His Holiness The Dalai Lama!

   Today we went up to the temple in McLeod and made our way through thousands of maroon robes and tourists (especially Russians who the teachings were dedicated to) and saw the Dalai Lama offer his wisdom! He sat inside the gompa in a big gold chair and everyone filled the area which continued outside into the main area of the temple, downstairs and outside. It was absolutely manic and every part was sectioned off into nationalities so that people could tune into the right language station on their radios and headsets (which they had to bring themselves). We took off our shoes, sat on our cushions on the ground and  snuggled in with the Russians as they were seated at the front and the only other vacant seats for our countries were down below out of eyesight of the Dalai Lama. (I know, not very honest and holy of us, but worth it!).

   We watched him from the corner just outside the open-doored gompa speak in such expression it sounded like he was singing while using many captivating hand gestures. As we couldn't understand Tibetan (or the Russian station) we just sat back and took it all in. He is an amazing, courageous a peaceful man with an absolutely contagious laugh! While listening to him there were handouts of red ribbon which everyone tied around their heads and eyes, flattened seeds (not sure what they were for), round bread and BUTTER TEA (chai tea mixed with butter--very salty--not very tasty--I couldn't drink it and of course Des was disgusted at even the smell, hating both milk and butter with a passion).

   Following the teachings we went for a gorgeously scenic and peaceful walk through a path with views of the mountain and so many prayer flags you could literally get lost in them. It was magical. Another big walk that was a highlight for us here was up to a waterfall with a little pool at the base of it. Baltic cold at this time of year so only the feet went in! It was here that I played geologist for over an hour and smashed up Himalayan quartz to bring home (better than my quartz reiki healing wand!). Des thinks I'm crazy for even having what he calls my "magic wand" (they are everywhere here by the way, and half the price of what I payed for mine in Ireland) and that  I'm responsible for coastal erosion.... and that I have to stop collecting rocks--but we are not on the coast and I have done it all my life--can't stop now!

Write soon,
Love Andrea