Sally and I were invited for tea by Geshe Sherab Puntsag after yesterday’s conversational English class at Tibet World. The literal translation of geisha is spiritual friend. The title is conferred upon those who have completed extensive studies and examinations at monastic universities. It was Geshe Puntsag’s first class (ours too). He is in town for one month before he heads off to teach in Russia.
The class was fabulous. We are given a topic, and our students – the majority of them monks – answer a series of questions. Yesterday, the topic was Tibet; it was heartbreaking to hear their hopes and fears about their country. I learned a lot, and I hope they did too. I’m going back on Monday and for the remainder of my time here.
I have a new friend from Kashmir on Temple Road. He says he’ll help me if I can’t get sufficient cash to pay for my guest house. You never know, I may have to call his bluff. The money situation changes daily. The ATMs, if you can get near one, are dispensing 2000 rupees at a time, the equivalent of $40. I’ll need ten days to withdraw the amount I need.
I met German Guy at the Snow Lion at breakfast. I tried to have a conversation with him about the money issue but it was impossible to get a word in edgewise. I also ran into Swiss Guy at the temple. He thinks there’s still time for me to marry…wtf?
Going to see Seven Years in Tibet this afternoon. Wonder if there’ll be popcorn…