Nyitso Gompa, Tawu, 2004

We started our visit from the roof, having met nobody on the way up. Two monks appeared. We expected displeasure; instead they asked to be photographed. One of them became our guide and turned out to be the head of the Tantra hall. There, as a sign of respect, he took two ordinary sweets out of a cup made from a human skull. Kirill enjoyed the rare treat. I said I would not eat mine until I understood its meaning. It still lies in a hand-made Tibetan bowl, waiting for its time.