From the blissful heights and views of Shanti Stupa, to the ancient and hauntingly beautiful Leh Palace, to the soft quiet that pervades all around here, this place seems untouched and unchanged from the outside world for the past several decades. Like a secret kingdom, hidden away in the mountains, the air and sky are hard to even describe, the people and boisterous landscape that begs to be photographed over and over, as if each passing minute something could be missed, and yet etched in timeless time. From our Monastery here, Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery, it is like my home away from home. All the monks here are such shining examples of hard work, perseverance and dedication. Life here is simple and slow but full of life and warm hearts. While our good friends from Sonam Ling were visiting we had several occasions to celebrate, be it for Jean Luis’ 75th birthday, a visit to the nunnery right around the corner, or even a simple meal with everyone present, happy times are rampant here, it is a family environment I cherish, and one that I will miss terribly as soon as I leave. A very special thank you to Zopa Tsewang for being the most wonderful host, friend, and dharma brother one could ever hope to have. You are the salt of the earth Choegye-la and this place would be nothing without your humor, wit, natural charm and your easy going about everything-ness that just makes it all that much sweeter.
Beautiful Ladakh, you have, as always marked my soul and heart with memories. I will miss your wide open spaces, your outrageous skies, your ancient traditions, your dark caverns, your brilliant fields of rock and stone and a great many other wondrous things. In fact, I will miss everything about you, I always do. Thank you for everything.
