The chorten

I could have spent the whole day at the National Memorial Chorten, which I visited for the first time today. I definitely plan on going back often. The giant prayer wheels are solid, heavy wood, so I had to throw my weight into turning them. People sat around some of the wheels with prayer beads and their own hand-held wheels.

The tall white chorten itself is a work of art, but what really captivated me was the space that I have no pictures of, since it is considered holy. It was a room filled with shines, offerings, music and chanting monks. Colorful banners hung from the ceiling. When you close your eyes, the chanting fills your mind and incense teases at the edge of what's left. Three women came in and performed prostrations in different directions. Absolutely unlike anything I've experienced before.

Next time I go back, I will ask a local guide to come with me to explain more -- every piece in this memorial is steeped in symbolism, and I am hungry to learn.