Thangka Painting at Yellow Monastery - Swayambhu

Today i took a bus to Swayambhunath.  It was my first time there.  Swayambhunath is one of the three main Stupas in the Kathmandu valley area, the other two being Boudhanath (the area where i am staying) and Namabudha.  I normally would take my time in a new environment.  I would stop, take things slow, watch the local people and the activities surrounding the attraction.

Today i could not afford to do that.  Today was work related.  My Thangka teacher had been commissioned to renew the art work at the Yellow Monastery way up on the hill opposite the Swayambhunath Stupa, and he had asked me to come in today and lend a hand.  I was picked up by Tenzing Gyatso, a local Tibetan from Boudha and we rode his motorcycle up the dusty hill to the monastery.

It had been a while since i had painted on scaffolding but after a few minutes i was into the full swing of things and having fun.  Let me tell you something, the most fun times i have had in Nepal so far have been with the monks.  They will leave you in stitches in a matter of minutes.  We knocked off at 5pm and took a walk down to town to catch some dinner and a few more laughs.  I ride with Tenzin back into Boudha.  Tenzin seems like a good guy.  Will be hanging out some more.

Here are more pics:  http://picasaweb.google.com/vishalinv/SwayambhuYellowMonasteryPainting?feat=directlink