Pasang, Dharamshala.

“ I used to work in a restaurant owned by Sera monastery. That time, even I lost one of my fingers while preparing noodles. That machine ate my finger! Ha ha ha hah. I came to India in the year of 1996.”

“I get up around 2 0r 3 am every day for the past 17 years. Wait, are you sure this is what you want to know? OK then. Well, yes, for the past 17 years my daily routine has been same.

You know, I am the cook of Gu-Chu-Sum. I am the only guy behind the food on table for 58 people. It is a lot of work.

I have been working for 17 years and 8 months now. Preparing 3 times meal, two-tea time is a lot of work for one guy.  I get an amount of 5000 Indian Rupee per month. (84US$)

Going back to my schedule, Yes, I get up around 2 or 3 am. Then prepare for the break fast. Usually, I make steam bread and sometimes, bread with tea. Once it is over, I have to clean the kitchen, do the dishes.

Than have to go and get vegetables for the lunch. Wash them, prepare them, fill the water tank.

Time flies, I have to cook lunch. Same thing, doing dishes, cleaning kitchen, prepare afternoon tea.

Again, it is time to prepare dinner.

Somehow, my work finishes around 8 and I usually go to sleep at 10pm.

Wow, even I am amazed when I think what I do every day. Can you believe it? For almost 18 years I followed the same routine. Moreover, I didn’t take any leave for whole this year! No sick leave, no holiday, no special leave, nothing.

“About my teeth,  ha ha ha ha, I am looking for someone to help and sponsor to fix my teeth! Ha ha ha ha ha. I don’t know how much it is though. "

Pasang, Dharamshala

Photo and Interview: Kunsang Tenzing.