Thank you Nicholas for this jewel of a piece 💙 I traveled with you on the forgotten roads of a forgotten land . Reminded me of my trip to Bhutan in 2022🙏🏻✨🪬
You would love it! I’m planning on returning. It was nothing short of magical - the landscape, the people, the culture. Can’t wait to return. Maybe I’ll write a pub about some of my trip and include some photos. Your post on Tibet inspired me. 😊
Just discovered you through a Note you threw out into the ether. Incredible images, of course, but your writing is spellbinding … seeing is one thing, capturing it and conveying it is another … I felt transported, and uplifted by an improved understanding. Brimful of curiosity to explore more. I shall look forward to including your publication in one of our weekly celebrations of the good stuff, ‘The Encouragement Files’. Thank you.
No worries. This is the sort of thing I send out on Wednesdays. If you’re happy, I’d love to include your Tibet piece, credited and signposted back to you, of course. Happy weekend. Barrie
Thank you Nick. Loved this post. In your journey through Nangchen County, you encountered both remnants of old Tibet and signs of modern change. Was there a particular moment or place that felt like stepping back in time, and what did it reveal to you about Tibet’s evolving identity?
To answer your question: the ancient meditation caves, which I believe are scattered all over Tibet. These are still a huge part of the ancient Tibetan tradition. Some that I visited were occupied by monks who had been there for many years.
As I mention in the story, on cave I visited was literally being built around and incorporated into a modern building, with the monk still inside, meditating through the changes.
There were also lots of new monasteries being built. Some completely made of wood, using ancient methods, to the exact design that the older monasteries were built too. Which I had not expected to see.
I can't comment on Tibet as a whole, I have heard some awful stories of oppression from inside the Tibet Autonomous zone, but have not visited myself.
I was surprised that as a solo Western traveller I received nothing but help from the Chinese authorities.
Overall its a confusing picture, and a 3 week visit is not long enough to make sense of Tibet!
Thank you, and every single person who has interacted with this story. I published it in Bradt Travel Magazine last year but this is the first actual feedback I’ve received. It’s a real shot in the writing arm. ✍️
Wow, I felt I was physically there with you! Nangchen seems beautiful 😍 I mean, i am sure it is. I love your storytelling, it opened my eyes to yet another great place. Thanks for sharing 💜
Thank you Nicholas for this jewel of a piece 💙 I traveled with you on the forgotten roads of a forgotten land . Reminded me of my trip to Bhutan in 2022🙏🏻✨🪬
Thanks. I would love to go to Bhutan!
You would love it! I’m planning on returning. It was nothing short of magical - the landscape, the people, the culture. Can’t wait to return. Maybe I’ll write a pub about some of my trip and include some photos. Your post on Tibet inspired me. 😊
You should! The first travel piece I ever wrote (the Sudan trip) got published. I sent in a pitch and got very lucky. It’s all to play for!
Amazing! Thanks for the motivation.
Just discovered you through a Note you threw out into the ether. Incredible images, of course, but your writing is spellbinding … seeing is one thing, capturing it and conveying it is another … I felt transported, and uplifted by an improved understanding. Brimful of curiosity to explore more. I shall look forward to including your publication in one of our weekly celebrations of the good stuff, ‘The Encouragement Files’. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your kind words! Really gives me a boost!
No worries. This is the sort of thing I send out on Wednesdays. If you’re happy, I’d love to include your Tibet piece, credited and signposted back to you, of course. Happy weekend. Barrie
https://open.substack.com/pub/encouragementmanifesto/p/the-encouragement-files-e00?r=56lr6&utm_medium=ios
Good stuff Barrie. Happy to be included. Thanks.
Thank you 🙏
Wonderful stuff!
Many thanks!
So good to see more and more quality travel writing here.
Hopping on here to echo Pablo's words. This a phenomenal read - thank you for sharing your journey. 🙏
Thanks!
Probably the best travel read I have lately seen here in Substack. Thank you so much.
Much appreciated! Thanks for your support.
Thank you Nick. Loved this post. In your journey through Nangchen County, you encountered both remnants of old Tibet and signs of modern change. Was there a particular moment or place that felt like stepping back in time, and what did it reveal to you about Tibet’s evolving identity?
Hi, Thanks.
To answer your question: the ancient meditation caves, which I believe are scattered all over Tibet. These are still a huge part of the ancient Tibetan tradition. Some that I visited were occupied by monks who had been there for many years.
As I mention in the story, on cave I visited was literally being built around and incorporated into a modern building, with the monk still inside, meditating through the changes.
There were also lots of new monasteries being built. Some completely made of wood, using ancient methods, to the exact design that the older monasteries were built too. Which I had not expected to see.
I can't comment on Tibet as a whole, I have heard some awful stories of oppression from inside the Tibet Autonomous zone, but have not visited myself.
I was surprised that as a solo Western traveller I received nothing but help from the Chinese authorities.
Overall its a confusing picture, and a 3 week visit is not long enough to make sense of Tibet!
Wow. What an experience and thank you for enriching my take on this incredible nation. One day I will visit, I hope.
Great piece, and fantastic photographs. Thank you for sharing this story.
What an honor it must have felt to be coined “the first westerner” really enjoyed this read. New subscriber! (And lovely pictures)
What a fascinating trip, may I ask how recently this was?
Hi Paul, 2019.
Ah, just “before”. I went the first time in I think 2002… only Lhasa. We will go back this summer.
Your other readers have already told you, but this one's *wonderful.* Great art, alluring style, and all-around wonderful storytelling.
Thank you, and every single person who has interacted with this story. I published it in Bradt Travel Magazine last year but this is the first actual feedback I’ve received. It’s a real shot in the writing arm. ✍️
Wow, I felt I was physically there with you! Nangchen seems beautiful 😍 I mean, i am sure it is. I love your storytelling, it opened my eyes to yet another great place. Thanks for sharing 💜
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed!