#51 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (TIBET #1- Train from Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet)

The journey to Tibet has been a life's dream. For as long as I remember, its mysterious history and the hopes and the tribulations and the complications in its existence have been of fascination. But any pre-conceptions must adjust rather quickly to reality, for I was on a train, filled to capacity with fellow travellers from around the world, hoping to be one of the first to get a glimpse into this enigmatic and emerging culture.

Most fellow travellers were from various parts of China. Our soft-sleeper-cabin was shared by 2 Chinese (a young lady from Beijing off to see and impress her boyfriend, who happens to own a famous Restaurant in Lasa, and my invaluable friend Arthur), 1 young Japanese girl, back-packing, and myself, the "odd" Westerner from America.

All of us were on a 48 hr. train oddessy, from East to West, across 6 of China's Provinces, leaving Beijing at 9 p.m at night on the newly constructed direct train-line, arriving in Lasa 2 days later. The railroad-journey to the "the roof of the world" was of course part of the adventure, since this railway had only been open for 6 weeks to visitors. July 1st, 2006 marked its opening to a fanfare of ceremonies and pride within the Chinese Nation.

The controversy surrounding Tibet is obvious in a special permit, that all foreign visitors must obtain before entering this now "Autonomous Region" of China. The permit seemed rather easy to obtain, when booking with one of the special agencies responsible for Tibet Travel. Our agent in Beijing was of very personal service.

It will take a number of entries to do justice to the experiences, that make up the visit to this spectacular place called Tibet, which is still lost somewhere in time. Though the Capitol Lasa seems confused by thousands of visitors, who come as pilgrims to a "holy" place, and the thousands more, who now come as if they had discovered a new "Disney World", life has changed little from what it was hundreds of years ago, only a few miles outside of the Capitol's city limits.

The attached photos are meant as "hours d'oevre" to a deeply-felt, personal adventure and an important moment in my life. MY NEXT 3 and more detailed photo-journal-entries on my observations of some wonderous images left by this visit may offer a glimpse into a world, some 12,000 feet above sea-level, that has stood still in time, at least for the now. (I hope you will continue to read the journal and see the photos in TravelBlog Entry #52, #53, and #54)

It will take some contemplation and a number of commentaries to augment the many photos I have collected, and place into perspective my impressions, and to share all I have witnessed and done over these last few weeks. I hope you will enjoy these few summary-photos for now, all of which were made possible by the great efforts of my friend Arthur, to whom I am very grateful.

Let me also take a moment to thank the many, who are so faithful in staying in touch with me. I never realized how often and how fondly I would think of you here on the other side of the world, and how blessed I have been as a teacher at Coral Gables Sr. High School for so many years:

To my former students, who need to know, that I too miss all of you very much. Remember, that there is a wonderful world waiting for each of you. Your efforts now will enhance your chances to create, and live to visit an ever more hopeful, beautiful, and harmonious world. Take your studies seriously, and permit your new teacher to take you to new hights of understanding, and be grateful to her many efforts. Let her know that you are thankful, by being and doing your best.

To everyone in my former Foreign Language Dept., you are part of a special family, that is so often in my heart and thoughts. I am learning the lesson, that it is as painful and difficult to leave ones place of work, where every day was filled by your caring and concern for the students and each other. You will each remain a part of my life forever.

To the many other collegues and friends, both inside and outside Coral Gables, who have shown me kindness and caring, I look forward to seeing you again, and encourage each to look for a life's adventure "out-side of the box". Arthur has encouraged me to let everyone know, that Taizhou Teachers College will welcome you for a visit anytime.

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