Today, we started in Chame and hiked 18 kilometers to Lower Pisang. We gained 540 meters in elevation. I think Dr. Seuss designed the bridges as several that we crossed today were decidedly wavy and one was built up to a middle peak on a large rock in the middle of the river. The tea houses have expanded their menu to include apple tea, masala tea (a cinnamon, pepper blend), green tea, mint tea, black tea, ginger tea, milk tea and lemon tea. We have also discovered apple pancakes, which are a new favorite. Culturally, we are becoming aware of different customs. For those wanting to come to Nepal, just so you know, there is nothing gross about picking your nose. Just think about that. On the other hand, it is impolite to leave a tissue on the table. No PDA. Do not step over or touch offerings (red powder, flowers/rice). Women should not touch monks or lamas. Another big part of culture in Nepal is the use of your hands. When you receive something, you use two hands. Plus, your right hand is considered your clean hand that you use to eat. Your left hand is
considered your dirty hand… sorry, lefties! Also, it is rude to use one finger to point to something-you use your whole hand to gesture. We are having a hard time remembering that one. Clearing one’s throat and spitting is all okay around here too. We all agree, though, that it sounds like someone is dying.

Upon arrival to Lower Pisang, we immediately set off to Upper Pisang to visit the Tibetan monastery (Urgen choling Gomba). We were greeted by the monks upon arrival with warm lemon tea and sat with the monks in their warming hut and talked. We shared several cups of tea (it is rude to not have at least two) and a package of biscuits that the monks. We learned that there are 8 monks living at the monastery, six are novices and two are teachers. The monastery itself is being built (the old one was not salvageable) by locals with either donations of money or time (54 hours of labor). To graduate from novice monk the monks are required to commit to a seven month period of isolation where they will live in a solitary room with no contact except for another monk who brings them food and water. During this time they are not allowed to talk to anyone including that monk. It is a period of meditation to become enlightened. The evening prayer was announced via gong while we were visiting and we sat (in lotus position) beside our guides and porters to absorb the day ending ceremony. Walking out of the monastery,the sun beamed, highlighting Annapurna 2. A peaceful way to end the day.