Preparing for HH the Dalai Lama's visit... CUTS transformed

Over the past few weeks, there has been almost round-the-clock construction, cleaning, and decorating on campus in preparation for HHDL's visit. We have watched the already beautiful campus be transformed right before our eyes. It has been spectacular to witness and each day the excitement level has grown. Uma Thurman's father, Robert, is here with his wife and I had a brief conversation with them earlier today after they posed for a picture. The streets outside the university have become lined with vendors selling everything you could possibly ever need or want, and monks and nuns have been arriving by the busload. We were issued security passes that must be worn at all times and there are armed guards at all the gates, as well as metal detectors and officers doing pat-downs. The Dalai Lama's teachings begin on Wednesday and continue through Sunday...I will keep you all updated on the content, but will not be taking any photos (not allowed, boooooo).

Notice all the flower pots lining the street and surrounding the building

This design is about 6' x 9' on one of the main roads on campus... there are many more, all different.

Flags were put up everywhere

remember the bamboo structure that I shared with you last week? this is now the inside of a massive tent built entirely with Bamboo and white plastic material. The ground has been lined for seating and a huge stage has been constructed.

Like I said... MASSIVE

Straight ahead is the stage

The entire tent has been wired for lighting and sound.

One of the registration sites

They have even decorated the streets outside the university!

Yes, that is a guard wearing a Versace coat and carrying a BIG gun. He caught me taking this pic and then laughed at me when I told him i liked his jacket. I don't think he understood.

Traditional Tibetan Dancers, on campus to welcome HHDL

Robert Thurman and his wife

Me and the girls, waiting for His Holiness to arrive

The receiving line for the Dalai Lama earlier today

After waiting 2 hours for him to get to CUTS, he finally arrived and we all ran to catch a glimpse of him. I wasn't able to get a picture, but I hope to snap a few when our group gets a private audience with him sometime later this week. Stay tuned...