next report First Day of the San Diego March for Tibet's Independence 2000! May 29, 2000 The drive down from San Louis Obispo to San Diego was long and hot. The beautiful oasis of La Jolla and the home of Dory Beatrice, head of the San Diego Friends of Tibet, were welcomed with the enthusiasm of a band of gypsies suddenly flung into a palace and pampered with exquisite food and conversation. The San Diego-LA experience was off to great beginning. The group spent most of the next day lounging at the home of its gracious hosts, Les and Evelyn Cohen. The highlights of the day included catching crabs and sea slugs in the tidepools of the Pacific coast and hanging out at a welcoming picnic hosted by the San Diego Friends of Tibet, the group which co-organized the southern walk. The enthusiasm of this group set the tone for a spirited afternoon as the seasoned crew from the north walk met their new crew. New walkers include march leader Palden Gyatso, Ava Park of San Diego, Cherette of New York, Courtney of Massachusetts, and Tim of San Diego. Also present at the picnic was Dr. Edith Eva Eger, a survivor of Auschwitz and psychologist who would be speaking at the opening rally, as well as some of the other walk organizers from the LA and Orange County areas. The night was topped off with an appearance by Palden Gyatso and walker Namgyal Shallung on the local evening news. Kickoff Day! A crowd of about three hundred people gathered at Embarcadero Marina Park Memorial Day morning to participate in the walkıs sendoff. Tables distributed information as well as official walk merchandise to enthusiastic walkers and curious bystanders. Fifty Tibetans and supporters caravaned down from Los Angeles for the day. A series of speeches headed by Dory Beatrice was interspersed with chants of "Free Tibet!" as walkers warmed up their vocal chords. Professor Nawang Phuntsok, president of the Tibetan Alliance of Southern California gave a rousing sendoff, followed by Pema Lhondup, general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Phillip Wu, chair of the Formosan Association for Human Rights, Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Palden Gyatso, Harry Wu, director of the Laogai Research Association, and Geshe Tsultim Gyeltsen, director of Thubten Dhargye Ling. Emotions ran high as the crowd began to walk along the marina chanting "China out of Tibet!" "UNO, we want justice!" and "President Clinton, save Tibet!" The snaking single-file line swiftly made its way and began to enter the Seaport Village, filled with people and colorful vendors. However, it could not go any further -- the march leaders were halted by a security guard demanding permits. Confusion ensued and more guards appeared. Although two permits had been acquired, they did not apply to the "Village" which is private property.   Not to be deterred, the group manoevered around the block and proceeded along its planned course. Hoarse-voiced chant leaders continued to shout into megaphones, and hundreds of flyers were distributed to people along the way, out enjoying the holiday.         All in all, a very successful and tiring day was completed, and at around five-thirty the exhausted walkers convened for final prayers.
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