The March of the Umbrellas

Tingmo, Tibetan cooking class
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I've been fortunate in my life to see the Olympic torch twice. It's amazing how different the experiences were. The first one was in Salt Lake City, 2002. I was in the midst of my punk rock era and had a completely different agenda. 6 years later in Mcleod Ganj, India I saw another torch. Not the official torch of the Olympics, but the Tibetan Torch, the real torch. Rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the people. In fact, after spending significant time with Tibetans I can't think of much that will.

City in the clouds
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Pop, pop, pop! Umbrellas opened all around me. I was happy that I went with the XL rainbow umbrella as 3 people were able to huddle underneath with me, all of them waving Tibetan flags. Everyone was yelling "Bergalo!!" Which means FREE TIBET! Next came the motorcycles, followed by the torch. Everyone cheered and joined in the parade. We walked up the mountain and listened to inspirational speakers. This was announced:

In the past week China has moved at least 6,000 monks and prisoners to the East of Tibet, the Guantanamo of Tibet. Activists are really worried that as soon as the Olympics are over mass genocide will take place there, because no one will be looking anymore.

Fire Phuja
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Today I saw the Dalai Lama, and I have to admit, there is really something magical about that guy. Unfortunately he was giving his teachings in a very crowded space, on very concrete floors. I left a little early to escape the crowds. As I left I passed the room that he was in and gave him a bow. He actually turned his head, smiled at me, and bowed back. I had goosebumps from head to toe.

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A couple of days ago I went to the ceremony where they destroy the sand mandala. For two hours they chanted over a bonfire, tossing in various grains and seeds. The fire Phuja was held outside under a canopy. It was pouring rain and monks were chanting in deep throaty voices. Afterwards we all ventured upstairs for more bass chanting and with a sweep of the hand the mandala was gone. They filled a small bowl with the sand, then went around bopping a sprinkle of it on each of our heads. Then they gave us paper cups full of cashew raisin  rice pudding, and the celebration was over.

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I want to thank everyone for their emails, it is HUGE to hear from you. My biggest apologies for the lack of replies, I try to keep my internet time short as I'm charged by the minute.

I truly miss and appreciate you all! Katie