On the Beach in Thailand

Oh Thailand, beaches...horses...beer... what else could I ask for??? Kristin, Jim and I on the beach... I was too chicken to ride a horse...instead, I took a swim and ate some fresh pineapple...hard life.

Horse Festival, Litang, China.

Little Tibetan Children performing in tradtional outfits at the Litang horse-racing festival.

A man in the crowd waiting for the Tibetan dancing to begin. I stayed in Litang for 5 days and I never saw horses race, however, I had a great time mingling with Tibetans, eating momos and camping under the stars. Tibetans are wonderful people.

Another Tibetan house that was restored by the Chinese government.  

Tibetan Monastery. Litang, China. The Chinese government is starting to rebuild monasteries that were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Young performer. Litang, China. Horse-racing festival.  

Old man at monastery. Litang, China 

Mountain View, Litang, China. I loved it here... could stay forever...well, maybe not... 

The 'bad ass' monk near a Tibetan flag monument. Litang, China.

Tibetan Building. Litang, China.  

White horse. Litang, China. Horse-racing festival.  

Kids playing on bikes. Litang, horse racing festival.

Some child monks hitching a ride back to town. Litang, China. Horse racing festival.

My Tibetan friend. She was living in a camp near to our tent. She made me this wreath of flowers. She was such a sweet and beautiful girl. I wanted to wrap her up in a box and bring her home with me. Litang, China at the Horse-racing festival.  

Chinese Police overseeing the Tibetan festival... The communist party keeps all Tibetan activities on a tight leash. 

Monks on motorcycles. Always makes me giggle. Litang, China at the Horse racing festival.

The Tibetan Village, Tibet/China

I found my friends' village. I stayed for 5 days, met their parents, helped wheat farm and ate sheep meat from the bone. The experience was amazing. My pictures are semi-ok; however, I focused my efforts on smiling and happy photos for my friends. I would go back here in a heartbeat. The best people I have ever met....

My Friends live in exile in Mcleod Ganj, India and I decided to visit their parents while trekking China/Tibet. I had an emotional 5 day visit in this village. No one spoke English and I had no method of communicating with their families. They took me into their homes with open arms and I was humbled by the gracious matter. I will never forget their red cheeks and beautiful smiles.

The view of the mountains from the village...not to shabby.  

Men and Women hard at work... Dawn til Dusk...they never stop...it was amazing to watch.  

Khabom's family and ME...the first day I arrived. I was served milk butter tea and bread. The Village, somewhere in China.  

Khabum's father inspecting the hay.  

Khabom's brother and niece. Khabom has never met his little niece since he has lived in exile for ten years. In fact, none of my friends have been home in a decade. I began this journey to my friends’ village for selfish reason (basically my photography), however, I never imagined the impact my presence would have on the families. I was hugged and kissed. Tears of joy and sadness set the scene. I was deeply moved by these people and their hard working lifestyle.

Thakhla's family. Mom, Brother, wife and children. We are finishing our breakfast.  

Thaklha's brother...getting ready for the non-stop work day.  

Chimpy's family. Two Nieces, Mom, Brother's wife.