Monday, October 30, 2006, Dharamsala. (Day 5 of the workshops)

Today I take a day-off to go sightseeing. Phuntsok advised me to visit the Tibetan Library at the Government-in-exile premises and the Institute for Medicine and Astrology.

After a natural wake-up at 7:30 AM (3:00 AM at home), I hit the road at 9:00 AM. Too early for the Tourist office and the TCV handicraft shop. So I continue to walk down the Jogibora road.

I am struck by the many special situations related to infrastructures, so I make a special on infrastructures.

Shortly after my start I have a nice view on a mountain covered with snow. In the middle of the picture is the "Jungle hut", a place where we were directed to for evening events, however, nothing happened there and the Finnish people felt that the personnel was reluctant to take orders.....

The road is downhill all the time. After an hours walk I receive a nice view on the Government buildings. Left of the Stupa is the building of the Parliament.

Once at the level, the Stupa is visible in its glory.

Now the Parliament-in-exile is to the right of the Stupa. The stairs to the Library are just visible between the Parliament building and the offices.

The Library has a beautiful façade. I visit the museum in the Library. It has many implements for the Buddhism The most admirable is the Mandala made of colored sand with very delicate details. Unfortunately, is forbidden to take pictures.

The most remarkable item is the Potala made of butter. I also see a whole array of butterlamps, but I can not communicate with the monk present.

The courses are all for at least a week, so I can not enjoy one.

Finally I buy some books at the bookstore.

Close by is the Institute of Medicine and Astrology. I pay a visit to their museum and enjoy the view of many Tangka's on which the medicine is depicted. Also many herbs and other products from plants used in their medicine is on display.

I can not resist to buy a book on Tibetan Medicine plants.

Here are the most beautiful sights on nature in the area.

My walk back takes 1 and a half hour. It is really uphill and I take my time.

Back at McLeod Ganj, I find the Tourist office opened, but nothing of interest is available, even not map. The shop of TCV handicraft is closed on Monday.....

In the evening I meet a large part of the FreiFunk.net group and have a nice evening with them.

From left to right: Nico, Elektra, Kloschi and Frieder