Sunday, February 13, 2011

On the Way to the Dalai Lama’s Temple Complex


Back in Dharamsala, we headed down the street that led toward the Tsuglagkhang Complex, located at the southern edge of town and visible from our hotel. On the steps of a small store, three men were engaged in a game of cards. Others sat near a wheeled vendor cart, deeply entrenched in village talk. Tibetan-looking women sat next to their cart, busily knitting additional hats to sell while their young children sat by their side. Other carts contained colorful embroidered caps, turquoise and silver jewelry, chunky beaded necklaces, and the ever-present Kashmiri items. Tibetan music from a tiny shop broadcasted samples of its CDs for sale. Women wearing striped woolen skirts balanced bundles of firewood on their heads. As I paused to take a photo, a young man asked, “Want some hashish?” Nearing the temple complex, we spotted a woman busily selling steamed momos. For pocket change, we enjoyed a few as well.

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