GREETINGS FROM SUNNY NEPAL

We are here at the Shechen Guest House, our favorite place to stay at Boudhanath, Kathmandu. Power is very sketchy so this is a short post. We arrived in India and stayed at the Tibetan Youth Hostel where we spent time with Tibetan students we had sponsored at the Tibetan Childrens Village in Suja, and who are now in college in Delhi.

We are about to head out to the Yolmo for an 11-day trek. While here in Boudha we are doing kora around the stupa which is now being repaired as you can see from the photos. The top part of the stupa was damaged and is being restored. The same is true of the Shechen Monastery next to the guest house. We also had a lovely visit with B. P. Shresta, an old friend from Dhulikhel. When the power is available we enjoy a delicious cappucino at the guest house.

Life is difficult here with frequent power outages, but even though there is the embargo at the Indian border severely restricting import of gasoline and cooking gas, there is a big black market where gas is available for $12 – 15/gallon.

We will share our journey upon our return Dec. 7th. The area we are visiting has been tremendously impacted by the earthquake last April. Around Boudha, there is little damage to the homes and buildings and life continues despite adversity.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. We’ll be eating dal bhat as you all enjoy turkey!