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The trip to Tibet was amazing, however the over riding feeling were these emotions; wonder, amazement, shock, anger, and disgust. The Government of China feels they have the right and they certainly have the means to destory this whole culture - after thousands of years. No wonder SO MANY people have joined the cause. It's not just about Tibetan independence - it's the WAY they are doing it.
This is what I wrote on Trip Advisor;
Out of the companies control - The train - the only *first class* accommodation with a *soft sleeper* is for 4 people. Mixed company is usual. There are no shower facilities and the toilets are male-female shared. Be prepared to see excrement in the squat toilets. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer - it is not common to see either in Chinese bathrooms.
One note about Tibet - the Chinese military is everywhere and there are timed checkpoints on almost all the roads. If you plan to do some free time exploring - forget it. You must plan your trip in every detail (which the Tibetan Tours will help you with) prior to travel; then put up with all the checkpoints with passport showings, road delays (so the guides are not fined if early or late) and general communist type bullying. As well, you cannot send packages out of the country (ie to Canada) so do not buy things that cannot go into your suitcase.
The people of Tibet are peaceful and kind - very dedicated to their version of Buddhism. The Chinese military in Tibet is harsh, angry and makes you feel uncomfortable. There are no less than 10 HUGE military compounds with 1000s of military there. Chinese government *listeners* are in the tourist attractions.
In my opinion - the present Chinese government is well on its way to ruining Tibet and exploiting the country for their rich mineral deposits and tourism. They have kicked out Tibetan businesses in main areas in Lhasa and allowed Chinese immigrant businesses to flourish. Tibetans are poor and mistreated. It seems they intend to continue their exploitation of Tibet more for the mineral resources there and to accommodate the Chinese bulging population in their country. While they try and veil the way Tibetan people have been treated, it is fairly obvious to an astute person what is going on here....so sad
While is China - I listened every night to the English Chinese news channel. The Asian countries were attending a conference for 'Asian Independence' from World powers who try and manipulate them (flash - Pres. Obama) and on 'fighting' the 3 evil forces of extremism, terrorism and separation. Putin attended this conference. He has the same mindset. It was they want to 'take over' or at least control all the Asian countries. Right around this time, there was a bomb that went off in the Xigjang Province in a relatively small and peaceful market. The first person they interview is a Muslim preacher, (guilty by inference). He was clearly shocked and no one came forward to claim the act - which is usual for terabit groups. 39 people were killed and 75 injured…they were interviewed immediately and said - the government should do whatever it takes to bring these criminals to justice. The government then sent in thousands of troops to quell the uprising - there wasn't any. I truly believe they set off this bomb and killed their own people so they could send so many troops in there - why? There is an underground uprising (my guide told me) to also separate from China because the locals are so mistreated and they are raping their land for minerals.
This is the country we PROSTITUTE ourselves for - the almighty dollar. Have the Western societies become so selfish, shallow and greedy that money becomes the only measure we have for 'success? There are other cultures that do not do this at all - their belief systems, customs and taking care of family and each other and the earth that feeds and clothes them are far more important. Perhaps only they will survive the next ice age - or worldwide natural disaster, because I'm not sure we deserve it. Chinese certainly do not.
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