Life with cats, and other things…
2000/7th July 2023 Despite ominous peals of thunder and some impressive clouds late yesterday, we did not get a drop of rain. But the oppressive heat has abated. Our wild garden is much happier. But according to the weather oracle, we must brace for a cold front bringing flooding rain! . The pink tinges of … Continue reading No going back
28th November, 2021 Searching for a letter I'd laid carefully aside Led me into boxes best left undisturbed. Inside so many pictures Of friends long since interred. Pictures of the pets I loved And held close to my heart. Their faces hang in frames. From the rest why can't I part? It's not the weather … Continue reading Pain and suffering
Having located the missing passport, we piled into a taxi and asked to be taken with all speed to Don Mueang Airport. Bangkok traffic being what it was, requesting speed was rather a joke. Normally, asking an Asian taxi driver for speed would have been extremely ill-advised, given they way they drove as a matter … Continue reading A short relaxing holiday
Today I decided to focus on a public figure that inspires me: the Dalai Lama. He even has a cat. There is perhaps no more spiritual place on earth than Tibet. The wisdom and faith of Tibetan monks is astonishing. The following are all quotes from the Dalai Lama... Scientists warn that constant fear and … Continue reading Wisdom for 2020
While I subscribe to no religion, Buddhism is in fact a school of thought, a way of life, and I fully accept just about everything I have ever read about it. This morning there was a newsletter from David Michie, an author I have followed for quite some time, who happens to be a Buddhist. … Continue reading A way of life
Previously, I wrote about a journey that I was privileged to take inside Burma (Myanmar) but I didn't mention the incredible Shwe Dagon Pagoda which is located in Rangoon (Yangon). In part it was because I was having great difficulty finding words to describe it. My photographs are old and faded but I hope they … Continue reading Burma
Potala Palace from roof of the Jokhang Temple https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707/gallery/ The Potala Palace requires true photographic skills which are far beyond me. I would encourage to have a look at the Unesco World Heritage gallery, link posted above. This most impressive and stunning structure was commissioned in 1645 by the 5th Dalai Lama. It was built … Continue reading Potala Palace
Following two very long, difficult days on the road, we now had a whole day to spend in Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. It was the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, second in authority only to the Dalai Lama. The 10th Panchen Lama had remained in Tibet after the Chinese take-over. A … Continue reading Shigatse and Gysantse