Walking around Barkhor Square

I love the close contact with the Tibetan pilgrims from all over Tibet, rubbing shoulders with them, the scent of the juniper from the incense burners while walking around Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It is great to explore the small monasteries inside the Kora, down narrow, dark alleyways that smell of smoke and butter, the bustle and energy, the variety of Tibetans shopping, talking, spinning their prayer wheels and prostrating themselves, with young pilgrims openly collecting alms. I especially love doing this Kora first thing in the morning before the tourists come, in the misty first light of the day.