西藏学

TIBETOLOGY

TRAVEL • SEP 2011 • TIBET, CHINA

Heartpatrick's top travel destination of year 2011 has come and gone, and with it, the unveiling of the old-world charm that is Tibet.

Loaded with peculiar treasures in architectural marvel against a backdrop of sweeping landscapes and a rich religious culture, this blessed land certainly does not disappoint, yet I return home with a sad realisation that the Tibet experience, originally thought to be spiritual and enlightening one, is unfortunately not quite different than that of the other overly-commercialised Chinese attractions.

The invasion of China is a well-thought plan, starting with its throngs of unruly, loud, spitting, sometimes rude, and often crude nationals who flood the place as tourists, businessmen and workers, then the ugly tasteless structures and buildings housing the standard affair of chinese outlets not excluding karaoke lounges, health spas that make up the new part of Lhasa town, the bold bombastic propoganda displayed all over the place, the ever-presence troops of gun-yielding Chinese soldiers patrolling every corner of the old town, the ear-piercing Chinese folksongs blasting through squares, and finally the Chinese flag parading the iron claw on the highest point of Potala Palace, just to make a point.

This is certainly not the Tibet that I have traveled so far for. Perhaps I have not ventured deep enough into the hidden villages where Tibetans still practice their lifestyle and cultures, venture off the beaten track of Chinese tour buses and agencies.

For now, the mysterious smiles of the native Tibetan kid in traditional wear have pretty much evaded me. But at least I would have a reason to come again. For the time being though, I will nurse my sore expectations, this beautifully painful journey that is the rape of Tibet.