Blog 4 Lhasa 24 hours on a train and 3 police checks later we were allowed into Tibet. Huge police and military presence, including artillery, here and permits only began to be issued a few days ago, (having been stalled during March) and then stopped again to groups less than 3 so we feel honored to be here.  We have acclimatized already as the train took us to 5400 meters and Lhasa is around 3400. Still a bit breathless on stair climbs. Days have been warm ...

Blog 3 Xian Hard sleeper on the night train was a better experience than the hard seats we have previously used although little sleep was had.  It's always a shock arriving at a new place. Train stations are always crowded and it is easy to spot the white guys so we have a rush of people wanting to sell maps and offer taxi services.  After a catch up nap, we headed to the East Gate of the city wall. The wall here ia amazing, totally intake it surrounds the c...