Arriving early at the monastery was a good idea. Not only am I acclimatizing to the environment but I am getting to know some of the local people who work inside and outside of the big iron gates. I’m also helping with course preparation; yesterday we put together 250 kits of course materials. Today, we arranged and covered the cushions that we will occupy for the next 30+ days.
On the day I arrived, I slept through the evening meal and awoke hungry. I was out of luck in the dining hall so I ventured out into the pitch black night to a little nook just across from the monastery entrance. For anyone reading this who lived on Queen Street back in the day, think Walter Martin’s emporium only slightly more hygienic. I joined three men (one in monk’s robes) at the only table and ordered a plate of veg chow mein. It was wonderful, cooked to perfection by the proprietor whom they called Mrs. President. I also met Mrs. President’s daughter Tenjile and the neighbour’s dog, Bin Laden..
Yesterday afternoon I went for a long walk along the ridge with a fellow course participant. Gaby is from Brazil and has spent time n Germany. She used to be a dancer but is now a masseuse; there’s a chance that she’ll be offering foot massages today to help defray the cost of her travels. I’ll be first in line…
I’ve also walked down to Boudhanath Stupa in the hot dusty Kathmandu streets. It’s about a 40-minute trek and fairly straightforward going down the hill. Coming back up is a different story with plenty of wrong turns available. We took most of them on the way back so it turned out to be a good workout…all uphill and carrying our purchases of toiletries and fruit. I’m here again today, but I’m getting a taxi back!
