Ani Gompa

Ani Gompa is the Tibetan name for a nunnery. Yesterday we finally went to a nunnery after spending the majority of our time on the monestary train. This nunnery is off the beaten path and not many people head up there for a visit, we quickly found out why. We had someone write down the name of the nunnery in Tibetan for us and it was still remarkably difficult to find a taxi driver that could figure out how to get there. Finally, we located a cab with khata in the front, meaning he was most likely Tibetan, so there was a chance he would be able to read our directions. With some help frm the secutiry gaurd at the Yak Hotel the mystery was finally solved and we were on our way. Vehicles actually can't drive all the way up to the nunnery so the driver dropped us off at the end of the road and we were to walk the rest of the way. It was much farther up the mountain then it appeared from Lhasa but it was exciting to be doing something not many others usually undertake. We started by walking on the ouside of a large quary and a place where they were using large machines to cut rocks. After winding our way through a wash and scrambling over some boulders we just started heading straight up. It was about 2 hours up, up, and up the mountain following switchbacks and pausing to look over the ridge at the city of Lhasa in the distance. We reached the nunnery winded but curious. There weren't any people around so we just wandered into their courtyard and poked our heads inside. Finally, a nun saw us and smiled and pointed us to their tea room. Here three cups of yak butter tea were quickly set before us and there was a lot of "smile conversing" going on between us and the nuns. As we sat there, our cups always full, many nuns stuck their heads in the door to say hi. They even fed us lunch, I found that very touching and suprising. We were able to explore the nunnery after drinking endless amounts of yak butter tea and finishing our rice and potatoes. Their assembly hall was amazing, the floor was red and yellow tiles and there were georgeous paintings adorning the whole room. It was obvious that it was very well cared for. After we finished exploring the hall we went back to the main courtyard and joined some of the nuns on the benches and had some fun with the phrase books. Everyone was smiling and laughing and having a good time trying to communicate. After a bit it was time to go and let them get back to their business. The abbott (head nun) walked us out and sent us on our way straight down the mountain. About 15 min into our walk we came upon a large green tent, two people stuck their heads out and invied us in. It was the home of about a 10 person Tibetan family who had walked there from somewhere north. This time we didn't have our own cups so no more yak butter tea, which was ok with me. We did get out the cameras and those were a huge hit. They absolutely loved seeing their picture on the digital screen and were posing to get in more shots. It was great fun! Marya got some address for them so hoepfully we can send them some of the pictures when we get home. I think that would be something really great to share.

Something I have also been learning during my time here... everyhwere... when you are blonde and a bit pale you really stand out in Tibet and it makes people smile, giggle, and want to touch your hair :)

Peace and love
J