When Two Teams Become One Family: Our Unforgettable Tibet Adventure

As the plane descended into Lhasa Gonggar Airport on October 15, 2018, the golden roofs of Potala Palace glimmered in the distance like a mirage. The BESS and KAWHI teams - normally two distinct units at work - had transformed into one big family during this extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet.

The moment we stepped onto the "Roof of the World," the thin air at 3,650 meters altitude reminded us we were somewhere truly special. But what took our breath away more than the altitude was the profound sense of unity that enveloped our group of 30 colleagues.

Potala Palace: Where History Touched Our Hearts

Our first stop was the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seemed to grow organically from Red Mountain. As we climbed the 1,080 steps together (counting each one became a team joke), something magical happened. The Kawhi members who usually focused on data analysis were now helping Bess's engineers with their oxygen cans, while the typically reserved Bess team surprised everyone by leading impromptu singing to keep our spirits high.

Inside the palace, our local guide Tenzin explained how the 1,300-year-old structure symbolized Tibetan Buddhism's harmony with nature. The Team-Building Lesson? Just as the palace's ancient walls supported magnificent golden roofs, our professional differences became strengths when combined.

Jokhang Temple: A Circle of Cultural Connection

At the spiritual heart of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple's butter lamp aroma welcomed us. Here, we participated in the kora (pilgrimage circuit) with local devotees. Walking clockwise around the temple, our two teams naturally formed a human chain - not because we had to, but because we wanted to.

The highlight came when we met 70-year-old pilgrim Dorje, who taught us to spin prayer wheels "with light hands but heavy hearts full of good wishes." Watching our usually competitive teams gently guide each other through this ritual was perhaps the most beautiful "team exercise" we never planned.

The Real Treasure We Brought Home

As our flight departed on October 18, we realized the real souvenirs weren't in our luggage but in our shared memories:

The morning when early-risers from both teams surprised others with hot butter tea

Spontaneous brainstorming sessions about work projects - now with 100% more yak wool blankets

Creating "Team TIBES" (Tibet+BESS+KAWHI) inside jokes that will outlast any meeting room

This trip proved that sometimes, you need to stand together at the top of the world to remember what truly matters below.