Getting in a Spiritual frame of mind...

It is immediately evident upon arriving in Tibet that Tibetans are very spiritual people. On leaving Lhasa and heading west in the Landcruiser, we visited Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse and then Sakya Monastery, which is a 10th century Buddhist monastery set high in the hills. Both are in incredibly well preserved condition (despite the ravages of the Cultural Revolution which destroyed many religious places in Tibet and across China). The monks are in residence and the traditions - if not the 'original' Panchen Lama - are still in place.

You're not allowed to take photos inside the temples which means most of the amazing religious art has to stay inside the head of the person viewing it. Not a problem if you're here but for blog purposes, a hint of the art does creep outside the temple walls (a monk did look askance at my pink toenails though):

We are now into the second week of the Landcruiser tour. Facilities are pretty limited out here (this is a random internet cafe literally in the middle of nowhere) so we will update things when we can. Shaun is busy perfecting his Old Man Time beard at the moment so is staying out of photos but I will get a shot of it on here in a week or so.

M