The dome was completed on Friday. I could hardly believe the daily grind of shoveling and mixing dirt, filling bags, tossing buckets, compass measuring, and barbed wire weaving were suddenly ended. With that, also a dispersion of a quickly formed tight-knit community. It was over in the blink of an eye. I made sure to document the details of the entire process.

The last week was full of ups and downs, with bouts of tired sore sluggishness and excitement for the dénouement to arrive. Learning was/is happening all the time at different levels. I recall reading two dharma passages. One is regarding the compassionate concern for others (intention not just action). The other was on how the ultimate mode of our existence is contrary to how it appears.

Just like the physics of building a dome, these subtle details are easily forgotten and hard to see. The last several rings of tamping earthbags on a dome seem to defy the laws of gravity. The fear is felt in the depths of the quads, hamstrings, and lower back as the detail oriented work continues.

After the dome was finished we celebrated with a certificate ceremony and drinks at the local tea shop. It was a surreal, glorious, and peaceful bliss.

The day after the dome was completed, most of the volunteers left to Kathmandu. I joined them to pick up some supplies and explore more of the city. Sanipa is the ex-pat part of the city with more of your western type goods: organic jams, gluten free pastries, and novelty flours.

Patan Durbar square is one of three UNESCO Durbar squares in the city. There is a medieval royal place there surrounded by various intricately carved stone temples.

I also visited an ayuverdic hospital. Its so incredible to see this kind of affordable health care available to the public.