Mcleod Ganj (what an odd name, the locals affectionately refer to it as McLlo) is a place in Dharamsala which is the seat of the 14th Dalai Lama. It is a place where the background music is not the latest Beyoncé or Billie Eilish, but chants of Om Mani Padme Hum (“Be pure in body mind and speech. Follow the path of wisdom with love and compassion. Buddhahood will result.”). It’s a place where you’d be hard-pressed to encounter crime or unkindness. In street corners, big signs remind the residents to practice kindness.

I went to Gyuto monastery, it’s a real school. Found cute children monks. Beautiful place and so serene.
Then walked the 2 kilometers to Norbulingka Institute, amazing place. Flowing water and greenery everywhere. This would be the Tibet of your dreams. Restaurant and cafe set amidst the greenery and flowing water. Beautiful temple. They have workshops on different Tibetan traditions — woodwork, thangka painting, embroidery etc. What a wonderful place to explore! Definitely the best place so far in Dharamsala.

In the evening, decided to check out Namgyal monastery and found, to my absolute delight, groups of young monks in animated debate.

I’m beginning to enjoy again taking photos. Today, I walked around 10 kilometers.

My formula for happiness: Sleep eat well meditate exercise read write keep friends be in nature be kind be grateful. All that done today. 🙌🙏