Lhasa, Tibet
3rd Floor, up some rickety steep stairs, we've made it to the world wide web beneath a 40 foot tapestry beaming warm yellow hues on the 50 computers filled with young Tibetans gaming away. We've just finished climbing up to the top of the Potala Palace and down through the 13 levels of Buddha shrines. After a long lunch in a small restaurant with beautiful paintings depicting the faces of Tibetan elders, the three of us found a nice internet stop to let the world know we are all okay.

At 12,500 feet, I'm feeling my heart beating harder and the sun gives me a headache, but overall, my blood flows well and the invigorating scenery really strengthens my will to feel fine at this high altitude. We will be here for one more day, having spent one already and then will head to higher elevations each day for a week, ending at Everest base camp. The GPS unit I brought is really helpful and I have been capturing waypoints for mapping back at home.

I miss Mongolia and look forward to going back in a couple of weeks. The place has really gotten to my heart fast. For now, I just take in all of the wonderful smells beyond the hole toilets but savor the incense and yak. The hum of the city beyond these walls is calling. Rock abruptly ascends all around the city. The sky is crystal blue. It is time to go - to go see the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street and buy a singing bowl or a prayer wheel or jade - gifts for my family, Happy Birthday tomorrow Daniel!