Lao libraries; Colombo to Kandy

Although I wouldn't have thought of posting my travel plans (i.e., Sri
Lanka) to the list, as Justin has already done so, I suppose it is for the
best, as there might be requests for me to search out editions (etc.) in Sri
Lanka from some of the members.

> Hey E.M. when you are back in Vientiane, the State Run
> Bookstore near Nam Phu sells copies of EFEO editions ...

I have honestly never seen any such thing --but the state book store has
been through a series of renovations in the past six months.  It may be that
the EFEO shelf has moved around --or is sequestered in some odd corner.  I
am pleased to say that posters of Ho Chi Minh and K. Phomvihan are still
available on demand.

> P.S. I contacted my friends at Perendiniya and Columbo on your
> behalf. They said they look forward to hearing from you in the
> future if you are in the country.

I will likely arrive in Colombo in late December and remain on the sacred
island for about a month.  I've been reviewing various historical sources on
Lanka in advance of the trip; it is not the most flattering picture of
Sinhalese Buddhism is found in the accounts of the Chinese pilgrims who
passed through those parts.

If it is possible, I will traverse the island by bicycle.

E.M.


--
A saying of the Buddha from http://metta.lk/
View Streaming Dhamma Video http://dharmavahini.tv/
Delightful are the forests where worldlings delight not; the passionless
will rejoice (therein), (for) they seek no sensual pleasures.
Random Dhammapada Verse 99