Trailing Tibet.

Locals turning their prayer wheels while walking around Jokhang Temple.

I never really thought of myself as a spiritual kinda guy, but when we were planning for our April trip late last year, Tibet sprung onto our table for discussion. Heck, Aisyah wasn't even part of the plan when it conceived! Boy, were we glad to finally make it to Lhasa (since permit issues were a bitch.) We were on a tour, so everything was pretty much covered. I know this sounds a little dramatic, but Tibet feels like a whole new world, or realm if you will. I don't think I've seen any place quite like it, perhaps this “magical touch” is what attracts tourists the most.

Since Tibet is a Buddhist state, everywhere you turn you'll see something related to Buddhism. I think I have seen more monasteries, temples and monks in Tibet than anywhere else I've been. One thing that drew my attention was the prayer wheel, some of which has extremely intricate designs. It is said that each wheel is filled with prayers, and each turn releases thousands of prayers.

Despite the fact that the sun was constantly out, the temperature could drop drastically, mainly because of Tibet's high altitude. Speaking of, the headaches and breathing difficulties were nothing to joke about. We were struggling so badly during our stay in Namtso Lake that we had to use the portable oxygen to help ease things a little. Aisyah and I were panting like dogs with each step, sans oxygen.

To be honest, my favorite part of the trip was our short respite at Yamdrok Lake. From the mountains nearby, we had a good view of the turquoise lake. Up close, the lake looked even better! The water was clear and it just made me feel very close to nature. Moments like these, I feel very small and insignificant (but in a good way) and I appreciate my life even more. Again, very drama but it's true!

Where to next for a holiday, I wonder?

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