Singing Songs About the Southland

Beyond psyched. A vague plan that'd been floating around in the ether for a month or two suddenly coalesced -- Thursday morning I'm jumping in a Land Cruiser (I hope) and road tripping with my buddy Sukhee to Omnogov Province, or the Southern Gobi. This was a major power spot for Danzan Ravjaa, with three monastic complexes constructed near one another, and I ain't never been there. We're gonna visit Demchig Khiid for sure. This is being rebuilt under the auspices of Lama Purevbat. In fact, he's there now, overseeing the first project, construction of a large stupa dedicated to Buddha Amitabha, my personal fave.

Afterward, we're going to cut across the desert to Khamariin Khiid, check in with Altangerel, and try to get some photos of more of the young women we're helping send to India. Back Monday night, maybe.

Will there be stories, photos? Oh, I don't know, maybe a few, if you're good.

Curiously, if you put "demchig hiid" into Google, you get a bunch of links to satellite imagery. It's all a little beyond my prehistoric dial-up, but maybe you'll have some fun with it. A part of Demchig was constructed in a unique eight-petal lotus shape; maybe if you zoom in enough, you can see that. If not, wait 'til next week.

Comments

[Carol of Seattle]

I'm looking at the image right now, wait a minute, there's a land rover, and a goofy looking white guy in a robe. Konchog is that you? Wave so I can see you!

[Leamur]

That was fun!

News flash for Leamur: the Gobi Desert is really big...

[KT]

Just remember in "Birmingham they love the Governor". Knew I liked you. Woo Hoo Hoo! Oh and "And we all did what we could do" You would be proud- my little boys know almost all the words to one of my most favorite songs. Explaining Muscle Shoals has been a bit tough though. Enjoy your journey (on SO many levels). Be well.

[Konchog]

KT, you found me out! My subtle plot to lure Lynyrd Skynyrd fans into the Buddhist fold. Was wondering if anyone'd catch that.