Pilgrims Arriving!

Yesterday we took the 11 hour taxi ride back to Delhi in order to prepare to meet the pilgrims- some of whom have been arriving earlier than the pilgrimage (which officially starts here tomorrow at 4pm).   Driving through the foothills is precarious business.  In fact, driving in India in general is precarious business.  Yesterday, after witnessing our amazing taxi driver, I came to the conclusion that it is an art really.  Most of India has no traffic lights and no lines on the road and cars/trucks weave in and out, passing each other whenever possible- jumping back into their designated side of the road just in the nick of time.. . as well as sharing the road with pedestrians, bicycles, rickshaws, and tuk tuks (or as you would say in Ghana "trow trows"- passanger vehicles usually crammed with people).  Many times the roads are narrow and not well paved.  To say the least, it's a breathtaking experience, but I learned to totally trust our driver.  I gained a certain reverence and awe for his talent for sure!  (Did I mention that I love India;-)

Here are a few more pictures from  our time in the beautiful Dharamasala, land of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan monks and refugees:

A little Tibetan boy standing on the basketball court in the complex where Tibetan government  officials  and employees live.

Pasang's wife, Sella, rinsing the henna out of Anahata's hair with fresh, cold mountain spring water!

Arriving back at Relax Hotel in Delhi, we got to say "hello" to 2 newly arrived Australian pilgrims and then this morning as we had breakfast on the balcony 5 of the Brazilian pilgrims arrived- it was very joyful.  Alot of excitement in the air!!!  Tomorrow is the day we all gather and begin the adventure together.  I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing and wonderful time!