Tibet.

Ever since writing an essay last term on hostile environments (I’m studying geography, this ain’t just for shigs) I’ve developed an intensifying obsession with Tibet: its people, culture, fashions (in the non-commercial sense), religion, architecture, women…the list goes on. The fact is, and yes I guess you could say this for any Asian civilization, Tibetan culture is particularly unique. This stems from a number of factors: the plateau’s unique geographic and climatic conditions; its close proximity to India, China, Mongolia; and its inaccessibility, nestled within the remote heights of the Himalayas. Did you know for example that Tibetan evolution has allowed its people to survive in the oxygen-thin air through having more red blood cells? Bit of an aside, but you get my drift – they’re skimping on oxygen for Christ’s sake!

I digress, below is an amalgamation of photography (okay so it's not all Tibetan, but seeing as the region's so undefinable I think this is forgiveable). Of particular note - the serenity of its women, their graceful plaits (or 'queues', one for women, two for girls), the fury of its deities and the ornaneteness of thei headresses and ornaments.

'Tongue and thumbs' - the beggar's salute (Nyang valley, 1904)

Wife of a Lhasa official in gala attire, headress mainly of pearls and corals (Lhasa, 1920)

The Prime Minister, Yapshi Lungdun, with his wife and daughter (Lhasa, 1937)

The Lord Chamberlain, the head of the Ecclesiastical Party (Lhassa, 1936)

The holiest woman in Tibet, Dor-je Pa-mo on her throne at Samding Monastery (Yamdrok Tso , 1920)

Anyone seen Singh’s 2008 film ‘The Fall’ shot througout India? It is beautiful.

The landscapes, the temples, the elderly ladies…I die I die I die.

Jodhpur (the 'Blue City' in Rajasthan)

Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur City (Rajasthan, India) - totally unrelated, but can you blame me

Potala Palace (Lhasa, China) - Residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th fled to India in 1959

Lamayuru monastery (Kargal District, Western Ladakh)