Traveling Eastern Tibet

A Boy's Dream

I was born to an ordinary Tibetan family. Therefore, I never had any special idea that could let me have a wonderful dream, but I thought that want to study as hard as I can and help my family and village as much as I could by my ability. By this thought, so far, I have been getting "A" from my classes.

As my parents are sheepherders and life is simple, they don't have enough money that could let me go through educational settings that I wanted. But they did their best to fulfill my dream so far through the primary school years and since they learnt that I have confidence in studying. Therefore, this is the financial side that always made me ambiguous about my future.
 
Fortunately, I could be able to receive my your generous supporting, which I also believe must be happened by some part of my hard studying in the past. Now, I don't have to think about anything about finance that is burdening by my parents in a poor way. The only thing I need to do now is studying. In the future, I want to pass the exam for high school and university successfully.
 
Finally, I want to say thank you and Tashi Delek for your traveling everywhere.

Sincerely,
Jodba Tsering
Grade One, Gomang Tibetan Middle School
May, 21 2008

　

Trips to Tibet from 2003 to 2008 by Richard Harlan.

The name,  Zhaxika, derives from the Tibetan name for the far northwest corner of Sichuan Province, China. It is an area of high altitude, vast grasslands and brutal winters where nomads have survived for centuries with their herds  of yak and sheep; devout Buddhists, warm and generous people.

I admire them, their customs and a culture, centered as it is on the family, the tribe and the village.  I am a tourist wandering about hoping to learn all I can of this corner of the world.  The pages of this Web tell of my experiences as I get to know Tibet and its people.  Although much of it has modernized, much of it has not.

I first came to Tibet in 2003 for a short visit, but I knew immediately I wanted to return.  I have been back every year since, usually for five or six months per visit.

My kids

My greatest satisfaction comes from my sponsorship of school children.    These are bright kids whose hard work and dedication brought them to the top of their class, only to find that the lack money blocked their way to stay in school, dashing their dreams.  Each one has a compelling story, brought to me by someone in my network of friends. 

During my visits each year, I make it a priority to go see these kids.  I am invited into their homes and classrooms where I meet their families and friends.  I spend time with each of them, watch them grow sharing in their triumphs.  Here I introduce them to you.
　

Photo Album

This is a Picasa photo site with many of my pictures.

Cimu's slide show video and video 2

My 2008 trip

The journal of my 2008 trip is now complete.

Trip for '09

You can view the current status at Tibet 2009.

More maps

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If you are in Kangding, stop by The Village Window, a cozy hang out for Tibetans and tourists, located near the Kangding Hotel and the Ngachu Gompa. This combination pub and tea room radiates with Tibetan charm and hospitality, serving Chinese tea, Tibetan butter tea, beer and barley wine. Meet the locals, some of whom speak English, Chinese and Tibetan, get tourist information, advice on accommodations, and road conditions. Leave messages on the message board. Don't miss this warm, comfortable meeting place that may turn out to be the highlight of your trip.

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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
--Augustine (354-430)
　

rharlan33@gmail.com

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