Monk at Temple(lka-kang)

Two monks appeared to be looking after the temple which was near our picnic site.  I asked permission of the monk to take his photo and he kindly agreed but removed his woolen cap-which I quite liked- for the photo.  All the monks( young and old) wear red ghos(the traditional robe for men) and are therefore readily identifiable.  All religions are respected here, but the majority are Buddhist.  I have been wearing the Kira for the days I am teaching and it has been quite a challenge to wear it correctly, but I am told the ghos worn by the men are considerably more difficult.  Out of respect we have not been taking pictures inside the temple.  Small butter lamps light the temple inside are offerings of food and money can be left with the monks or on the altar.  I have been here a month so far and have read many books on Bhutan and  still I feel I have barely scratched the surface to understanding the country, culture and religion.  I do know though, that whether I  have been at a  temple, chorten,  or by prayer flags, I always leave feeling calmer and somehow more settled.   

Picnic Overlooking Thimphu

Last weekend Nancy drove us to the beginning of a hiking trail overlooking Thimphu(the Sangaygang Trail).  At about the midway point of the trail we stopped for a picnic lunch.  Prayer flags are in front of us while below us was a magnificent view of Thimphu.  It is too bad I couldn't include a sound bite because from here we could hear the drums and see the crowds and dancers who were celebrating the Tsetchu( religious festival) at the Dzong(originally a fortress, but now a monastery, temple and government offices). Because of the geography( Himalayan mountains, valley and river around which Thimphu has grown) the sounds are one of my favourite parts of being here.  The drumming and special horns played for this special four day festival drifted up to us while eating lunch.  Mingled with these almost magical sounds,  were traffic noises, the flowing of the river and general life in Thimphu.  Behind us is a temple which we explored after lunch.   

Staff and student washrooms

The corrugated roofs mean that classrooms and washrooms alike are very loud when it rains.  I haven't yet experienced this particular washroom but no log is complete without a view of te school outhouses/washrooms.  They are the turkish variety with places for feet and no seat.  To date they have all been clean, but I travel(discreetly) with toilet paper, soap and hand towel for those that don't have the necessary supplies.  Monday, when I teach in my long kira, walking, teaching, and using the washroom facilities will all be a challenge I am sure.  As long as I don't fall head long into any of the students I should be fine.  If my skirt(kira) comes loose I am told everyone (students and teachers) will help me get it rearranged.  So,....to avoid that embarrassment my homework for this weekend is to practice wrapping this rather complicated piece of material around me securely and neatly.  Spruce and Anne have promised to help!

Students in their Ghos and Kiras

My country students wear uniforms which they are required to pay for.  School is free but if they can't purchase uniforms they don't come to school.  The gho, which is worn by the boys, falls just below their knees and the girls wear a uniform that comes to the ground.  In the winter they don't wear leggings or snow pants.  What I may eventually get used to is the fact that students and teachers alike walk anywhere from one to three hours to school, and then repeat  the walk again at the end of the day.  Needless to say, they are all slim and trim.  The hills are magnificent, and I will try to get a better shot on Monday to do the view justice.  It is really breathtaking.  Everywhere I drive, or hike, I am surrounded by mountains and rivers and  beauty that continually inspires.  Did I mention that everyone here speaks a minimum of 4 languages.  Speaking 6 or 7 languages is more the norm.  Every valley has its own language!     

Kindergarten class

Yesterday we drove about 45 minutes to a country school outside of Thimphu. This school is higher up and gets colder temperatures which is something I haven't yet got my mind around as there are no heaters or stoves  or insulation to keep the heat in.  The students, as you can see, are very diligent and engaged in their studies.  There is just enough room for them to stand up, so next week, when I give a lesson with them, I am hoping we can go outside to do some action songs. There isn't room for their back packs except on their backs.  The walls are corrugated steel and the floor is concrete/ground.  The world bank has funded a new school for them which is going up all around them.  I'm not sure their rooms will be heated but there should be more space and better insulation from the winter winds. The teachers are following a new curriculum and are most attentive to getting it right.  They are so appreciative of any lessons I offer or materials I leave with them.  I am learning sooo much!!