Good morning from Lhasa!

Well folks, it's 9am here on the World,'s Rooftop, and I'm drinking green tea in the chilly outdoor restaurant on the roof of my hostel. The decor is bright and reminds me of Mexico. The walls are canvas and have little windows cut out of them, through which I can see the morning sun just above the misty mountains over yonder. The mountains here are like big rock piles...guess not much vegetation grows at these altitudes, although there are some nice flower gardens below. It's chilly...reminds me of fall, but I'm happy for that after the humidity and heat of Korea. The weather is sunny and rainy, chilly and warm.

There is so much poverty here; it's really heartbreaking. It's so hard not to give money to everyone who asks; they all need it. Tiny, dirty children who know only a few English words, usually, "Hello! Please give me money!" Old crinkled people, sitting on the sidewalk. The monks. But worst of all for me, was last night. Me and my friends were about to go into a restaurant, when my friend was approached by a young mother with a baby strapped to her back. I was about to give her money as well, when I felt a hand on my arm, and there stood another young mom, indescribably beautiful with her giant eyes and dark hair. On her back was a very tiny baby with black dirt matted into its dark hair, and dirt running out of its nose. I felt like crying, and when I gave her a small note, yet another mother appeared. We had to run up the steps to the restaurant, because they were all clutching at us. I feel so bad! And I don't know what the right thing to do is.

The people here are incredibly friendly...I get huge smiles from children and old people alike, especially yesterday, as I walked around a temple with hundreds of pilgrims, many of whom are not from Lhasa. They love to get their photos taken as well, but will speedily ask you for money once its taken. ;) The monks are especially beautiful, with their long, deep red robes. Some are sitting and chanting; begging for money, others walking, arms around each other. Many are very young, and all are good-natured.

So tomorrow morning we head out to Everest...and this time I'm not lying when I say I truly doubt you will hear from me til I get back. I've heard electricity and running water are sometimes hard to come by out there in the countryside, let alone internet! haha! So I'll be gone for 5 days. Oh, in case you're wondering, I will tell you about altitude sickness. It has been much much milder than I anticipated, but everyone reacts differently. So far the biggest symptom for me has been an unquenchable thirst. I can't drink enough! Last night, during the night, I drank 2L of water! And I'm still going strong. :) As we walk down the streets, I'm always looking for juice and water (and occasionally bathrooms...although not as often as you might think what with how much I'm drinking). My friends don't have this thirst though. Other than that, just a couple of very mild headaches, a little shortness of breath, some stinging in my eyes, and cuts that don't heal as fast. No problem!! (Suppose I shouldn't speak too fast, seeing as I AM heading up to the mountains soon). teehee The sun is also very bright, and will burn you before you notice, and make your eyes a little bloodshot if you don't wear sunglasses.

Anyway, I must go, my hour is up. Love to you all from the Roof of the World! I promise some pictures when I get back, as long as my battery holds out... *cross fingers* XOXOXO