Check this shit out...I am "decadently invited" I am not sure who Wolfson, or "her and himself" are but I think they are friends of my moms, and some new "save the snow leopard" group she has gone head-over-heels for. But you know, if someone else wants to send me to Tibet I don't really need a reason, its been on my travel list since I was like 8, I guess its at like 1,200 ft, that is awesome!
You are decadently invited to……
The Wolfson Birthday Extravaganza
Lhasa, Tibet 21-28 August 2006
In celebration of Wolfson’s 45th karmic year on this planet, please join her- and himself in a week long (or long week?!) of festivities in Lhasa, Tibet. We have reserved the new boutique hotel House of Shambhala (profits are used to run the Shambhala Foundation, for which CW is the fundraising director, assisting owner and founder Laurence J. Brahm). We will also arrange additional bookings in other charming local inns once we surpass House of Shambhala’s 10-room capacity. We will arrange the following adventures during this one –week sojourn (we need to know one night in advance in order to arrange reservations, transportation, etc.), and you are welcome to join in, join out, or simply hang out and feel the peace of Lhasa…
Suggested itinerary!
21 August:
- Arrive Lhasa. Airport pick-up (included in room charge). Stop off at the “Tara” Temple, where Dalai Lamas since the Ming Dynasty have stopped to pray whenever leaving/returning to Lhasa. This monastery was not touched during the Cultural Revolution as it was under the protection of the Nepalese Consulate. The Great Master Atisha from India founded this Monastery in the Ming Dynasty and it holds 21 sacred Taras.
- Acclimate (we hope)/shopping/resting. Join us for dinner if you wish on the rooftop o f House of Shambhala which provides a stunning 360 degree view of Llasa (mountains, Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, etc.). The excellent cuisine, prepared by the Nepali chef, includes Nepalese, Tibetan, Chinese and Western Cuisine.
22 August:
· Morning: Jokhang Temple. This is Tibet’s most sacred pilgrimage site with thousands of pilgrims prostrating around the temple each day. Laurence will arrange for a senior monk to talk about the history of the Temple and we will be allowed to provide written prayers/wishes of our own that will be given to the monks for that evening’s prayers. An entrance fee will be collected from all of us as a donation.
· Afternoon: Shopping/Resting, or perhaps visiting Norbulingka, the Summer Palace for the Dalai Lamas which is just a quick taxi ride away.
· Evening: Return to Jokhang Temple for evening prayers (about 7pm) where we will be allowed to sit inside the prayer area behind the monks…wishes submitted by us in the morning will be prayed about at this time. A very special opportunity (additional donations no doubt appreciated!)
· Dinner wherever you wish (the food is so good at House of Shambhala, we are unlikely to stray far…).
23 August
· Morning: Potala Palace. Laurence will join us for this tour, but we will also hire a tour guide as there is so much to learn!
· Afternoon: Art Galore! We will visit with some of Lhasa’s most famous artists, in their galleries and in their studios/homes! All of these painters are close friends of Laurence’s which is why we will be invited into their private studios…first check out their art at the gallery and then meet the artists and visit their studios individually if you wish. This is a great opportunity to invest in Tibetan paintings at local (relatively) prices as these artists are starting to be shown in London/New York and their overseas prices are increasing very quickly…
· Dinner at artist Angsang’s Gedun Choephel’s Artists Guild.
24 August
· Day of Rest (and shopping for CW’s birthday prezzie….just kidding folks! In lieu of any gifts, a cash donation would be greatly appreciated; 50% will be donated to the Shambhala Foundation: www.shambhala-ngo.org and 50% to Wolfson’s Second Chance Animal Aid: www.scaashanghai.org )!
· Arrange for visits to artists’ studio or whatever you wish…Wolfson plans to have a spa day….
· Evening: We plan a fantastic party on the roof of House of Shambhala. Live traditional Tibetan Music, gorgeous view, fantastic food and drink, and good friends! (If you’d like to order a traditional Tibetan outfit for the party and to take home, this can be arranged immediately after your arrival as it takes 2-3 days to make an outfit…)
25 August
· Day trip (leaving 8am-ish) to Namtso Lake Area, stopping off to hang prayer flags at one of Tibet’s four sacred protector mountains (Nynga Mountain). Return by 7pm. A great chance to see nomad country. Dinner wherever you wish upon return.
26 August
· Possible trip to Samye Monastery-the first Lama temple in Tibet, or the first castle in Tibet…all day trips. Other tours, activities can be arranged by House of Shambhala staff. Or just enjoy life at Lhasa- time pace!
27 August
· Free Day…last day to shop, stroll, celebrate!
28 August: Depart, alas.
