TRAVELS w/P: Tales of Adventure Here & There

It's nightfall. Bags are packed for a 6am breakfast and early departure for Varanassi.
What an inspiring day. Sublime serenity. Spent the better part of the afternoon participating in an auspicious Tibetan festival, enthralled with the ritual. The gentle sweeping of hands, snap of fingers. Whispered prayers and soft hums. Lighting of incense, stick pointed toward the front buddha altar. Prostrations. Moving to a second room to light oil lanterns. Holding thumb to pinky with palm outstretched to receive grains of rice, tossing the blessing into the air. Tinkling of bells, trumpeting horns, clanging cymbals, rhythmic bell clicks to keep chant time. Offerings many. The handsome dark haired monk (we ladies concurred - johnny depp pales in comparison). Tibetan women showing how to move mala beads, offering rugs to cushion the sitting. The gracious apple dumpling woman nodding recognition, gesturing with encouragement. Her elders following suit. Sitting through a full cycle of chant. Meeting the radiantly happy Abbot, sharing a few moments - enough to steal a photo. Sweet. Simple. Pleasure.