last to arrive, I can just do not run very fast at altitude, but it was a path, So we could not get lost. On arrival we had equal The tent in which a number of people helped each other as they themselves were ready. After setting up the tents, we coffee and tea with cookies, it is particularly well care of us. There is a large tent with a bed and table and enough benches for everyone to leave, we do not on the ground to eat. After the coffee was for eight hours brought the food, rice with various groentenprutjes. At ten past nine we went to bed. Fell asleep in the first authority not count because we tent to a straight position had put. Thus it took a while before we had a position found not live where we moved and Piet could also sleep. Around one hour we had it done and we could quiet sleep.


Tuesday, May 4

The second day of trekking, it is now serious. To half past six The alarm went off, we are not yet proficient and campers So expect to need a longer time for packing the mats, sleeping bags and above the tent. That knocked therefore nice, good thing we got up a little earlier, so we did not to hurry. It was still quite chilly when we got up, so all we were not too hot when we went for breakfast in the big tent. At eight o'clock breakfast at half past eight and walking, a nice time, began to warm up nicely. First there was the walk quite flat, but then it started to be a little less flat. Angela and I stayed together, we have it on this terrain both a bit harder than the rest. Piet and Françoise stayed with us, so a nice club. Until lunch We walked four and a half hours. For lunch and had the cook his helpers with egg fried rice for us, of course along coffee and tea. After lunch would only drop his Françoise had said, but she had forgotten to say that a steady climb in first Sat Perhaps its a piece of cake, but Angela and I broke our nice breath. We are at a point and sit on the tractor the peasant jumped accompanying us. It took We in the group, except Piet, who took a sprint across the mountains around us still secretly on top of. After last bit of hiking on a plain and a valley, we arrived at the campsite. Camping between quotes to indicate that it was nothing more than a plain on the edge of the lake, with no provision. Urination and so Just in the open air behind a rock (you) and washing in the icy water of the lake (not). Independent of the tent and afterwards fitted nicely eat and go to bed on time.


Wednesday, May 5

Woke up with a pounding headache. Walking is not in today, BALES AS A PLUG, especially for Piet, who decided to stay with me. I found that really nonsense, I could best only with the truck. Eventually I found the course fine, he helped set up the tent, so I was on the destination what could rest and sleep. Woke up with a pounding headache. Walking is not there. In the meantime what is Piet's toes and has met what old people on the land, yakboterthee drunk in a village nearby and some nice pictures. The group was already back in six hours, even harder bales, it would still get along Piet can go. Anyway what is eaten, the headache was happy At the end of the day again.


Thursday, May 6

I was at night watchman and heard that it was snowing. Actually hear that there is a bit like when you're in the Himalayas camps. Of course the cold weather to urinate. Happy everyone was asleep and that was just beside the tents. Specifically, a thin layer of snow and a full moon, the environment and especially the lake and surrounding mountains, a beautiful color. When we Morning woke up we heard a big scream from Angela who first saw snow. Equal throughout the camp awake. Fortunately it did not snow more and started after breakfast what temperature to rise, breaking down the tent was very cold. It was a walk of about two and a half hours before we returned to the village where we were the draw had started. We have the same eating a noodle restaurant again. When we wanted to enter the bus was not there. Piet had already seen it, but now he was nowhere to be seen. It appeared that the driver just had to refuel without Françoise tell. When we finally finished and said goodbye inherited from our caregivers, we were still here by a Chinese soldier shot and off we went again, a richer experience. In three hours we drove to Gyantse, en route we stopped at a glacier that very pushy tibetans in the picture wanted, of course, money. Arrived at the hotel a nice hot shower, there We were particularly after three days does not wash properly. In the restaurant we took a beer, and another when Angela just came along too. With almost all of the group have We ate at the Yak Hotel. When we came back in the room there was a leak in the bathroom to sit. We could not even to the toilet without really be soaked. When we were reported at the reception we got another room offered, but that there was a Chinese with a toilet and there I did not settle. Our guide heard that after Wang and offered to exchange, he would be outside the toilet when he was. His room was excellent and quickly wrapped up after having room, we exchanged.


