Since we were unable to go to Leh, we decided to break the long bus journey downhill and headed to Dharamsala.
Dharamsala is popular with tourist as it's the place where Dalai Lama exiled to 50 years ago and the place is heavily populated with exiled Tibetan and government. We gained a deeper understanding of the plight suffered by the Tibetans and hope that they will be able to return to their homeland some day.
Up in the mountains, this was our last stop of cool weather before we head back to lowlands..and HOT HOT HOT weather..
The mini bus we are taking - 6 hrs journey!
Main junction of Dharamsala and lots of people gathering. we were wondering why!!
Is it Dalai Lama?
Turns out to be cricket player in town for a match over the weekend!
Korean noodles!! hehe.. U would have guess our smiles...even had Japanese Egg Don for 3 nights!!
I did a few rounds! haha..
Residence of Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.
We did not get to see him cos he was in Switzerland when we were there..
The monastery just opposite where he stays. Doesn't look like a typical temple right? More like complex.
Monks having their usual debate of Buddhism. Very interesting as it looked like they were quarreling!
Dharamsala Cricket Stadium.
The world's most picturesque stadium with the Himalayas.
Streets of Dharamsala..narrow and sloppy..
A little Tibetan monastery in the town
Finally caught glimpse of the cricket player. Brad Lee (or something from Australia)
Jeff tot it was Brad Pitt when the police told us. haha
More prayer wheels...
Jeff needed a hair cut again and this time, better job and cheaper! Only S$1.50!
Handmade noodle! hehe..Tibetan handmade noodle. Delicious!
Our picnic spot!
We took an auto specially to go to Dal Lake...
only to find that mehmeh has drank all the water!!
Tibet Museum which was closed for renovation when we were there! Luckily it opened on the morning before we left...
Heart wrenching to read the plight of Tibetans..
Morning prayer at the monastery ...
Map of Tibet
Inside the museum..
So Dharamsala is in India? The Tibetan community looks to be so settled there. Tibetan handmade noodle - where are the noodles?
ReplyDeleteSome photos with funny expression spotted! Haha! I was expecting some solemn photos when reading your opening description :P Aiyo... envious of the fun u guys are having lor. Was just complaining to William a few hours ago abt how unfair it is that boss is having fun while we are suffering at work :( Ok, think I am a bit emo these few days.
By the way, Ah June googled for Varanasi & it looks beautiful! Look forward to this posting (if there is).
Dawn (28 Apr 2010, 1.18am)
ai ya... too bad you didn't get to see Dalai Lama. one of my friends managed to meet him a few months back, got to make appt one! :)
ReplyDeletei've always dreamed about spinning the prayer wheels, cuz like quite fun! :P but of course the spin will be to pray for good health.
do they have temples in every other street? cuz you took quite a few temple photos.
looking forward to the volunteering photos!
joyce
How come you know the monks are debating? You learn their language already? Hee...
ReplyDeleteGot help me turn the MANI wheel? :)