Monday, March 14, 2011

Your kira is matching you, Madam.

Okay, so it has been a while since I last blogged, and people have started to talk. My excuse is that I lent my camera to a friend, and I don't really think that people want to hear my dribble. But anyway, here goes my dribble.

The other day, I got out of the carpool and started walking down the long driveway. A teenager was walking on the road and said hello. (Teenagers are extremely eager to speak English since they have practiced so much in school.) I responded back to him and he replied, "Your kira is matching you, Madam." Now I'm not really sure exactly what he meant, but I am assuming that his comment meant that he thought I looked good in my kira. (For those of you that don't know what a kira is, a kira is the women's traditional dress which includes a fancy long skirt wrapped around a few times, a silk blouse and a nice jacket. For pictures, google it.) I responded with a thank you and went on my way home.

Yesterday, Rinchen, the mother of the house, asked if I wanted to go with her. Since I am feeling the loss of a car right now, I, of course, said yes. Well, we ended up going through Thimphu, past the Dzong, past the Royal Grandmother's Palace, where the Fourth King was born, up to the end of the road to Jigme Dorji National Park. It was truly a wonderful ride. The reason for going was to "drop off" 108 little handmade chortens which were made by the monks during last month's Puja. We systematically placed them in spots that would not be effected by any rain or snow. Apparently during the Puja, good vibes were placed in these little ceramic things, and now the good vibes are travelling the universe. While we were at the park, I noticed to monasteries. Actually, only one is a monastry, Cheri Monastry, the other is a buddist college. Both are placed on the side of a mountain. Next time I will remember to take my camera!

When we returned home, two friends of Rinchen were waiting for our return. They happen to both be monks. One of them has been given the task of teaching health and nutrition to the monks of Bhutan. The thinking is that if the monks are taught about proper health and hygene, then they can turn around and help the people in their communities. Pretty good plan if you ask me. Needless to say, it was quite an enjoyable day.

I promise to post (WITH PICTURES) again soon.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Country and citizens of Japan.