It was cheers, clapping and tears in the heritage department lobby this morning as Secretary of State Jason Kenney arrived hand in hand with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama is in Ottawa for a round of speeches and meetings set up with his followers and government leaders. This morning, middle aged females had been lined up for a long time waiting their turn to catch sight of His Holiness on their way into work.

One of them was so overjoyed, she leapt from the crowd and gave him a large, long bear hug and a kiss. Suzanne Poithier told him she "loved" him and in return he said "thank you."

Later, as tears of joy coursed down her face, Miss Poithier said she hardly would be able to work having started her Monday in the arms of the Dalai Lama, or was that he in her arms? No matter, Miss Poithier has kissed him before she said, but she's not telling more.