From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2006

Go! Go forth to India and live! There's nothing that I've done that has been more expanding, more eye-opening, and more exciting all at once. I'd recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn a little about themselves and the world, but more about the vastness of all that there is to be learned, and the pleasure of learning it experientially.
--Julia Bloch, "From Brahma to Buddha" India semester alumna

Whenever I meet a ‘foreigner’, I always have the same feeling: ‘I am meeting another member of the human family.’ This attitude has deepened my affection and respect for all beings. May this natural wish be my small contribution to world peace. I pray for a more friendly, more caring, and more understanding human family on this planet. To all those who dislike suffering, who cherish lasting happiness, this is my heartfelt appeal.
--Tenzin Gyatso, the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet

Exploring a traditional village perched on the Tibetan Plateau. Sipping butter tea around a kitchen fire. Smelling jasmine flowers and curries sold in the bazaar. Listening to horns and bells echo over ancient monastery walls. Watching colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind on top of a Himalayan mountain pass. Throughout this cultural immersion program, we will live and study in the country that gave birth to two of the world’s major religions—Hinduism and Buddhism—and will travel amid some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. On this journey, we will meet many of the people who keep ancient traditions and spiritual practices alive, including possible audiences with the Dalai Lama and/or the Karmapa. And at the same time we will witness and study the forces of modernization and globalization that are influencing all aspects of traditional ways of life. Though it is impossible to predict the most memorable experience you will have during the Global LAB India semester, those who choose to participate can expect to embark on a journey of discovery that may well last a lifetime.

Continue reading "From Brahma to Buddha Semester Overview: Sept. 15 - Dec. 17, 2006" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:15 PM | Permalink

2006 India Semester Program Tuition: $8,950

Tuition includes residential pre-trip orientation, preparatory and educational materials; dedicated student website for program communications and resources; all logistical facilitation; all hotels and guest houses; all meals; all domestic air fares/taxis/buses/trains/boats; museum, park and temple entrance fees; Global LAB faculty and instruction as well as local coordinators, cooks, porters; all program elements (independent study projects and apprenticeships, community service projects, home-stays, guest lectures, community support/charitable contributions).

Please note: Additional expenses not covered by Global LAB include r/t international airfare and costs of domestic travel to point of departure (NYC), inoculations, travel insurance and international medical and evacuation insurance; visa/passport processing fees; personal costs (laundry, phone calls/emails, souvenirs, etc.).

Semesters are open to those ages 17-21. While Global LAB semesters are geared toward interim or ‘gap’ year students, high school seniors as well as university students are welcome to apply. No language prerequisite is required

Global LAB accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis, accepting qualified applicants until programs are full. Each program has a maximum of 12 participants and 3 Global LAB instructors. For this reason, we recommend candidates submit their applications as early as possible.

To begin the application process, print out the preliminary application and FAQ below:
* Application form
* FAQ

Posted by Global LAB at 01:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please note: the below itinerary is planned months in advance and may change due to group interest, health and safety concerns, or other factors beyond the control of Global Learning.

In United States:

Sept. 15-17: Group orientation at Hudson River Valley retreat center

In India:

Sep 17-18: Flight to India

Sep 19-21: Arrival, orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi

Sep 22-24: Arrival in Leh and introduction to Ladakh; Ladakhi language lessons and walking tours of Leh Old Town and Shanti Stupa; day excursions to Tikse Gompa and an audience with the Tikse Oracle; visit to Siddhartha School and student exchange; visit to Hemis Gompa and nearby hermitages; visit and possible overnight at SECMOL; guest speakers to include local political figures, intellectuals, religious leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, and youth activists.

Sep 25-Oct 1: Homestays and service work in Phey village with excursions.

Continue reading "Fall 2006 Daily Itinerary" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:49 PM | Permalink

Lugging a heavy pack around for the entire time we are in Asia can be extremely tiresome. We can find almost anything you’ll need in India, and you’ll also want to have room to pick up gifts. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still…you definitely will not regret it! That said, you will not want to leave out any of the cold weather clothing/gear suggestions--our trek in the Himalayas will require appropriate protection against cold weather.

