Working in Thimphu - May 7, 2009

Charlotte had been putting in honest-to-God work hours! They are getting 8 hours solid teaching/presentation from her each day. Understand that we did not get any special consideration from the gov't -- we're paying $210/day minimum rate, same as any tourist who is not doing any volunteering here. My experience is a little more mellow, have really enjoyed spending time in the ENT department. The problems and solutions are very familiar -- medicine is the same the world over.

I got some photographs at both places and will try to post those, but when I upload onto this computer, and then ask it to upload to this website, I can go have dinner before it's done with the upload!

I had been wanting to meet a Welsh man who has been a Vajrayana monk for many years, and someone was going to connect us up. Then after lunch I saw a westerner in saffrom robes and asked "Is that him?" Who else could it be?! Thus met and had a very pleasant time meeting Jeff .... AKA Shempen Dawa. He offers free daily public teachings on how to meditate and takes a special interest in the addiction that is present, much much more than I would have ever guess. Call it trouble in paradise. But I've met many people who have found a way out!

Went to pick up my thangka today, which was being sewn to the brocade, and there was a big tar stain on one of the streamers. I insisted that they replace this .... it didn't even look new! So I can recommend being sure to purchase not from the black market, but can't recommend that you purchase from the official Emporium, I'm sorry to say it just wasn't good business practice.