Friday, May 7

We had breakfast at the hotel and to the entire group the cloister walk. The monastery was very impressive, especially the stupa, the largest tibet in all images of Buddhas and all forms of protectors. Have lunch together with Françoise eaten in the hotel, where we have nice chatting. Just before lunch her room she had ceded to us, they just did not otherwise, although we were well into the room after Wang. After Wang had only seven hours to evening hot water, so it was good that we had not exchanged back. After lunch we two of us walked to the fort, a terribly warm and tough climb, but also fun. I came back exhausted on the Ingrid and Angela room after we had found on a bench in the sun for the hotel. As we agreed with his celebrating illegal to eat. We were in fact only three Restaurants eat and we fed up a bit of it. We have a lot of fun, but also a great meal at Very nice back room of restaurant. The cook was enthusiastic and let us see with all requirements of tourists greetings ate with him. The only downside was the dessert: banana in caramel sauce, WAY too much, half leave, but ... very nice. Before dinner, we gave Wang After the book of the temple South India, he was very happy. Another cup of tea in the hotel and back for eleven hours to bed.


Saturday, May 8

On the way to Shigatse we went to the Shalu Monastery been That was very nice and impressive. The monastery itself is not large, but does have a lot of images. At noon we went to the bank were to change. It's like the town hall Bossche, the single point of contact pick and pay for the other (or vice versa). Then we with the group at the residence of the Panchen Lama went. When we were finished we have a beer with Françoise done on a real tibetan terrace, you could also authentic dishes such as stuffed sheep's head. This time but here we have beaten. We then with most of the group at Tashi eaten, they were already there in the hotel stuff again caught, we go again, this time to Latshe.


Sunday, May 9

Wietske birthday. Breakfast was again at Tashi, too crazy for words that we are but a few places to eat, but so be it. Along the way we Roodkapsekte Monastery Sakya visited. It is small and dilapidated and because Sunday was there were few monks and was therefore not much open. Then we fried noodles eaten with the group in monastery restaurant, pretty good. Latshe way to go where we arrived bright and early. This time the hotel is more primitive, but clean. There is no bathroom, but shared toilet block and a thermos of hot water with a bucket for washing. In the afternoon we enjoyed sitting on the porch with Angela, Ingrid, Suzanne and Gertjan, a beer and tasty gossip. When we sat down the list came to breakfast time tomorrow so we could leave. Later we took those four also have dinner in a Tibetan restaurant where we were a bit overly warm welcome. They we literally flew around the neck, and started at a time is boring. The food was not so good, but may well be a time. When we got back to the inn we were still the hotel owner and his family with music, song and dance.


Monday, May 10

After breakfast was not waiting (which is simply not was delicious) we continued drive to Tingri. On the way we made a few steps, the La Lung La pass at 5050 meter and Gyatsola pass of 5220 meters. We we arrived really early in our guesthouse overlooking Mount Everest. It has some such a special journey. Piet went after lunch a few hours walk away, I was there do not want to. Because he is also perfect alone can I enjoy sitting on the porch reading and writing. Some of the others had plans to leave the village walk, too, for I had no energy. Then Piet and the rest of the team we came back on the porch together some drunk. We would do the farewell dinner that evening, partly Françoise told because we had our own traditional closing on the last night of the trip. After dinner, we do have a rice table, we Françoise her envelope provided.


Tuesday, May 11

For five thirty the alarm went off, we will go to Nepal, back to the familiar Kathmandu. After a reasonably good breakfast candlelight we left at seven hours to the delight of a German who complained that the bus engine was already half hours turning. En route to the border, we stopped a few times for photos. After an unexpectedly rapid border, complete with control body i.v.m. possible SARS outbreak we Landrovers transported by a piece of no man's land. The last piece until the next border of Nepal's our luggage worn by boys. At one time you could not Françoise respect that a little boy with the bag went to Piet lug and thus took over. The travel agent who walked near her took him about it. Piet has him so back of Françoise taken over and the last piece of themselves. Arriving at the restaurant for lunch, the guide visa documents, passports and passport photos. After some everyone was waiting for the lunch that was fine. Under the enjoying a beer waiting is also on the food Not so long, so it was all good. After lunch we continued to drive the warm Nepal, you Notes like that you sit much lower. It was an exciting trip down along the mountains, sometimes scary rickety bridge over and along narrow paths. In the Kathmandu Valley is once again stopped, so we came at many checkpoints. Stop for some water and other things there was almost impossible, until the driver had a shop where we and the back half in the dark what could purchase. After a real police escort through the back streets and five hours we arrived at the hotel. Another good hotel, in the immediate vicinity of all important issues including Durbar Square. In the evening we go (and of course fun) Angela Ingrid and have dinner at Mitra's Cafe. Serve with a bottle wine and a dessert and coffee.


