Fri, 4/20.  Not much today.  Early flight to Lhasa.  We were’t allowed on the plane without permits.  We were’t allowed out of the terminal without the same permits.  I hadn’t realized how tightly controlled access was to Tibet.  The Lhasa Airport is about 90 minutes from Lhasa.  Not sure why, though mountains might be a reason.  Though the road is extremely flat, we transited through three tunnels and two long bridges.  Very flat land between high mountains.  Guide said it snowed last week.  66 degrees today.

Throughout our tour Jacky has been scaring us about the 12,000 foot altitude.  Apparently he has a hard time adjusting.  Though I experienced some slight dizziness shortly after landing, I recovered and now feel fine.  Heart rate is increased.  Stretching didn’t bother me.  Ibuprofen works fine.

Our hotel is excellent, though we all still cannot figure out the thermostat, even though each hotel’s is similar.  I’m getting frustrated.  Opening the window works, but that’s not the point.  We’re situated just blocks behind the Potala Palace, which is every bit as impressive as the pictures.  We tour there tomorrow, we think.  Admission tickets are issued the evening before and the time is precise.  Entry and Exit.

Natives are dressed in a wide range, from international normal to unique local tradition.  Nice hats.  People smile a lot except for the military personnel, whose presence is felt.

A really good briefing from a local professor (who got her masters in Hawaii).  Great lunch and dinner.  Tasty yak meat, hot flatbread.  The local guide says the water is safe to drink, but Jacky says differently.

Air bottles. They feel empty. Duh. “Just breath normal, fellas.” (Apollo 13)

The picture is much better than reality. The sun is very bright. I barely knew what I was taking a picture of.

Our first view of Potala Palace.

Chinese have unlucky numbers, reflected by elevator exclusions. But 4-7 seem excessive.