China Closes Tibet To Travelers

Earlier this week China once again took steps to close off the borders of Tibet once again, as the region prepares for a new round of tensions as we approach the 50th anniversary of the exile of the Dalai Lama. The move mirrors similar steps that were taken last year, when protests by Buddhist monks turned violent.

British newspaper The Telegraph is reporting in this story published a few days back that tourist operators in Tibet have been told to cancel all upcoming trips for the foreseeable future, and most expect that it will be some time before normal travel resumes.

Tibet is a popular tourist spot with the backpacker and adventure travel crowd. Its proximity to the Himalaya and its Buddhist culture have long held an allure with visitors from the West, with many making the journey to see the ancient temples and to visit the famous Everest base camp on the North Side of the mountain. As such, tourism has become the most important aspect of the Tibetan economy, employing thousands of people, either directly or indirectly, but for a second year in a row, it looks as if those people will be scrambling to find another way to make a living during what is traditionally one of their busiest times of the year.

The travel restrictions on Tibet aren’t limited to just the tourists however, as foreign journalists have also been denied access. Many had hoped to come to cover the anniversary events, but now have been denied as well. It looks like for now, Tibet is once again closed off to the world.

The land of badly behaving Buddhists

Cambodia’s dictator for life prime minister, Hun Sen, recently appealed to the country’s Buddhist clergy, telling them to clean up their act. The PM told a convention of top religious leaders that the actions and poor judgment of individual monks has given the whole religion a black eye.

He cited several situations including monks accepting roles as dancers in a music video and an abbot using offerings of money to buy himself a new car. Also, disputes between monks and laypeople are on the rise, according to an independent social analyst.

Hun Sen concluded his address to the holy people by saying “These are individual monks making problems. Citizens should not consider it an issue of the whole religion, but equally, we must not be careless about this issue.”

Buddhist monks have long been revered in Cambodia. Many have become involved in various forms of social work. However, it seems that the recent economic development has affected the religious world as much as the general public.

[via Phnom Penh Post]

Detour Worth Making: Get High in Meteora, Greece

The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and one look at the images of the monasteries here, and you’ll know why the Greeks named it that. Pretty much in the middle of — but high above! — the country, the rock here has eroded into fantastic, weathered peaks struggling for the heavens.

The monasteries of Meteora were originally settled by monks who lived in caves lower down the rocks during the 11th Century. Over time, however, to avoid conflicts in the rest of the region, the monks retreated up the rock face until they were living on virtually inaccessable peaks that they built on by bringing material and people up via ladders and baskets.

Today, six monasteries remain, and all of them are open to visitors. Many people who visit Meteora stay overnight either in nearby towns, though there is limited accommodation in Meteora. Buses to Kalampaka are available from Ioannina, Trikala, Thessaloniki and Athens, and trains run there, too.

For a little information about each monastery, check out Greece Travel. For some stunning images, check out Tom Dempsey’s photo gallery or, of course, Flickr.

New Planet Magazine: Journeys Issue

Getting my hands on the latest Journey’s issue of Planet last month was a journey in itself. I’m a Planet junkie – an addict and so the moment word lets out about the release of the quarterly glossy I first squeal with excitement, do a flying drop-kick, regain composure and head to the nearest Border’s Books & Music to pick up a copy. The Spring 07′ issue features a number of well-written pieces spanning the globe from Iraq to Bologna, Italy through Valeria’s digital diary and Omak, Washington where an annual Suicide Race takes place. I must say the Omak suicide race really grabbed my attention and while I won’t be signing up to win the cold-hard cash anytime soon being a potential spectator may or may not be all too bad if I’m ever in the area. Additionally there is a divinity piece on marathon monks which is equally captivating. And when you’re ready to sign off on global arm-chair traveling and into the latest in pop-world-culture take a peek at what Ms. Charlotte Gainsbourg has been up to and look out for her new album if you like that sort of sound.

Visit a California Monastery…for the Wine

In Northern California, 25 Benedictine monks have opened the first Roman Catholic Cistercian winery in North America.  The brothers hope to make money selling their syrah, a full-bodied red wine, in order to support the monastary. 

“We need to work to keep going, but we don’t want or expect to get rich. But the wine has done well – better than expected,” said Father Harold Meyer, who has been at the Abbey of New Clairvaux for 33 years.  “There’s a sacredness about working with grapes.  Wine is very special.”

The brothers’ living quarters are private; however, they have opened up the monastery for retreats, tours and wine-tastings.   If you’re staying for a retreat, the rooms are very basic; however, each has a modern ensuite bathroom.  Retreats must be booked months in advance, and are donation-based.

“People will come at first because we’re monks, but we want them to come back because this is a good place and we have quality goods to offer,” Meyer said.

Sounds positively peaceful.