Covid cases were viral across the world for almost three years and continuously affected sudden parts of the world. There was the loss of lives and businesses worldwide with no exceptions. From the end of 2019 until August 2022, we were safe, grieving for others and praying for a quick recovery from the epidemic crisis.
But when it hits my hometown Yushu City in early August 2022 then we have seen the harsh reality of the lockdown and the effects of the pandemic. Luckily, we didn’t have a serious Covid breakdown, only a few hundred cases and local jurisdictions were handled smartly and safely. Every three days we did the Covid test.
My take on Lockdown
We were under full Covid lockdown for almost three weeks and partially lockdown for over a month. During the full lockdown, it was scary and worrisome and I felt oppressed, but I guess this was human nature. People tend to do more when somebody tells them not to do it. I was always eager to go out, even though I have nothing to do outside.
After every three days, we were allowed to go out to buy groceries. It wasn’t bad compared to the other places across China. It was not that strict and I sneaked out for a walk in the park for few times. I went to my friend’s place as well.
Then I saw the news, about situations of lockdowns in other places in China, especially in the bigger cities. I felt pity for them and privileged myself because even though we were under lockdown, we could enjoy the beautiful sceneries of our hometown from the window. Our small city is surrounded by beautiful grassland hills and the early sunrise freshens up our mood.
During the partial lockdown period, we were not allowed to go out of town. The shops and restaurants were open and we were allowed to go out. But all the schools, offices and entertainment sectors were closed.
Things I did during the partial lockdown
We were not allowed to go out of town. The only thing I could do was hike around the mountains. As my hometown is surrounded by mountains and small hills. I had planned before, to do hiking and see the view of our town from the top. So, it was a great opportunity to do it.
Hiking
There is a huge mountain behind the Jegu monastery known as Gawori. Last year, I did the summit but only halfway but that was in April and it was really cold. This time it was the perfect time because early autumn fog rose above the town.
The best experience comes during the worst period.
So, I planned an early morning hike to that mountain and inquired my friends. They all agreed to go with me. First, we drove about half an hour into the small valley and reached behind the mountain. It was a dirt road, only used by local nomads living on another side of the valley. I parked at the roadside and climbed the mountain. We were a bit late as the sun already rose from the horizon when we got there. It took us almost an hour.
Nevertheless, we were able to witness an amazing view from the top. The highest point of the mountain is at an altitude of 4,688 m (15,380 ft) and we sat there to see fog rising from the town. Eventually, I felt like, I’m walking on clouds. The clear blue sky over my head and clouds under my feet. It was a breathtaking moment for all of us.
We had our breakfast and stared down the valley. Gradually, clouds surrounded us and kept rising into the sky. I could see yaks grazing on the slope of the mountain. We local Tibetans believe the yaks, sheep, and horses are the beauty of our land. Indeed, it was. The clouds completely rose into the sky and started seeing the whole of Yushu town.
On the left side of the town, I could see the famous landmark Gyanak Mani temple, and at the center of the town, the statue of King Gesar and the T-shaped main roads. On the right side, there is a race course and parks. At the foothill, I could see the pagoda of Jegu Monastery and the pilgrimage route around the monastery. We stayed there until noon and walked to the dirt road, and went back home.
A few days later, we summit the tallest mountain in our town. It is situated at an altitude of 4,788 m (15,708 ft). It is located northeast of the town, directly facing the Jegu monastery. It took us around 4 hours to climb to the top. We stayed until the evening. These were the perfect places to get away from the lockdown.
Rode dirt motorbike
My friend has a dirt motorbike and I never rode before. So, I asked him to lend me his motorbike and took it out on a small hill near our town. It was a great adventure for my first ride, even though I crushed a few times with no serious injury.
These were the things I did during the lockdown and still looking for some adventures.
