Tashi Delek (a Tibetan hello)

Well, well, well... so I finally got my act in gear. A posting from the depths of the Himalayans. Internet here is intermittent at best ~ that's my excuse. (Never mind the naps and the bubble-blowing fun with the Tibetan young 'ins).

I have been in foreign lands for a good week and a half now but it feels longer. Much longer. I have seen many beautiful things, tasted many strange things (dragon fruit, anyone?), and have felt a range of emotions from the exultant high of seeing the Taj Mahal in all its glory to the heartache of witnessing the plight of Tibetans. And the latter, latter for which I am at present feeling admittedly a bit emotionally exhausted.

Presently, the crew (approximately 15 students) is staying at the Sarah Institute a Buddhist monastery in the hills of the Himalayas near Dharamsala, seat of the Tibetan government in exile. Our schedule for 2 weeks goes something to the effect of....

6:30am - Rise and shine!

7:30-8:30 - Meditation

8:30-9:00 - Breakfast

9:00-10:00 - Buddhist Philosophy class

10:30-11:30 - Tibetan guest speakers

12:30 - 1:00 - Lunch

Afternoon activities vary - shopping trips, bookstore/library browsings, visiting the Children's Village (home of Tibetan refugee children), hikes, napping...

6:00-7:00 - Yoga (imagine a Buddhist monk in a red jumpsuit... ;)

7:00-7:30 - Supper

Evenings activities vary... Tibetan documentary viewings, open mike on the rooftop, downing a handful of Benadryl and calling it a night (last night's choice...jet lag).

Well, I have much much more to say but I shall wait for a day when Internet connection returns (along with my patience).

Kale shuko!!

(a Tibetan 'goodbye')