Are you entranced yet? Are you? ARE YOU?!

No one really understands why I want to experience Tibet so badly.

“Why don’t you just travel to the Western U.S.? They have mountains and lakes there.”
“There’s Buddhism all over China…why is Tibet so special to you?”
“I’ve never heard of anyone traveling to Tibet. It’s not safe for a white female to travel there.”

I’m a big believer in defying the odds and proving a point to others, so this unique gem is the epitome of why I travel: to go somewhere adventurous and unusual, to defy others in what they believe you’re capable of, and to feel overwhelmed by the mysterious culture and stigma of wherever I may be.

In a way, Tibet encompasses a wide realm of the world’s current struggles, ranging from political to spiritual and religious. It’s falling way to urbanization and becoming increasingly modern, even though it is pure and natural in its roots. It considers itself a separate entity from China, even though China wholeheartedly disagrees. Self-immolation is common in Tibet, as monks often set themselves on fire to show their protest against these changes. These monks believe what I believe: Tibet is pure and unique, and therefore it should not be changed. While self-immolation is very sad, there’s some kind of beauty in it. The passion and purity that Tibetans encompass is something I want to see before it risks withering away.

I want to see Tibetans’ struggles and listen to their points of view. I want to know their stories, their suffers, and what drives them. I want them to teach me how to exist while others try to mold you into something that you don’t want to be, and into something that you simply are not.

It’s far away, expensive to get to, and completely off the beaten path. But, it’s my dream, and your dreams can withstand anything. Tibet, I’ll see you soon.