Big, burly...and attracting everyone's attention!

That's Tim's beard. It has been the main attraction since we set foot in Tibet...and I imagine it will attract even more attention in mainland China. A popular comment is 'Yak! Same, same!' as the person strokes an invisible beard. More often we stroll past some people and their conversation ceases that second they catch a glimpse of Tim's beard. Then some wispers follow inevitably resulting in giggles and sometimes all out laughter. Everyone is so taken aback by his beard...followed by curiousities about it. I can almost hear the thoughts running through their heads, 'is it real?! how did he grow that?! how long did that take?! did you see how BIG it was?! so much hair!!' It is inevitable walking around a town or city that Tim will get several comments, giggles, or thumbs up! My favorite situation was when we were walking around the grounds of the Panchen Lama's summer palace. It was a nicely shaded area and underneath a fruit tree, a monk was having a picnic with some friends. When he spots us, he motions us over to take a seat and join them. As we approach, he motions for Tim to come to his side. Tim squats down next to him and the monk reaches up and starts stroking Tim's beard with a look of awe on his face. He gives Tim an enthusiastic thumbs up and returns to stroking his beard again. His eyes wander to Tim's arms and his fascination with the beard shifts to the thick, light hair standing up on his arms...which he stroked lightly in the shade of the fruit tree. After a spell of exchanging smiles and thumbs up, we wandered on leaving the monk with a huge smile on his face. On another occasion visiting a monastery, Tim has his beard grabbed by two monks as if they were milking a cow. The beard has been in the works for 4 1/2 months now...and he wants to see how it looks at 6 months. We will see how long it lasts if he continues to attract so much attention!