China - Gyantse Saga Dawa Festival

Woke up this morning to snow covered mountains. We came through a 15000 ft pass and stopped to see a massive glacier which we filmed in the middle of a snow storm. Yesterday, we very much enjoyed the Gyantse Saga Dawa festival. The monks celebrate the Buddhas enlightenment with a huge celebration with music and dancing in costumes. They pull people from the audiences and play embarrassing games. Yesterday, It was Isaiah who was pulled from the crowd and instantly powdered white with the local barley flour. He danced with the evil deamons much to the delight of the crowd of Tibetan pilgrims. All in all, it was a very comical experience for all involved. Today we head to the Panchen Lamas home in Shigatse. Everyone is fine at this end and very ready to get back to their adopted home at Yak Hotel in Lhasa.

China Update - Gyntse

We are in Gyntse today at elevation 13,221 ft. Kids have adjusted well to the altitude. We are on our last grand touring leg of the trip. Today we circumambulate around the Pele Chora Monastery with thousands of pilgrims here for the Saga Dawa festival. Needless to say we are the talk of the town. People stare at us, laugh at our clothes and ask to take pictures with us. Not many American high school students roaming around Tibet. Everyone is doing fine but I think they are ready to get back to Lhasa where they enjoy fine American food at Dunyas. Tomorrow we head to Shigatse where we will visit the Panchen Lamas monastery and after that, Lhasa, Beijing, Norfolk.

Trek Update

We shortened our trek by a day due to several cases of altitude sickness. Everyone is fine and we're now back in Lhasa. Tomorrow we'll take a down day to recover from a very difficult trek and then we'll pick up the itinerary on Monday. Our first night we climbed to and camped at 16175! VERY difficult but the kids discovered something in themselves they did not know existed before. They are a very hardy group of young adults. When everyone sees the video they will understand. Our second night we camped at 13450 feet and because of the lower altitude, everyone felt much better. All in all, it was an adventure and everyone is glad to be back at the Yak Hotel where they will feast on Yak Burgers and fries. Sorry about interactive map, but I fear my lat/long emails are being sensored, or that is what our travel people suggest. Big Brother watches everthing here.

China Update - Tashi Family Orphanage Visit

We spent the day at the Tashi Family Orphanage which is in a small, poor village outside of Lhasa. Although it took some time for the orphans to loosen up, it took no time for our students to hold the orphans, kiss them, hug them and play with them. We donated $300 and the kids brought some great gifts to support the orphans. In fact, after 2 hours of playing with the orphans, I literally had to drag our students away. I think when you see the video, you'll understand.

Tomorrow we embark on the trek for four days. Not sure when we'll have internet access again. Everyone is doing well with the altitude and we're ready to trek. We are heading to several different nomadic camps which should prove to be educational.

Everyone is all well here.

Nexus China Update

We're at the Yak Hotel in Lhasa today. Visited the Johkang Temple and witnessed the prostrating pilgrims. Students beside themselves with the whole experience so far. Beijing was smoggy but interesting. Toured the Great Wall for a day, then the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square and the Temple of Heaven which was a circus of Chinese enjoying themselves in a multitude of ways including kung fu, Tai Chi, singing, dancing and more. Now we're in Lhasa and the students love it. Shopping here is driving them crazy! I've got great video so far and I know they have tons of pics. In a few minutes we're off to a Tibetan Medicinal hospital then tomorrow for our community service at the orphanage. So far everyone is handling the altitude very well and I suspect Diamox has a lot to do with it. We are presently at 11, 684 feet! Please check the interactive map to see exactly where we are. This is the first internet access we've had and we'll be here for two more days, then the trek where you won't hear from us for another 4. I suspect the students will find this little internet cafe and email facebook, friends and parents. All is well here.

Nexus China Blog

We meet at Norfolk Airport at 4:30AM for an early departure for Beijing at 6:10AM. Please remember to check this blog and our interactive map to follow our trip. We should be able to post blogs and GPS coordinates every few days.