Kopan Monastery

My seven day retreat is now done and I am back to the constant sounds of horns and haggling street vendors in Thamel (Tourist area of Kathmandu). The main thing that astounds me is that both locations are in the same city.

The retreat was great for recomposing myself. Sergio and I checked in just a week before Christmas. All meals are vegetarian and plentiful. Surprisingly, the variety was very reasonable. Tofu, beans and some egg are the go-to elements for protein. Unfortunately, we arrived at a point where meditation courses were not possible. So let's just say that it resulted in a lot of reading.

Every morning Sergio and I would:
1. eat breakfast
2. write in our journals
3. read
4. do a CrossFit workout (which I love)
5. Eat lunch
6. Take a walk
7. Stretch
8. Read
9. eat supper
10. Go to bed

I guess the beauty lied in the simplicity. I chose to do the first 5 days in silence. Holy cow was that challenging. You don't realize how much you reply on communication until it's gone. On the plus side, I do feel like it simplified life to some degree. It's almost as though you loose so much of the message while trying to communicate.

Overall, it was a great experience that I really enjoyed. Every morning began with the sounds of birds chirping and the sun on your back. What a wonderful environment.

I will be spending new years here in Kathmandu with some friends we made at a nearby bar. Should be great.

Merry Christmas :)
Your now Buddhist traveller,
-Jonathan