Saturday: To Drolma's house we go!

The day after we finished our program, we embarked on an adventure with Drolma, our teacher, translator, and good friend. He kindly invited us to his hometown, Chi Ga, located about 3 hours south of Xining by bus.

After our scenic bus ride, we had lunch by the Yellow River (Huang He) and went on a boat ride to Drolma's county town. We took a 'Piglet' three-wheeled vehicle into the actual town. We did a little shopping (for mutton, beef, potatoes, watermelon, and authentic Tibetan cowboy hats) and then took a cab to Drolma's village. The drive was breathtaking, and some pictures will soon be included in our Picasa albums.

We arrived at his home and met his family: his mother, father, great-grandmother, older brother, uncle and cousin. They're all so sweet and hospitable! They made us feel so welcomed! Drolma's mom is an awesome cook and prepared some delicious food for us not long after our arrival. After our snack, Drolma gave us a tour of his home and land. They have a beautiful garden, where they grow a large variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Some of the ones we saw: wheat, rapeseed, soybeans, green beans, garlic, carrots, spinach, squash, apricots, and onions. Drolma said that most of the food they eat comes from their garden and that they sell whatever they don't consume. They also have some sheep, which are currently grazing in the next valley over.

He took us up a hill behind his home and we were able to see two stupas, one of which is on his property. The other stupa was built when Drolma was in fifth grade, and he, his family, and his village helped build it. We visited this stupa the morning of our departure. We walked back to his home, had a delicious dinner, and went to bed!

Sunday: Exploring a newly discovered park

We woke up and had breakfast, consisting of tea, homemade bread and tsampa soup (buh-ra). Everything was delicious! We felt fortified after the buh-ra and were ready for our adventure! Drolma took us to a newly discovered park not far from his village. We spent the morning exploring the park, seeing the hot spring there, crossing a river (more than a few times!), drinking tea and playing cards in the guesthouse/restaurant tent area.

While playing cards, it started pouring down rain! The thunder, dark clouds, and heavy rain were rather exhilarating, but we were very thankful to be in a tent and out of the downpour. Drolma told us that that area is known for its rain and that rain is viewed as auspicious since it helps everything grow.

We then were taken by motorcycle to Drolma's friend's house, which is located in the park. His friend, Dorjee Tsedan, is a ranger and helps ensure that no one chops down any trees. The motorcycle ride was quite the experience as we sat three or two to a motorcycle and the rain continued pouring down!

Once at Dorjee's house, we warmed up by the fire and had some tsampa, bread, yak yoghurt, and tea. Dorjee lives with his sister in a house that we later learned Drolma's dad built. Drolma's dad is a carpenter, nomad, farmer, and architect. In fact, he designed and built a monastery.

We spent about three hours at Dorjee's house, enjoying their company (and the company of several neighbors and an elder that stopped by), drinking tea, looking at pictures, listening to music and taking pictures. Dorjee and his sister let us try on some traditional winter robes and we took lots of pictures in their home, outside, and with their yaks!

We headed home when the rain died down and had delicious mutton dumplings that Drolma's family prepared as well as some yak yoghurt. Exhausted from our adventure at the park, we fell asleep immediately after dinner.

Monday: Our last morning with Drolma's family and heading home

After breakfast, Drolma's family outfitted us in traditional Tibetan summer robes and accessories. We had fun taking pictures and they seemed to get a kick out of it too! :) Soon after, we said farewell and gave thanks for such a wonderful weekend. We will miss them so much! We headed back to Xining, stopping by a monastery in Drolma's county town on the way.

Epilogue: Our bus broke down when we were in the mountains and about 45 minutes from Xining. Another bus arrived fifteen minutes later, but all the seats were taken. Our only choice was to stand in the aisles. The bus was absolutely packed, and we barely fit! Needless to say, we were glad when we arrived to Xining safe and sound. :) What a wonderful weekend! Thanks so much, Drolma! Gua drin chi!!