Trekking up the Triund Mt. with 6 others through rain, hail, and God knows how many partial slip-ups, was an incredible experience. When it hurts just to walk up a flight of stairs the next day, you know you did something your body wont soon forget. Our stay in Dharamsala was very eventful, and while I wish we had been able to spend more time in Rishikesh (my favorite place in India by far), being able to experience the Tibetan community in-exile is something I don't think I can easily gloss over. It is incredible to see a people that have been cast out of their homeland by an oppressive foreign government, who then moved as refugees to foreign land, and yet still throughout that have remained not only vibrant, but absolutely charitable in their actions and intentions. India took in these people and yet the Tibetans have looked after not only themselves but have become very active in the slums and poorer areas in India that have often gone overlooked. Such a selfless attitude in the face of losing not only their homeland but spiritual leaders (the Pachen Lama, etc) as well should serve as an example to be emulated, if nothing else. It really is amazing, having moved through the burning humid climates of Delhi and Agra, to the milder climates of Varanasi and Rishikesh, on to cold and rainy Dharamsala, and then back to Delhi again. Not only that, but it is amazing to see how much all of us have changed, how less intimidating Delhi is now, how easy it is to spot westerners who are new here (newer than us at least) and spot the same mistakes in them that we made when we first arrived. It's hard to quantify all of it.

back in dehli [WHAT WHAT]

so after a lengthy, twisty, descending car ride down a mountain, and numerous vomitous explosions of the mouth, we finally arrived back in dehli. it's strange being back here and thinking about our first day in india. we walked around like we owned da skreets, and didn't take nuffin from nobody. we went to this delicious restaurant called united coffee house, which was beautifully adorned with crystals and gold and fancy shmancy paint and table cloths. we all ate a delicious meal and said goodbye to j.t. i was very sad to see him go, i think he is a very cool mang and i plan on visiting him in l.a... fo sho. i'm sad to leave india, but excited to see my family, unwind, lay on the beach, and tell them all about my adventures. we have one final group activity tomorrow and then the rest of the day is free until we leave for the airport. this has been a crazy journey.

2 more days...

After staying in Dharamsala for 9 days, I feel like I have lived here for months. When we first walked into our 2 dollar a night hotel room, I was nervous that I would be scared about what was to come. Bugs in the bathroom, paper thin walls, watching out for monkeys stealing things, be inside the gates by 11:30 pm, and having to turn the water heater on 30 minutes before it was needed was not what I was use to. But, one week later, I find that I really love that little hotel room and all those problems have turned into an amazing journey. Just after one week I've changed my living standards and have found that people adapt to their surroundings a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. Twice we have visited the slums in Dharamsala and it has been one of the roughest and dirtiest looking places I have ever seen. No one should ever have to live under such circumstances and it's appalling that this compassionate city, home of the Dalai Lama, would allow such slums to exist. With that being said, upon entering the slums, the children's faces still light up with the biggest smiles ever. They run up to hug us and ask us our names, then we walk hand in hand full of happiness. Their surroundings are rocks and tarp tents for houses, but they don't know it any other way. They arn't consumed with material things but rather find fun in the simple things in life. You would have already made their day if you had only given them a little bit of attention and a hug. Their simple, pure love has helped me know how to better live and love in return. I've realized how lucky I am to live in a country where the basic immenties that I take for granted are what these people live day to day searching for. For example, in this slum of 700 people, there is only one water well that is available for only one hour a day. This is only possible with connections through Tong Len, or no water would ever be accessible. Even if the government is not taking steps to help, the directors of Tong Len are showing compassion to the less fortunate. India has opportunities knocking everywhere and I have stories to share for the rest of my life. Yay India! P.S.-I never thought I would say this, but I'm excited about going back and spending a day in Delhi. :)

