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The next part of my travels meant a train to Lanzhou pronounced ‘Lanjow’ and a bus to Labrang.
The train got in at 6am and I had no idea where or how I was to get anywhere. After pushing through the taxi drivers I found the bus station but this was a local bus system. I carried on wandering to another bus station waited for it to open to find that if was the wrong bus station. I walked back to the local buses for the driver to sign language that I needed bus 1 to bus 111, then south bus station. I thanked him dearly, what a life saver!! What did I say about the stress of travelling?
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The views of the mountains and impressive golden mosques helped pass the 5 hour journey. On the way we had to overtake 3 Buddhists praying in the road, presumably a pilgrimage act, what an interesting faith and culture. Still sceptical I was in the right place I nervously descended the bus steps and then decided it would be a better idea to pay out for a taxi for the remainder of the expedition.
Walking around the monastery there were long lines of prayer wheels. I found the monks in a temple without shoes singing and chanting. The next moment I was mesmerised as they all ran out on to the steps still singing then re-entered dressed in robes and hats, one had huge shoulder pads with a metal strip at the back with jewels and decorations. What a truly amazing and unique experience, I felt like this was the closest to Tibet as I’d get and wanted to make the most of every minute. I had considered trying to get to Tibet but don’t think it’s worth all the red-tape.
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