Embracing Tibet’s warmth, culture

REGARDING “Lhasa Layer by Layer” [Oct. 9]: I landed in Lhasa at the end of a monthlong trip through China, on the day Beijing admitted its SARS outbreak in April 2003. The first thing we noticed was the heavy military presence. Tibet is an occupied territory that is subject of intense Chinese colonialism.

Despite this, the Tibetans were warm and generous. At the Ganden Monastery, a Tibetan family invited me to partake in a matrimonial ritual. A student gave me a free tour by city bus of western Lhasa.

I’m glad author Cherilyn Parsons was able to interact with Tibetans and their wonderful culture. It was a shame it took her three visits. As most budget travelers know, it is avoiding the packaged tours and befriending locals that yield the deepest cultural experiences.

GERARD GONZALES

Monterey Park

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