Today I am the only injie in Mahlo! It's kind of cool really. The Italians who stayed in town don't like it and have re-located themselves to Rebkong, and the other two people decided to go up to the camp with Sangye yesterday. I have to say I am enjoying this little window of time alone.

Did I mention that I am staying in Shamballa? The hotel Shamballa anyway.

Because I have to be at the Lum centre early, ie before the restaurants open I have to self cater for breakfast. So today was kind of disgusting but ok too. Biscuits and a can of Nescafe coffee, not as dire as it sounds to be honest, and bit sweet but overall, it was coffee!

I bought a new chuba at the market last night because I need to keep warm when I walk back to the hotel. This thrilled my new girlfriends next door. The old ones checked it out very thoroughly before giving me the thumbs up and making me put in on and off a few dozen times, tying the belt so tight I am changing my name to Scarlett O'Hara. The young ones all tried it on. So girlfriends are the same all over the world, we all try on each others new stuff.

I bought a pair of earrings today that I will probably never wear. The metal is who knows what, but gold coloured, and the ear parts are way too thick for the weeny little holes in my ears. I just wanted them to take out and look at when I am home thinking of these beautiful beautiful women.

I had some urchins visit me this morning, a couple of little girls, completely charming, completely filthy and completely oblvivious to the fact that I could not understand a word of their constant chatter. Or maybe they just didn't care; they made out like bandits, scoring out of my fruit and snack lunch supply, so they were happy when they finally scurried away.

The ladies in the next room must have much tougher skin than me, they plunge into the hot water straight away, I hear them chatting while I wait for my water to cool to less than boiling. Then after a while they start chanting their mantras together, it's too lovely.

One of the things that is so amazing about being here is that walking around the town at any given moment at least half of the people here are saying mantras; it's like a distant drone of bees, very comforting sound. These constant prayers going out for the benefit of all sentient beings. I had to smile when one of the doctors in Xining, talking about mantras while doing therapies on patients said "my head is boiling with mantras."

On a more prosaic note;this afternoons bath was just too hot and although I waited a long while and splashed about and hopped in and out, it was not going to be a happening thing. And as I am the one taking my pulse and making sure I'm ok, I told myself to get out, doctors orders.

As well as Sangye, my new Tibetan brother, I also have a crush on Emilio from Italy. He is very cool with the Elvis Costello glasses, and whenever he sees me he says "Ciao bella", who could resist? His 93 year old grandfather has a 45 year old girlfriend! (guess who told me that little titbit?) He is also a Ku Nye instructor and TTM student and has a very kind heart. Sorry girls he is married with a little daughter.

dinnertime, this lying around in baths all day makes one hungry!

Comments

[prs]

More Tibetan boyfriends...hmmmm. 94 and still on the prowl, typical Tibetan. And now a Tibetan living in Italy! Another brother for Alex and Mathew, they will be impressed I am sure. How many Momo's so far? Have you had a day without momo yet? Sounds peaceful without the others in your party and no one else to boss you around and find new jobs for you. Enjoy while it lasts. Am enjoying reading your journals, can see you in my mind with a big smile all the time.
love ya
prs

[Alex]

That sounds really very comforting with the mantras all day. The only sort of mantras one hears in Geelong are football chants, or drunk cat-calls to the girlies outside the nightclubs hahaha.
You WOULD go all weak at the knees for some sily Italian fellow wouldn't you. Mathew will be crushed when he finds out.

Crushed.

Love you, I'm glad you're having such a good time.
Miss you
xoxox

[Judith-Ann]

Cannot tell you how delighted I am for you... Looking forward for a grand chat fest when you return.

Brian is very worried about you getting caught it floods - please to stay high & dry.

Enjoying your blogs - I'm like Phil, can see your shining, smiling face!

Sad news about Kokonor Hospital - happy to help where we can.