5-July-2006 * Nongte

Today we went to Muteg Tsong for pinic. Muteg Tsong is the name of the household of Tara's sister, Tsega, and her husband Egg. They had set up a tent and arranged a spread of food and drinks for us: dried meat, kap-se, sunflower seeds, peaches, pears, bottled mandarin oranges, crackers, beer, chang, Red Bull, strawberry vinegar soda, and a rare treat: distilled alfalfa spirits, which is reputed to have healing properties.

Tsega and Egg's home is in fairly sad shape, compared to seven years ago. They're living out of a two-room shed built on top of a cattle barn. One room is the kitchen/family room. The other seems to store food and what little remains of their worldly belongings. Their eldest son, Yedo (not photographed), went to India as a bright young monk and became mysteriously crazy there. After returning, he set his parent's home on fire and they lost nearly everything the owned. That was 4 years ago, and their rebuilding project is still incomplete. To me the whole family appears to show the signs of strain. They look worn and haggard, all except Tamdrin Wangmo, who seems quite happy, healthy, and content. Tsega and Egg are kind, warm, and loving people, but their life has been difficult.


Tessa enjoyed her visit to Muteg Tsong on account of a 5-day old calf she was able to play with.