HAPPY NEW YEAR! - LOSAR TASHI DELEK!
Well yesterday things definitely started to gain momentum. There was a Tibetan wedding taking place in the hotel (everyone in traditional costume) plus traditional gifts left in the reception of the guesthouse for the happy couple (a bucketful of chang: leathal tibetan beer, and a pile of cow dung - for fertility!). Out in the streets fireworks were going off everywhere, children running around like crazy singing folk songs, someone somewhere playing Bob Marley (Exodus - somewhat appropriate!), everywhere families and friends having fun!
And this morning - SUNSHINE!! At last! After yesterday's torrential rain, hailstones the size of 5p coins and thunder it was most welcome! The locals reckoned it was the end of the year and the weather using itself up to remove obstacles for the new year ahead, either way, waking to sunshine streaming through the window was great!
After breakfast of tasty banana pancake (served in my room as the majority of the staff are on Losar holiday) I went down to the Dalai Lamas temple with Diane to see what was happening as we were told that this is what people do on new years day, go to temple, visit friends, drink a little chang...all sounds quite civilised! The temple was absolutely buzzing with people, the majority in traditional dress and kids playing with new year presents (remote controlled cars seemed quite popular). After a little people watching, meditation etc we wandered off for lunch and then i popped off for a relaxing afternoon out on an observation platform overlooking the Kangra Valley with a good book.
Happy New Year!
(photos to follow another day)
