1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

(<- Previous Report) March 24, 1997 (Next Report ->)

Tenzin Latsang, a Tibetan from Toronto, is walking all the way to New York City. Because of the near freezing temperatures and colds being suffered by many of the walkers he is wearing a mask in hopes of remaining healthy. Tenzin is one of only three walkers who has not yet fallen victim to the chest cold plague that has befallen the group.

As the walkers approached the outskirts of Niagara Falls a slight obstacle appeared before them. About a mile before they reached this bridge, tall orange cones blocked the roadway and an officer manning the blockade informed them that the bridge ahead was under construction and closed to all traffic. The alternate route would take them 7 miles out their way. After a short discussion with the officer, telling him who they were and what they were doing, he agreed to let them continue on their path. Once the walkers reached the bridge, it was decided, they would then be shuttled by the support vehicles on the alternate route to the other side of bridge and continue walking. During the planning of this march it was agreed upon that at sometimes, when walking was either too dangerous or impossible, it would be all right to drive part of the route.

However, good fortune and understanding construction workers were on the walkers' side. As the march drew near the bridge, Julie went ahead and informed the workers about what was approaching. The man in charge, knowing a little bit about Tibet, said, "Those people (Tibetans) have been tromped on enough. They don't need anymore hassle. When they get here we'll lower the bridge and let them cross."

And so they did.

After the day's walk, only minutes after arriving to their temporary home, a house owned by The Unitarian Church of St. Catharines, Ontario, Tempa (left) and Tenzin (right) are sound asleep.

Sleeping on floors is a way of life for the walkers. Kunchok Dorje (foreground) prepares to say here nightly prayers, and Tenzin and Sarah share a copy of The New York Times, reading about The Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan, before going to sleep.

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1997 March Info | 1997 March Home

International Tibet Independence Movement
PO Box 592 Fishers, Indiana 46038-0592 United States
e-mail: rangzen@aol.com