Sunday was very interesting. We started the morning with beautiful views from the roof of our hotel. Then we went to Jokhang monastary that was built in the 7th century by the king who brought Buddhism to Tibet. We joined in the kora (clockwise circumambulation of the temple or monastary) and thoroughly enjoyed being swept along with the crowds. THere were young and old, walking and prostrating their way around the temple. There were vendors along the route selling food and prayer flags and souveniers but very little hawking. THe locals were nice and it was very friendly. The temple itself was very peaceful and fascinating with great views. The downsides were that large portions of hte temple were rebuilt by the Chinese after destroying it during the Cultural Revolution so it was disorienting to be in a building that appeared so old and remember most of it was built in 1989. And the hords of Chinese tourists were a little loud but if you waited til they left it was quite peaceful to sit and listen to the monks chant or look at the views.I saw the Dalai Lama's private residence that is in that temple. And then saw the tablet that lists teh Chinese/Tibet treaty signed in the 800s saying that both countries will remain autonomous and neither will invade the other. Surprisingly the Chinese left that when they completly gutted and rebuilt Barkhor Square in front of the temple. I had a great lunch of potato (and yak) momos and garlic nan and then wandered the streets doing a little shopping, seeing another monastary that used to house the famous statue that now resides in Jokhang, and then wandering down little side streets and seeing where the local Tibetans live. The afternoon was very peaceful because the locals are friendly and do not hassle you. I got a few odd looks sitting on the curb watching people go by but lots of genuine hellos and smiles without asking for money in return when I wondered in the local aread. It was a nice break from the touristy places I"ve been lately. After a little nap my group went to dinner together to a local rooftop restaurant. I had a great vegetable biryani (the indian food here is quite good) and then we went shopping together on the way back to the hotel. I got my photos put on a CD so I'll try to upload a few tonight. Connection is slow so I'll probably only be able to do about 5 for each city and then load more when I get home. But it will give you a flavor for each place. Well better run. Its nice and warm out and don't want to miss the warm part of the day - best time to wash my hair =) More tomorrow!