This morning we went to the Tibet Museum. We could easily go through it because English was one of the languages used to tell about each display. There was information about ancient Tibet until now. I was surprised that they had so many ancient artifacts. Some of the subjects covered were old seals, jewelry, clothing, weapons, musical instruments, and sculptures. I thought it was a beautiful museum.
Tibet Museum
Old cymbal and gong
Old necklace
Next, we went to lunch in a hotel. None of us was thrilled with the food. Then we drove to Sera Monastery which is the second oldest monastery in Tibet. 550 monks live in this monastery. Now their number is only 10% of what it used to be before 1959. Monks get a salary from the government.
Sera Monastery
We were there at 3:00 P.M. when the monks entered the Debating Courtyard. Monks were in teams of two to study together. Today a standing monk stood and asked questions and a sitting monk answered. Tomorrow their roles will be reversed. When one got a right answer, the other clapped. It was fun to watch, and they seemed to be enjoying the process.
Debating Courtyard at Sera Monastery
This evening we ate dinner at the same restaurant where we first ate in Tibet. It was busy with lots of noisy people eating. The restaurant where we ate two meals yesterday, Tibet Steak House, is the only one that had good food. That is where we had yak sizzler.
7440 steps, 3.16 miles