Friday, September 25, 2009
After a teaching session and
buckwheat pancakes for breakfast, we were anxious for our visit to Jampel
Monastery, the oldest one in Bhutan. It was built in 649 A.D. and was filled with
older people – all of them character studies – making the Kora, a walk around
the exterior.
Afterwards, we hiked to Kurzey Temple
via a narrow farm lane with wild marijuana growing on either side. Turnips, Buckwheat and rice were growing in small
plots along the way. Over a beautiful
stream and through a pasture, we finally arrived at the temple that dates from
1562. It is the holiest of all temples
in Bhutan. This is where Guru Rampochey, the second Lord
Buddha, meditated for six months in a cave and left his body imprint on the
stone wall. The first temple was erected over this cave
site. Subsequent temples have been
built, and several members of the royal family have been cremated and buried
here.
We hiked on to one of the
first royal palaces, now mostly in ruins, with a few monks living in one wing. We stopped for a short while to see the posh Aman
Hotel. Rooms are 1,200 dollars a night,
but as Jennifer says, “That includes tax! It’s out in the middle of farm land with an
unpaved lane leading to front door. Guess
what’s also growing along this lane. It’s
a very sterile place with no clues as to what country one is visiting.
We talked to a group of eight
older Australian ladies who were in the east when the earthquake hit. Their lodging was so badly damaged that they
were forced to sleep outside for two nights before the road was cleared enough
for safe passage. The National Highway is the only road that
runs from west to east, and is very rudimentary, to say the least.
More notes to more cute
people.
Becca: We thank you everyday for what you are doing
for Anne back home. She could not have
been here without your help.
Dr. Jim and Glenda: Today, for the first time,
Anne and I Carol,felt the need to be
heavily medicated when Jennifer made an offering at Bhutan’s oldest temple. Next to an ear of corn, a perfect peach and
several small pieces of money, guess what Jen’s offering was? She offered our Nutter Butters!!!!!!!!!!!
Betty: We feel like you are traveling with us, and
we like having you here.
