The Lucky Ones who get to Visit Tibet...

The proprietor of my homestay in Darjeeling are Tibetans. They have been in India since 1959 when Chinese invaded Tibet. They are anxious to see my photos of Lhasa where they are from since they don't think they will get an opportunity to revisit their homeland in this lifetime unless the permit laws change. They are both in their 60s and kids were born in India and are Indians, but their kids, although Indian citizens, will not be permitted to visit Tibet, because they are ethnically Tibetan. The proprietor's wife told me that a friend's daughter married to a Canadian, a family of 4, parents and 2 kids applied to visit Tibet. Although today a Canadian, all but the mother got the permit, so in the end the family decided not to go. Those of us who are of non ethnic Tibetan origins are truly privileged and lucky to be able to visit the land of the Dalai Lama.