Tour of Nepal and Tibet

At exactly eight o’clock we arrive at the temple. The curtain is still closed. In front of the door is a colorful collection of slippers, and through a crack in the curtain we can see the monks eating. We hesitate—should we wait or go in? A monk praying outside gestures that we may enter. As we begin to take off our shoes, he indicates that it’s not necessary. Cautiously, we step inside and are watched by around forty monks. They continue eating undisturbed. It is completely silent except for the smacking sounds of food. The monk we met yesterday during prayer is the third in line. He can hardly contain his laughter upon seeing us this early in the temple. Every time he glances our way, he chuckles to himself again.