Rochester, MN, USA - After two days flying from India, with an overnight stop in the United Kingdom, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Rochester, MN, today, for his routine annual medical check-up. It was a bright, warm morning as His Holiness walked down the steps of the plane to be greeted by his Representative in North America, Penpa Tsering, members of the reception staff of Mayo Clinic and his personal physicians.
A short drive from the airport brought him to the Mayo Clinic where about 200 Tibetans, young and old, had gathered on either side of the driveway to greet him and offer a traditional welcome. His Holiness smiled and waved as he walked into the Clinic, occasionally stopping to shake hands with old friends. Within the Clinic lobby he also stopped to speak to patients who had gathered to see him. He comforted several, enquiring about their ailments and how long they had been taking treatment. Upstairs he was warmly greeted by doctors, nurses and technicians he has got to know on previous visits. His Holiness will spend two days at the Mayo Clinic before travelling on to San Diego, California.
