Hundreds of Tibetans welcome Dalai Lama in Zurich

The Dalai Lama has arrived in Switzerland for a short visit. Hundreds of Tibetans welcomed him at an airport hotel in Opfikon, near Zurich, on Friday. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The pavement along the access road to the Hilton Zurich Airport was cordoned off with ribbons and bars on Friday afternoon. A large crowd gathered long before the Dalai Lama's expected arrival at 5.30pm. Some had turned up in traditional robes, others brought flowers, incense sticks or Tibetan flags. When he arrived at 7.15pm, accompanied by a police escort, the crowd silently raised their heads and filmed with their mobile phones. The 89-year-old disembarked directly in front of the hotel entrance, where he was greeted with traditional chants and short welcome rituals. He smiled and exchanged words with bystanders. After five minutes, he slowly made his way back into the hotel, supported by attendants. The Dalai Lama is staying in Switzerland until Monday. On Sunday he will ...