Lhasas and Lamas

J. A. Beard tells of her ‘off beat’ travel tour which takes in Ceylon, India, Kashmir, Nepal and Sikkim before her return to Australia. She meets the Dalai Lama at Dharmsala, sees the erotic statues at the Temples near Khajuraho, is wined and dined at the British Embassy in Kathmandu and delights at her visit to the home of Tenzing Norgay of Everist fame where she befriends his wife and daughter. All told in a forthright manner; this account of her tour underlines her capabilities when dealing with the non-professionalism of travel agents and amorous advances by would-be suitors. The author’s underlying sense of humour bubbles through all her chapters despite the squalor which is always present cheek by jowl with scenes of breathtaking beauty apparent in this part of the world.