Thursday. February 15, My Birthday

Yes, today is my Birthday. I have been celebrating in other countries and continents for many years. It’s not that I don’t want to be with my family and friends but this is my gift to myself.

Seeing the Dalai Lama has been on my bucket list for many years. I am starting to realize that the closest I will ever be to him was yesterday.

It’s interesting that when I was in Lhasa Tibet, years ago, I felt such a spiritual vibe at the Portola Palace. His Holiness had not been there since he was forced to leave when the Chinese invaded in 1959, before I was born. He has been here in McLeod Ganj India since then.

Another venture to the Tsuglagkhang Complex where the HH lives and works anew receives visitors.

I walked the long way yesterday, today I know a back way. I pass so many of the same people, I smile at the leg less man, I shoo away the kids asking for money and I wonder how they all survive. They all seem to sell the same stuff, even the hand knitted scarves all have the same yarn. Everyday the vendors sit and hope to sell something, everything is dusty. I walk a little slower to the temple today trying to take everything in.

There was definitely more action happening today. HH only does audiences on Monday Wednesday and Friday. There were so many monks, some rushing about some slowly walking. People were lined up at the gate with stacks of papers in hand. I knew about this but could never get an answer or a contact, so I planned just to show up and hope or at least just hang out, observe and read my books.

I just sat and watched. No cameras allowed but others were taking pictures too, so I wasn’t the only rebel. I was the only blond and one of three that wore sunglasses. All ages, men women and families. It seemed mostly Tibetans although hard to tell. Some people had western clothing and some cultural. I moved in and out of the sun. At 7000 feet the sun is hot but in the mountains the air is cool. There was no one to ask what was happening, so I just watched. I was there from about 9 am until 1pm.

There was door opened next to HH office that people rushed in and out of. I couldn’t tell what was happening but excitement was in the air. All of a sudden all the people in line rushed to the reception door and waited.

They went in and came out. Everyone was solemn. I had tears in my eyes just coming into the complex. This was a day I had been planning for so long. He was just inside that door.

As everyone had their time with HH, things started happening around the courtyard. I wanted to stay longer but I wanted to do my Kora. Basically it’s walking around a sacred structure, clockwise. Some people walk and some even prostrate themselves, meaning they slide from standing to laying down on the ground to back upright instead of walking. Can you imagine doing this for miles? some use wooden blocks or bean bags. I walked. Then you also turn these wheels.

I thought perhaps the middle guy with the glasses was him, he was something special but not the Dalai Lama.

I hung around a bit more but I was getting hungry

Funny how so many hotels get bad reviews here, bad water pressure, cold rooms etc. Look what they have to work with!

Back to the hotel for a little nap and reading. I have read several books already including, The Henna Artist, The Island of Missing trees, both historical fiction. Biz books, Hunting Discomfort, PT Barnum Book of Life and The Greatness Mindset. And something else on the plane.

Back out and about, it’s a hilly area so I am getting my steps in. I didn’t want to be out after dark but I found a place to eat and have some wine and people watch so I stayed out later that I expected. The streets are well lit and lively to use Megan’s word. This is the main square.

Note the ditches. You really have to pay attention when walking. The cars, the ditches, the uneven roads and some dog poop here and there. It’s pretty clean though.

Today’s agenda breakfast at the hotel, secret path to the Temple, Tibet Museum, a nice dinner at a wine bar.