Tuesday

The flight was uneventful. I think the man next to me had never been on a plane because he videotaped almost the whole flight. It was super foggy/smoggy so you really couldn’t see anything until the Himalayas. The snow topped mountains were beautiful even if you couldn’t see much.

I remember my first flight. I flew from Milwaukee Wisconsin to Naples Florida at age 16. I remember the white table cloths, silverware and even the delicious sandwich that was served. I had just started flying lessons so it was incredible to be on a jet!

My bag made it surprisingly. I looked around for atm and taxi. Both were just outside the tiny airport. No one came rushing up to sell me athing. What a pleasant surprise. First quote for a taxi seemed high. I usually use The ap Rome to Rio to get an idea of what the timing and cost of a trip should be. I have found that they are a little under priced by probably 20%. I went to the taxi stand and asked their price. It was a little lower. Btw we are talking $25 for a 45 min drive. I had enough money so I didn’t need the atm and we got in the car. I asked for a receipt because I have heard that they try to charge you again without it. I clearly stated where I was going and the taxi stand confirmed D’s Casa but the driver had no clue! Again. This time I had the address but not the telephone number. The man’s phone was just one phone away from the old( now new) flip phones. He asked about 5 people in the next 30 min. I had to use cell service to get directions for him and the GPS was ok just lagged a bit so we had to make another loop.

Photos along the way

The lady above controlled traffic. So many of the roads were washed out and down to one lane. All up the mountain. No way could you drive at night! So the driver would just stop and wait then I figured out that this was why. In the little cities there was so much traffic and no room on the roads. No tuk-tuks here, no bikes just cars trucks and motor bikes. Many people, dogs and cows walking on the side of the road.

We finally arrived at the hotel.

The room was freezing. Actually the whole hotel was freezing. The room smelled like petrol but then I realized it was moth balls. Time to go see the Dalai Lama!

I am still not sure about taking photos or video so I am trying to be sly. These are in his public audience room.

I stayed for awhile and asked to see him. They said I needed to be here for a week. I did a Kora and circumambulated the temple. More on that later.

I walked back into the tiny town. It’s a Holy place so trying to find a restaurant with alcohol is difficult. Found a Packer bar and had a G and T, emphasis on T.

The heat actually did work in my room. It takes a long 5 minutes for the heater to start but it was pretty warm. All night. Most rooms here have the key card thing to turn the electricity on/off, so it takes a bit to warm up the room. I will brave a shower mid day.

Time to go back to the Temple.