(More troubles with computers, so no new pictures yet.)
The Chinese government certainly seems to be taking an interesting tactic on handling tourism during the Olympics. Besides the block on permits to visit Tibet, they have canceled all international trains from Beijing to Russia or Mongolia from June to September. I guess they want everybody to be in town for the Games?
Our new solution is to get to the Mongolian border on a national train, walk across, and catch a Mongolian train to Ulan Bator. After a week or two seeing the wonders of a beautiful country free from tourism (who's been to Mongolia?), we can catch the Mongolian branch of the Trans-Siberian express near the end of July.
As for Tibet, we are getting closer to giving up and finalizing our flight reservations from Kathmandu to Beijing. We still have to decide where to spend the extra time, though. In India, we have decided to add Darjeeling, and possibly Calcutta. Maybe a week long Himalayan trek in Nepal? And it would be nice for August to see a little more of China before he flies out.
But for now, we are enjoying a slightly more leisurely pace here in Varanasi. In fact, I think we are going to go and have a very very rare cup of coffee at a fancy cafe this very moment.
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2 comments:
If you're in the area with some spare time, I would highly recommend Kashmir (although that's based on my parents having loved it a long long time ago...). I've always wanted to see it and you could post pictures and make my dream come true!
Be advised, though, that Kashmir is a contested territory--claimed by India, Pakistan and China, though mainly the first two--and is also home to a militant independence movement. Indian mega-actress Kajol refuses to travel in the region for fear of terrorist attacks/militant instability. No reason you shouldn't go, but FYI...
Also, you're coming home in August?! I thought it was July for sure. If the Chinese government is being so difficult, maybe you could just come home a bit early, so I could, like, see you?
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