A quick trip to Rome
to have my sensor cleaned
and absorb some culture
see old friends
stroll through the city
look up
or down
across the flat
or out my window
I keep trying to photograph my father
the trees are more accommodating
less averse to being photographed
though sometimes shy
modest
always accepting of their state
We lunch with a Texan princess
who lives alone
in modest digs
But we are happy
content
and that’s what counts!
Welcome to Morocco
It had been three and a half years since I last saw my father
he has been writing his memoirs
with Sandra’s help
She keeps him fit
eating healthy food
cooked by Salwa
We venture out
the medina is being repaired
refurbished
though much remains the same
simple
elegant
practical
I can’t resist a pair of new babouches
and mint tea with my old friend Nadia
her home
in the Palmeraie
her brother Sadek owns a nursery
with palm trees ready to go
and many other tropical plants
Some are less fortunate
though happy
in simple quarters
far from the splendor of pashas
Simple beauty is there for all
with the Atlas in the distance
It has been a treat to spend this time together
in a land we fell in love with many years ago
Back at the monastery where a color camera awaits
as do chapatis, peanut butter, marmite and tea
overlooking my view
of our temple
and dancing palms
the inner court tree has grown, as has its partner
our offices remain simple
Shankar’s ashes will nurture new trees
that Drakpa
and Krishna
prepare
Hopefully they’ll soon grow large
and beautify the monastery
as does Somali, caring for our cows
under Tashi Tsering’s wing
A trip to the Trithog Khang, headquarters of the Geluk Order
to visit Shartse Khensur Rinpoche, its Executive Director
who welcomes Sheela Krishnaswami, nutritionist from Goa
tasked with improving our health
We must improve our food!
She leaves us for the next Geluk monastery
and we move on with new monks
we have a few
this is my new student
who will soon be debating in our choera below
All is well at Rato Dratsang
The Ladies of Himachal send their good wishes
As does the gentleman under his holy tree
And as does Sanjay in his UK Store
While Rinpoche prays
I wish you a Merry Christmas