In Chengdu where it doesn't get easier!

So we arrived in Chengdu around 3.30 p.m. after a 7 hours drive from
Dartsedo. The rain was still with us until we reached the plain two
hours away from Chengdu. After our arrival, we rushed into a taxi to
get to the Mix Hostel. We checked in and got our money back for the
Lhasa flight booking. Zoe and I got our permit but of course we will
not go to Lhasa without Tenzin and Cheukyi.

We then went to the travel agent where Yangchen was able to get her
permit. The first "good" news is that every office in Tibet will be
closed for one week to celebrate the Shoton festival. So the earliest
departure date with a "normal" permit is August 24th. The second news
is that persons with Tibetan names have to contact a special
department in Lhasa in order to get the permits for central Tibet.
All the travel agent gave us is a phone number in Lhasa where we can
call in Chinese or Tibetan. So I called Yangchen in Lhasa and asked
her to try to contact the office and try to arrange something despite
the holiday. All we have to do now is wait and see what happens.

We then went to visit Chengdu's Computer City buildings but we just
had the time to get a MP3 player for Cheukyi before closing time. We
then had dinner at the Mc Donalds to have a change from chinese and
Tibetan food. But it is so expensive compared to small local restaurant.

We are now back at the hotel and enjoying a relaxed evening. With no
bus or flight to catch tomorrow, we can relax for and sleep as late
as we want.

I'll take time to upload more pictures and to write a detail account
of our stay in Yachen Gar.