Dec. 12th: Kandze

After two days of second-hand smoke and futuristic kungfu movies, the Angry Yak came to a final rest in Kandze, or Ganzi as often spelled. The valley pass had been socked in, and light snow continued to fall as we unloaded our bags. Rejoicing, we wheeled our load through snowy streets and interested faces.



Maroon-clad Buddhist monks, chuba-draped Khampa men, quick-stepped and smoking teenagers; all stopped, captivated by this sight.

Equally, I was struck by this, my first real taste of Khampa culture. I had a glimpse in Kangding and over the past two days bounced by villages and monasteries. Now we were in it, surrounded by colorful chubas, tall square shoulders, and deep brown eyes. "Tashidelek" ... I'd better start practicing it.

The snow continued.



We woke the next morning to fresh white streets and cerulean skies. Prayer flags and colorful Tibetan architecture shined, fresh highlights. A walk through town led us to the river for morning coffe and sun. Our eyes rested on peaks before us, while our minds explored the adventures to come.



This day of rest after such long travel was well needed. We spent the afternoon at a local monastery spinning prayer wheeles and sharing smiles with those present.


- McNair