Big hitter, the Lama...

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the drive to Dharamshala was much shorter than we had anticipated. It was supposed to take nearly 5 hours, but the roads were surprisingly good and so too was the traffic. As a result, we made the scenic drive through the sprawling green fields of Punjab, to the foothills of the Himalayas in about 3 hours. The cool, crisp, refreshing air and the roads winding through the Himalayan foothills reminded me of Colorado and Wyoming. Eventually we reached a fairly flat, high plain with a straight stretch of road lined with trees on either side. To our left, the bright green, rolling fields yielded to soaring, snow-capped peaks and I knew that we had reached the Himalayas. The contrast of the green fields and jagged, snowy peaks was magnificent. It was not long before we were making our way up a winding road to Dharamshala.

I had plans to meet friends of a friend, but unfortunately, they weren’t expecting me for another two hours! This created a little trouble for me, because I was not sure where to go or how I could not get a hold of these people. Eventually, with some assistance and a little frustration, I found their place, but then no one answered the door!

I finally found the place!

 Fortunately, after waiting about 10 minutes, they opened the front door of their flat and were a bit surprised to see me, but gladly invited me in.

Tasty lunch!

We talked briefly and then I got an offer to tour Macleod Ganj on the back of a two-wheeler (i.e. motorcycle). Of course, I couldn’t resist, so before long we were off climbing the winding road heading up the mountain to visit the Dalai Lama’s abode. On the way, we stopped at a small, old church in the wildwood. The few rays of sunlight beaming through gave the church an almost surreal or mystical appearance and the old colonial graveyard on the hillside nearby was a fascinating backdrop.

Church in the wildwood

Shortly after that stop, we rolled into Macleod Ganj. The streets there were lined with tourist shops that appeal to the many foreigners who travel from around the world to hear the Dalai Lama teach. Interestingly enough, we arrived at Lama’s complex just as he finished his afternoon teaching, so we had to swim upstream against wave after wave of Buddhist monks. 

We walked around the temple for about 10 minutes and after the Lama promised me “eternal consciousness” on my deathbed, we rejoined the departing throngs. I must say that despite the Buddhist reputation for being peaceful, they sure know how to push their way through the crowded streets--not all that unlike trying to move around on an Indian bus or train…

...and a curious sign just around the corner

Prayer wheels...

I promise, I'm doing my best to blend in...

Sunset over Macleod Ganj

Luke's view

We hopped on the bike and rode around a bit more, taking in the invigorating mountain air. As the sun began to set, we made our way down the mountain and to enjoy a delightful home-cooked meal. After an interesting and engaging conversation, I got ready for bed. My biggest concern was whether that I might freeze to death because there was no heat in the house! However, they gave me plenty of blankets to keep warm, so it was not quite like camping out under the stars.

In the morning, we had breakfast before hopping on the bike again to visit a Buddhist monastery that was run by another “Lama.” 

After that, we visited the peaceful Tibetan cultural center and before long I was on my way to the airport to catch my early afternoon flight. What a magnificent trip it had been and I left with a greater appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation… and a real desire to visit the beautiful land of Kashmir.

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:2