Wednesday, May 12

A whole day in Kathmandu. There is still a strike to progress and we can not go as planned with Gertrude and Suzanne to Bakthapur. In addition, most shops are closed, but we would entertain us anyway. Piet still knows your way. First we had breakfast on the terrace a real tourist. Nice, but too much. Then I tried a T-shirt Order it in the itinerary. I had seen of Françoise and I found it very nice. Unfortunately there was a delivery time of two days and since we had to leave the next day seemed not an option. Walked through the park to Durbar Square and there a great time at the temple sat and looked at what's happened in the square. It was little i.v.m. the strike. Françoise and Angela and Ingrid came a little chat. After wandering what we came for lunch go to the Kathmandu Guesthouse. Nice and relaxed. In the afternoon there were already more shops open and got I have it done there is still a T-shirt made me would be. The next day would be ready for 11 hours, so that was fine. Soon as some shopping money and a big scarf jacket for years, then to the hotel to freshen up. As usual we decided to vacation together with a luxury nice dinner, this time at Yin Yang. We had the last time all been eaten and that was delicious. There is in some respects nothing has changed, it was still as good. To bed after an evening of drinks, impressions and fatigue.


Thursday 13 and Friday, May 14

The travel day back, too bad it's over, glad I went Go home. First we took the T-shirt collection. That was of course re not ready, but I could wait. I'm right that Ryer of January even included, it is nonsense to use more wait. Afterwards I had sorry, I just did the mess should send, but we have to hurry to our rotten still time in the hotel. We had said goodbye Françoise and Ingrid did so now, Gert and Suzanne, who all remain a little longer. After a short bus ride we were by the supervisor at the airport dropped, not that he went in with me. We could all find out for yourself. That was wrong on two fronts, as first we were at the wrong check and secondly kept everyone Nepali rupees with him because we thought at the Delhi airport is able to create and / or exchange. We knew that because we do a layover ten! hours had. Luckily we were at the right time check and are not dropped off at the airport tax desk, but all are not attributable to the one that we should have support. Before we went through the gate, our luggage again emptied, even though he went through the scan. I feared my china cups from Lhasa, and there was not happy. Piet had his hand in rechargeable batteries, which were dangerous. On ramp had the handbag again open, I do not understand what inspired these people. When I top came to the stairs I asked if she wanted to check again, but they saw that it was a joke and I found them the whole thing three times to check the cabin itself also a bit ridiculous. Had a smooth flight to Delhi, where we are in a Transit were dumped. Before we were guided towards it were above expectation we have our batteries. We have hung around for dinner. When we got to the top of the Angela restaurant ate what we found out that the Nepalese rupees could not be redeemed. In addition, there no alcohol, there were elections again India (it will not be). Strange then that the Duty Free stores all sorts of things were sold. The waiter was certainly not happy when I paid by credit card and therefore do not tip could give. After some more hanging around, we saw more and more people with a boarding card through the check, whereas Our travel agent was not there before. That would be for us check. I saw the storm again hung, tried to use two places side by side, I did not feel again. I walked the counter and just waited so long until the officer was there. They obviously had their passports again and again after a while waiting and chatting with a Canadian business trip we could finally at half past two (at night) boarding. Another quiet flight and hang out after we land at Schiphol airport in Frankfurt. As we said goodbye to the group and started train tickets buy. With only ten minutes late, we arrived at 's-Hertogenbosch Central we have the bus home taken. We first arrived but went to the oldies, Patrick called and evening were Peter & Saskia, so we were right about the jet lag. Again a lot richer experiences on the following destination.

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