I'm still here!

We were up in the mountains a couple days and I had to do a little hiking to get to the hotel which was on the side of a mountain with great views of course.  But I was carrying too much and my computer bag slipped off of my shoulder and hit the slate path banging up the corner of my computer so that I couldn't open it.  I waited until I was back here in Kathmandu to look at it- it's still a bit tricky, but got it open and just as my intuition told me- everything is fine internally!  WHEW!

About every other day, I say "this is the highlight of my trip"!  And there's just no way I can catch up completely.  We have visited many holy and sacred sights to the Buddhist and Hindu traditions.  We have also visited some holy people.  In India, we met the Karmapa who is the head of a lineage of Buddhism like the Dalai Lama is the head of Gelukpa lineage.  But, the person I have been most impressed with so far is Kuten La- the Nechung oracle- or  the state oracle of Tibet who advises the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.  We had a personal meeting with him and his spirit shone so brightly.  He has a beautiful manner and laughs a lot.  I really loved him- his presence actually reminded me of the Dalai Lama.   It was such a privilege to spend time with him.

Some of our DUP pilgrims in front of the Buddhist temple where the Karmapa resides.  He is basically under house arrest and cannot travel due to his position as a Tibetan spiritual leader and refugee.

We were able to get individual blessings from him.

Here is my favorite Buddhist next to Dalai Lama, Kuten La!  Passang, our Tibetan guide in India is on one side and Anahata, our pilgrimage leader on the other.