We are going to see the Dalai Lama tomorrow!!
Our professor went to his home today to speak with his people to see if our class could have a private meeting with him. He got back to Dharmsala the day before yesterday and took a day of rest yesterday. He leaves again out of town the day after tomorrow for speaking engagements. The Tibetan people don't plan meetings more than 2 days in advance, so my professor waited to set up the meeting. In any case, tomorrow the Dalai Lama will be doing some kind of special prayer ceremony at the monastery. There is supposed to be high security, so no cameras, bags, etc, only our passport and our body is allowed in the door. A group of us will be walking there (10 minutes away) at 6am to get a good spot. He will start the ceremony around 9am.
I hiked up the mountain today after our class for a workout. Mountains really have a way of reminding one that they are out of shape. (I guess this will just kick into gear the half marathon I'm planning on training for when I get back to the US). There is a reason that no one carries extra weight here! My goal is to walk back up from class everyday from now on. Our morning "walk" to class is a 45 minute hike down steep, rocky terrain. I biffed it yesterday on a particularly steep area and rolled my ankle...nice. It took me about and hour and a half to get back up today. You should see the elderly monks and townspeople hike around here. If an 85 year-old monk in flip flops can do it, so can this white girl in quality hiking gear from the states. :)
Tomorrow is a really busy day so I will most likely write the day after the Dalai Lama.
Best to all of you-
C
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I'm so happy for you being able to have this experience, and that you're sharing it, too!
ReplyDeleteGive us some pictures if you get a chance!
Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. How amazing! I can't wait to hear more...
ReplyDeletePS - Bootcamp starts again 6/7 - you're back on te 8th, aren't you? Think about it ;)