In 2007—with my husband Ngakpa 'ö-Dzin— I visited Kathmandu in Nepal. A few of our students joined us there, with members of Ngak'chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen's sangha, and also with Ngak'chang Rinpoche himself. The primary purpose of the visit was to meet Kyabjé Künzang Dorje Rinpoche and Jomo Sam'phel Déchen – the root teachers of Ngak'chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen.It was most inspiring to meet this elderly Tibetan couple who have been practitioners all their life and are highly regarded for their presence and realisation. It was also inspiring to be with my own Lama in the presence of his Lama, and feel the great affection and respect between them. There are many wonderful pictures of Kyabjé Künzang Dorje Rinpoche and Jomo Sam'phel Déchen on the Aro Encyclopædia website – although none of these were taken in 2007 as Kyabjé Künzang Dorje Rinpoche did not allow photography during our visits at that time.
There were many opportunities during our two weeks in Kathmandu to purchase practice items and artefacts, as well as clothing. Here we are pictured wearing the Tibetan costume we purchased, taken before the beginning of the celebration at our apprentice retreat in Abergavenny later in 2007. Ngakpa 'ö-Dzin and I are hoping to be able to visit Boudha again later this year, and meet with Kyabjé Künzang Dorje Rinpoche and Jomo Sam'phel Déchen. We are also hoping to take our sons with us to meet these great Lamas.
