KIBI Rules

Okay, so it's time for something a little less self-absorbed. Let me introduce you to the surroundings, and explain a little about why KIBI rules.
The building is basically a monastery in the old Tibetan style. It belongs to the Karmapa. For my non-Buddhist friends, suffice it to say that the Karmapa (now in his 17th incarnation, Thaye Dorje) is a most special and important teacher. He's not just a figurehead but holds in his mind all the teachings, secrets, and meditative achievements that power and support all the students of our Karma Kagyu lineage. The main reason I've come all this way is to meet him. You know, say hi, chill, maybe play some table tennis together.. Actually I've no idea what that will be like.
Back to the story. KIBI was founded 20-something years ago (you can tell I've been studying) by the 16th Karmapa specifically as a place where Western students could study Buddhism.

The location itself, as chaotic and dirty as it seems to me, is actually the prestigious government-controlled institutional area of Delhi, full of research hospitals and academic institutes. It's impossible to get space in. Nevertheless, the 16th Karmapa secured a large plot, on which now stands the central building, five storeys high, surrounded on three sides by the accommodation for students, staff, and monks.
The picture below was taken from the roof of the left-hand accommodation block. It's made up of eight photos stitched together. It's my first attempt at a panorama, and I hope to put some more up soon.

From right to left, you can see the entrance from the road, the gatekeeper's house, the inner gate, the courtyard, and the main building. My room is in the block at the back.
On the ground floor (behind the columns) is the gompa, or meditation hall. On the first-floor is a cafe, the student lounge, the computer room, and classrooms. The second-floor houses the library, in which I could quite happily spend the next 10 years growing pale and squishy with knowledge, and another classroom. There is a lot of empty space at the moment. The two upper floors are locked.

At least part of this space is the Karmapa's private quarters. He is in Kalimpong at the moment, but should be coming back in March to do some teaching.
The building itself is impressive in design, and has lots of architectural details.

However, it looks older than its years -- the Indian sun and monsoons really take their toll on paintwork and brick.

So much for the place. If I have time tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the inhabitants.