Tuesday, 25 March 2014

What's happening in Bir

We went to the Nyoman monestry last night to have conversation with the older monks to help them with their English. They all have a very good sence of humor and enjoy music and soccer. One Direction seemed to be a favorite amongst the teenage monks, they also watch the odd movie. 

We teach from 10.30 til 12, then 1.30 til 3 each day at the Chokling monestry. My class consists of seven very lively monks who are about 6 years old, with very little English, they also can't sit still for any length of time. They are dear wee guys but a challenge. 

This afternoon we went to the Pujab near our homestay and watched while a senior Lama took prayer. Everyone had a prayer wheel that they continually spun and prayer beads which they rub. The Monks played a gong and two very long horns to make quite a noise during parts of the prayers. It was a very enjoyable experience and again a community whom are very devout in their beliefs.

We have found a couple of cafés which is rather nice and one even has baking. The banana cake was delicious, we haven't had anything like that since we left home. One of the cafés sells all sorts of clothes and trinkets that are homemade. We have both purchased some lovely hand knitted items, Jim a beanie and me some socks which are toasty warm.

Bir is a very quiet village and you wouldn't really know you were in India when you compare it to Dehli. The people here try to be more sustainable, you have your purchases given to you in bags made from recycled newspaper and you are certainly encouraged to conserve water. Though there is some rubbish around, there is also signage encouraging careful disposal of waste. The people are very peaceful and though they stare at times, they will always speak if you greet them in the street.

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