Here Comes His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

On the way back to the main town, we came across these two elderly gents along the road.

One was nearly blind, and neither spoke a word of English. That didn't stop either from expressing their excitement as they kept saying "Dalai Lama! Dalai Lama!" and motioning towards the road. Apparently, the Dalai Lama was on his way back from his recent trip to the US! Good fortune for us.

Everyone came out to greet him. I mean everyone. Toddlers who could barely walk, senior Tibetans who could barely walk either. It was a complete family affair.


His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, is truly revered by the people. They brought out offerings for him.

Yes, this is really his vehicle (dang glare).


And yes, this is really him.


He even turned back, smiled and waved. I like to tell everyone that was towards us, hah! My friend was telling me that even a photo of just his robe is highly prized for good luck. Woo-hoo!

More scenes from Dharamsala

Prayer wheel and prayers inside the Tsuglagkhang Complex-



All day long these dogs slept piled on each other. I'm guessing it was a full night of hard work barking at rival dogs and peeing on things...


Vrooooooom!!! (yep, that was the actual sound effects!)


Fruit/Vegetable seller at Dal Lake

I really don't know why boating around in plastic animals (like a rubber ducky in a bathtub) is the thing to do with your sweetie. I just don't understand courtship in this country. Although I suppose with 1.3 billion people, something is going right...


Sellers of roasted snacks