id-day

I have to come back, even though it was already the third time today to have come to the passport center to renew my passport. And besides, I planned to apply for a new ID card afterwards. Or, I will be like the buddha statue, with no face and identity.

Both of the former times failed for I didn't prepare enough documents as required.( why the fuss, even the Chinese made the passport application so difficult, let alone the visa apply to other countries.) The first time, the official didn't take my case for he thought I lacked my Hukou book ( my permanent residence) even though I had others ready, ID card, original passport, two passport photos and a digital photo, which I took right there at the center.

The second time, I did have a copy of Hukou book with me, but not the original. So yet, I didn't have it done.

After waiting long time, it was finally my turn. Passing over, the application form, two photos, a code for my digital photo( taken in another building,) hukou, origial and copy, ID card, original and copy, I finally had satisfactory results. And the charge was 220 yuan and a new passport will be ready two weeks later.

And since I have all documents about my identity were available, I continued to apply my pass to Hongkong and Macau, at the same site. Even though Hongkong and Macau are part of China, visiting there requires special pass, pretty expensive pass. Similar procedure, and the charge 180 yuan, for two entries a year. Due within 27 days.

Then I tried to apply a new ID card, but was so desperate or fooled by the info hotline staff. Both addresses given by them didn't exist any longer. So exhausted and disappoited after walking between to double check both locations, I gave up and went back home, onto the internet and then, found the updated info immediately.

Tomorrow I am doing the ID application again. Maybe it works at the first try.( I hope. So supposedly two months later, I am going to have a new and new-gerneration ID. )

Happy for the buddha, who doesn't need to trouble to have an identity. How good it is to remain faceless and mysterious. Ha.

Oct 17

Over lunchtime, on Oct.17, our local tour guide in Lhasa got a call from his manager, mentioning not taking groups to Jorkang temple and Barkor streets, which actually were the plan for that afternoon. I had felt lucky that Dreprang Monastery was not on our itinerary when told by another guide that no allowance there to all visitors at all on 17 th. We were at dinner the day before at Lhasa Kitchen.

Why,then?

It was on that day, the current Dalai Lama was awarded by American Congress a gold medal. To avoid any celebration and political embarraseement, at his former site of government offices and more known landmarks of Lhasa, the Jorkang temple and Bankor streets, here came the order.

The guide, me and driver decided still to go, after checking with other groups who did make to the 'sensitive' places. Meanwhile, I was guessing the Potala Palace, the symbol of Lhasa should be more forbidden. But we noticed nothing different from usual the same day in the morning. I didn't know for sure, the fire close to its east section of the palace was related or not to this event.

We reached there, but instead of parking at a regular lot, we were guilded a little far away. We walked extra five minutes only, and we did visit both places and shop around freely individually. When most of us were ready for regroup at 5:15 pm we were asked to leave politely while still waiting for several late returnees. Not only foreigners group, but also Chinese too. They were nervous by any inapproriate protests or actions, I guess?

Jorkang temple, the holiest among the tibetan people, attacts numberless pilgrims who travel hundreds of mile from hometown to worship. Everytime I am so touched and moved by them, their strong faith and nonstop prostrating and kneeling and praying. Hope Buddha bless them!

And among so many interesting attractions in Lhasa, my favourite is Norblingka park, which was the summer palace. Ablaze with so many colors of flowers and trees, while breathing the crsip, peaceful and fresh yak-butter-free air, observing the shadow of tall poplar and cyrpess trees cast on the yellow walls, red gate and purple buildings, I am always lost.

a little cafe

I've always wondered the good business of a little cafe, where the service is not so attending but price close to starbucks.

Maybe the reason is the little size but cozy and homely feel there.

Of course the great sense of humor as well as lots of magazines and books around on the shelves.

a mail of great joy

Got this email just two days after she flied home to California hurriedly when she grew so worried and nervous over her family and her house during a big fire hitting there and people evacurated. She skipped all the tour programme and stayed at the hotel last two days in Shanghai, watching CNN while checking Google news nostop.

When I met her in the lobby once, she looked so desperate and soon began to cry.'my children and cats are safe now. But my house, all stuff from grandparents and parents...may be gone, for the fire is only five minutes away.' She wept on. I felt so sad for her but could speak no words of comfort. I reached around her and gave a hug.

'It's time to be strong for your children. And compared to your dear memory of grandparents and parents, material may not be so important.'She wept and nodded. It was a heartbreaking moment, for her and me too.

The last morning before the flight home, she kinda gathered her calmness and sense of humor. ' all because of the wine last night.'

The letter which reached me the first thing read so comforting. Her house survived and she got rescued, mentally.

I have just returned to the states yesterday from
China; thankfully after four days of evacuation we
are only under inches and inches of ash. The girls
are both safe and sound with me and the cats are with the girls father . We are grateful and relieved that our home is
intact and saddened for those who have lost theirs.

Hope everyone who has been evacuated has returned home
with little to do but sweep and dust. However if you
need any assistance or a place to stay please don't
hesitate to contact me.

Best to everyone and thanks for your care and concern.
B.