the india effect

Over the past few days, I've been trying to recognize the ways in which India has affected me. This trip has been filled with crazy transportation situations, amazing religious and historical sites, great friendships, and tons of other experiences that go along with traveling abroad. Going through all of this has made me want to explore more. Not necessarily overseas, but even just within the US or NC. I've lived there my whole life, yet I could give you list after list of major locations I have never visited. I think I am finally at an age where I can truly appreciate different places and/or ways of life, and I can't wait to begin even more trips in the future. More importantly, visiting India has forced me to appreciate the opportunities I've been given while growing up. I've always thought of myself as someone who goes after their goals, but now I realize that the reason I am where I am today has a lot to do with luck. I am so lucky to be a US citizen, to have an education basically handed to me, to know that I have the potential to do whatever I want to do with my life. A lot of the people I've met here, especially those in Charan Ghat, have worked a million times harder than I have, yet they will probably never have a life as easy as mine. It's a difficult realization, but one that has absolutely made me appreciative for what I have. So, though I am sad to be leaving India soon, I look forward to the wonderful life I have waiting for me back home. Namaste!

See you later India..

This is probably one of the cutest girls ever. She was so sweet, energetic, and that adorable smile never left her face. She is one of the many kids where the slum is called home. We visited the slum two days during our visit in Dharmasala. The first day we put on a picnic and the second day we repaired some of the tents that got destroyed during a recent storm. Despite all of the families and childrens conditions they were all so excited to see us and were so polite. It broke my heart to leave all of the children. The other picture is one of the many views we have from our hotel of the Himalayas. We are surrounded by them and every view is breath taking. It is unfortunate and hard to believe that our journey only has three days left :( I have learned so much on our trip. The friends that I've made, bonds I've shared and knowledge I've gained along the way will never be forgotten. I know I will be back to India one day, hopefully it will be sooner than later. Namaste.

late blogger

so... i know i am a late blogger. i've been trying to avoid the interweb as much as possible. needless to say, India is quite amazing, and our trip has almost come to an end. we are currently in Dharamshala, and i think this town is my favurite of the ones we've been to. today, we were able to help out a slum with repairs and whatnot. i learned this really cool way to sew and really enjoyed it. the children there are so adorable, sweet, polite and happy dispite their surroundings. i wanted to take so many home with me. i'm going to try and convinve my family to become a host family. we've been eating so much delicious food here, it's ridiculous. i've had some fried momos tonight, along with cheese macaronni and some fig ice cream. i will miss the fig ice cream fo sho. i think i probably ate it about 12 times a day whilst in Varanasi. one of my favurite places we've eaten is called KarnaNirvana, this lovely vegan restaurant. i sang at an open mic night there a couple nights ago, and it was really cool to watch all the people perform. i really love Dharmshala and India, and hope to return with my family sometime soon.

Final Thoughts. . .

As we near the end of our trip I'd figure I would make one last post summerizeing my past thoughts on India. After visiting the slums the other day and putting on a pic-nic for them it really helps to put life in perspective. These kids and families have next to nothing but still find ways to stay positive and up beat. Just when you think you have the worst situation in life you don't have to worry about your home being torn down or whether you are going to beg or collect bottles for less than an American dollar for the day. These kids are amazing and it feels amazing to put smiles on their faces and do all I can to brighten their day. As far as India the country goes this places is crazy and booming. The developements that are going on here and slowing starting to creep up on the west, but they still find ways to keep their culture and religious values in tact. The people here are also amazing, besides being bugged by people trying to sell you stuff I have never felt unsafe or in danger the whole time I've been here. I've been led down some back allies and into some random persons apartment, but never felt like any one wanted to hurt me. Granted there are exceptions but this is my perception. Also being here in Dharmsala has opened my eyes to the Tibetan cause. I always knew a little bit about it but this places puts it right in your face. It's completely messed up what China has done to these people and their land. The touture that still goes on in Tibet is unbelieveable, and it's unfortunate that the US is too tied up with business and debt to China to do anything about it. I hope one day the Tibetan people get their land and culture back from the ugly hand of China. Anyway off the soap box, India is an awesome place to visit, but it's not for everyone. You have to be able to be patient and deal with alot. From poverty extremes to the unbelieveable spice of the food, its way different than anything you will experience back home. If you do come here bring an open mind and heart and be ready for an adventure, don't stay locked up in your hotel fearing the crazyness thats around you jump right in and be apart of it because thats how you are going to get the most out of it. I have had an amazing time here and can't wait to get back and share all my stories, until then have compassion for all beings.