Modern Tibet

Peter & Owen here doing a mutual blog (we only paid for 30 minutes of computer time). We arrived here in Dharmasala two days ago. After an exhausting bus ride, we arrived in the town that hosts the Exiled Government of Tibet. The scenery on the bus ride changed dramaticly in the last hour of the trip as we skidded along the treacherous mountain roads. Niether of us expected to be in the midst of Tibetan culture just 5 hours away from India's most spiritual town, but here we were amongst Buddist monks and The Dalai Lama. We are staying in a idyllic Buddist monistary, 365 dangerous steps and a quick walk from the main square. The views of both the Kanga valley and the Himalayas are breathtaking, and the town provides a nice change from the craziness of both Delhi and Varanasi. The most interesting part of the town is the ever present feel of Tibet. Walking around the streets, I could swear I was actually there. The struggle of the Tibetan people, however, is obvious as well. The monks seem slightly out of place here in India, and the amount of 'Free Tibet' stickers and hats are countless. Today, we talked to a woman who had been imprisioned by the Chinese for 27 years, before managing to escape to Dharmasala. Despite the cruelitly inflicted upon here and the Chinese current occupation in Tibet, she said she has never been more hopeful for the Tibetan cause, and she is sure that she will see the day when the Dalai Lama returns to Tibet. (She is 82) On a brighter note, Tibetan food proves to be amazing, especially the Momos. Apart from the Tibetan Tea, made out of butter and salt, everything is delicous and filling. Next, we will go to a cottage still higher into the mountains to hike and recover from overall alarming bowel movements. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible for us, and we'll see you soon! Owen & Peter