His Holiness Arrives in Long Beach to Begin his Five-State Visit to United States[Wednesday, 3 May 2011, 9:00 a.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is greeted in traditional Tibetan manner on his arrival in Long Beach, California, on 2 May 2011. Photo/Don Farber

LONG BEACH, CA: His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Los Angles, California, on 2 May 2011 morning to begin his US visit.  He was received at the airport by Representative Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, head of the Office of Tibet, New York. His Holiness then traveled to the city of Long Beach by motorcade and on his arrival at the hotel around noon, he was received by the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, Geshe Jangchup Choedhen, former abbots Geshe Lobsang Tsephel (Gaden Jangtse) and Geshe Lobsang Jamyang (Sera Mey), Mr Tenzing Chondhen, member of the Tibetan Parliament from North America, Kasur Pema Chhinjor, Mrs Pema Dolkar, President of the Tibetan Association of Southern California, board of the Gaden Shartse Thubten Dhargye Ling, and members of the Tibetan community and a host of Tibetans and other supporters from Los Angeles and San Francisco area.His Holiness was offered the traditional Droso Chemar by a young Tibetan girl and boy and after greeting the gathering he briefly explained his recent indisposition.  His Holiness then went to his suite where Abbot Jangchup Choedhen made the traditional mandala offering. Thereafter, he rested for the day.His Holiness begins his programmes on 2 May 2011. During this trip His Holiness is participating programmes in five universities in the states of California, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Texas as well as other events in New Jersey.His Holiness is accompanied for this trip by Secretary Chhime R Chhoekyapa and Secretary Tsegyam. -Report filed by Bhuchung K Tsering of ICT