I have booked an agency to help me get into Tibet. Apparently the new rules and regulations require that I use an agency that has been approved by the Chinese government. I have received conflicting reports in the past week that some of these agencies are quite good. Others are not so good and travellers have been left stranded. I have already purchased an airline ticket to Lhasa so I have my fingers crossed that everything will be OK. I also heard today that the Dalai Lama is ill and was hospitalised. Most likely exhaustion, given his incredibly hectic schedule. I [View Full Entry]

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Today I received word that I am confirmed to visit Chitwan Park in Nepal. It's a jungle park in the south of the country, complete with elephants, rhinos, and muggers. Muggers are crocodiles that live in the marsh areas and they received their moniker after the British colonisers saw these loveable creatures dragging unsuspecting villagers to the water. To further enhance their reputation, the marsh muggers are related to the Australian saltwater crocodile. If only Mick Hogan was going to be travelling with me. [View Full Entry]

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OK, so after many, many e-mail messages and reviews and explanations, I am set for my trip to Tibet. Apparently, I have to go as a member of an official tour group. But I will be a group of one. I think this is a peculiarity that the Chinese insist on. I will have a guide with me when I visit Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse. From my other readings, some of these guides are completely useless and nothing more than Chinese government employees mostly paid to make sure I only go where I am supposed to go and that I don't [View Full Entry]

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Nepal! I am in the stages of planning this little excursion. On the agenda is Chitwan Park to see elephants and rhinos. Then a flight to see Everest....I ain't gonna climb it and since I am going to be in the neighbourhood, I feel I should at least see it. I am looking forward to Divali in Kathmandu. Then, Tibet. [View Full Entry]

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It's a go! I received word a few days ago that the Chinese government has lifted travel restrictions for foreigners into Tibet. Onward and upward, literally! I hope to see Lhasa and some monasteries and maybe get out in some more rural areas. I have no idea what to expect. [View Full Entry]

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In late January of 2008, I felt that I should visit Tibet. And Nepal. And throw in India too. Why not, I was going to be in the area. So the research starts. The requisite readings of Lonely Planet. And a gazillion other pieces of material on where to go, what to see, what to eat, what not to eat, where to stay, etc. It was coming along swimmingly. Too good, in fact. In March there were political problems in Tibet. Of course, this was right after I had made contact with a tour agency to get me to Lhasa. Apparently, [View Full Entry]

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