9/20 - We rode our bikes through the city and up some steep hills
to Dreprung Monastery. Josh and I both broke bicycle chains---a bad
omen the bikes were only in fair condition We used our skills gained from
watching the local drivers to safely navigate There were numerous stands
selling trinkets around the entrance. For those daring enough, there were
very fragrant pit toilets. Away from the toilets, the smells were of burning
juniper and incense.
The monastery used to house 10,000 monks; now 500. Inside, it was
relatively dark. There were numerous temples within the monastery, each
showing a different image of the Buddha. Pictures in the temple could be
taken for 15 to 20 yuan per temple. Pilgrims would pour yak butter into
lanterns as devotion.
On the way down the steep hill that leaves the monastery, both Larry and
Tom fell. Tom's was pretty fast and left lots of abrasions. The left rear of
his bike shorts was completely torn away.
was in the city and much smaller and was very crowded. It was sometimes
difficult for the pilgrims to do their devotionals due to all the tourists. We
watched an organized debate among the monks. The senior monk is
seated on the ground and the junior (novice?) stands in front. During the
conversation, the junior monk will vigorously clap his hands; I believe to
emphasize a point.
I am in awe of the devotion of some of the Buddhists. There were many
prostrating themselves in front of the building.
The Tibetans are a handsome people. Their traditional clothing, which is
common to see, gives them an aura of dignity.
The locals find us an oddity. My seat-mate on the flight in took pictures of
me and many have taken pictures of us riding. Others just stare and many
wave hello.
We finished the day with a traditional Tibetan dinner. In addition to our
leader Ang was Ang Gelu. Ang Gelu weighs about 130 pounds and is in
incredible shape. He has summited Everest twice and climbed the world's
sixth highest peak without oxygen. We also met Katak who is the camp
manager.
