Day 08 Incredible India!!

29 August 2009

It was a start to an early morning as I made my way to Thiksey monastery in Cha’s vehicle. Deemed to be the best monastery in Leh, I am so looking forward to this trip. Light was extremely good outside the monastery but since I was running a little late, I did not stop outside, for which I kinda regret thereafter. A quick snap on the way up at the staircase was all I had.

I headed straight to the prayer halls where there were monks sitting on the floor having prayers. There were quite a number of tourist already arrived sitting quietly at the back. Light was pretty low inside, so it is best to loiter outside the temple,

and there were quite a few monks making their own coffeeshop talk too.

When light was streaming in at the entrance, I sat by the doorway to observe the prayer session.

Some young monks were engaging in their own private conversation, oblivious to the eyes of the tourist casting on them as they carried on with their prayers. A short break in between prayers,

and then there was one who is camera shy.

I did have my fair share of disgust as I bumped into a rude photographer blocking and knocking into me without an apology. He looks as if he is from China/Taiwan.

There was a monk walking around collecting the money for the entrance fee of 30 Rps/person. OOoops, I wasn’t told in the beginning. Nonetheless, this is a highly recommended monastery for a visit early morning. The blowing of the horn followed soon at the rooftop of the temple.

It was an eye opening experience,

At 0900 hours, I left for another monastery, Hermis. Entry fee was 100 Rps. My jaw dropped. It was so expensive and the monastery was only a so-so.

There was a museum inside, however no photography was allowed. If you are into antiques and history, then, this museum is for you. Next stop, Shey Palace. A 3 storey high palace, and it was only so-so. Lunch was served late again as usual, at Shay restaurant, at the basement of the palace.

Around 1500 hours, I made my way to Stok Palace. However, I decided not to go in since there was already a NO PHOTOGRAPY allowed sign. The landscape outside was however, breathtaking.

It is going to be a 2 hours journey back to the guest house. I stumbled across a group of soldiers in civilian uniform in celebration. I hadn’t the faintest idea what this was all about. They were happily throwing colored powders at each other and dancing on the streets.

Over dinner, I was advised by an Indian couple staying at the guest house to practise caution on my intended stay in Delhi on my last few days.Wake up call tomorrow will be at 0300 hours since I will be leaving for PanggongTsolake at 0400 hours.

Through My Eyes

Day 08 Incredible India!!

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