BAGS:
Internal Frame Backpack – Your main “suitcase” should be comfortable, durable, and as light as possible…
Daypack – A book-bag or fanny-pack to use for daily excursions.
Duffel Bag – While you’ll want to be able to fit all of your things in a backpack and daypack, an extra duffel can be handy. This bag should be nylon and relatively durable.
Stuff Sacks – Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries, and everything else will bring order to your pack, and make your life simpler.
Ziploc Bags – Like stuff sacks, these can be invaluable for organizing and keeping things organized and dry.

Continue reading "India Semester Packing Suggestions" »

Posted by Global LAB at 03:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Below are some highly recommended books and movies which will help you better prepare for your experiences in India.

History:

John Avedon, In Exile From the Land of Snows, NY: A Knopf, 1984
This excellent book and should almost be required reading! It offers a clear and concise background on Tibetan culture, and details the events surrounding the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese.

Tenzin Gyatso, H. H. the Dalai Lama, My Land and My People NY: Potala, 1983
This is an autobiographical account of the history of modern Tibet, told by His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the XIVth Dalai Lama. We also recommend any other publication by His Holiness such as Ethics for a New Millennium , The Art of Happiness and The World of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mahatma Gandhi, (Louis Fischer, ed.) The Essential Gandhi, Vintage, 1962.

Continue reading "Suggested Reading & Viewing" »

Posted by Global LAB at 03:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Namaste, Jullay, and Tashi Delek-

That’s ‘Hello’ in just three of the languages (Hindi, Ladakhi, and Tibetan) which we will soon to be using on a daily basis (though maybe not all at once) upon our arrival in India. What they also mean is ‘welcome,’ and that’s what I’d like to extend to each one of you as we prepare for this fall’s exciting semester program in the subcontinent.

I imagine how eager you must be to set off on a journey of discovery to this ancient and diverse land, and I anticipate great things for us. And while I don’t yet know you, I am incredibly impressed by your interest, courage, and resolve to join Global LAB in exploring the sacred Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Sikh traditions of northern India, and can only begin to suggest how positively this experience will affect you.

Continue reading "Greetings from Galen Murton, Program Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tsering Kunzes, Kunzes Dolma and Tracy at the SECMOL school in Ladakh, India

Tshangma-la Jullay!
Greetings to all of you!

So, you’ve taken on the exciting responsibility as ambassadors of the youth of the United States; what an important role for you to be playing at a time when global conflict riddles the news media and our hearts. I enthusiastically welcome you to this traveling community where we will create new definitions of “home” and share with each other the invigorating reality of group living.

I chose to work with Global LAB because I believe that engaging in and reflecting upon international experiences becomes a catalyst for personal transformation. This program will help facilitate the process of personal transformation in a safe, organic way, opening our eyes to the lives of people in this radiant country on the other side of the world. We participate in and observe different experiences every day of our lives. The challenge is to be present and aware of these experiences, new and old, as we realize we are already active contributors to the world around us. I feel excited about being a member of this group! Each of us contributes important knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from each of you.

Continue reading "Hello from Tracy Joosten, Program Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My name is Jesse Chappelle. I live on Mercer Island, WA, which is right outside of Seattle. I've been wanting to go to India for a long time now. Buddhism spurred my interest in Asia about four years ago. I have read about eastern religions on my own and studied them in school but that is not enough for me. I am ready to see them lived.

Earlier this spring I had the wonderful opportuntity of travelling to Vietnam. It was an amazing trip but I wasn't there long enough. I am very excited for the family stays and getting into the rhythm of life in India.

I am a very outgoing person and love working with groups. This year at my high school I was ASP Vice President. I learned a lot about group dynamics and how to give and follow advice. I love getting to meet people and making new friends.

Also I am looking forward to the study of Hindi. Linguistics definitely is a love of my life. This program stood out to me right away when I found it. I wanted something educational, but not a classroom type setting. I think it will be a wonderful experience and cannot wait.

Posted by Global LAB at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey, I'm Emma Cruse and I'm from Annapolis MD.

I love chocolate, boating, cats, writing, photography, music, driving, all sorts of things that make me laugh, nighttime, swimming (not in swimming pools), horses, being with friends, the country, Broadway, Jane Eyre, mountains, and a caramel macchiato.

I am so excited about being a part of this and can't wait to meet all of you.

Posted by Global LAB at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey all,

My name is Jordan Guard. I just moved from Chicago to Buffalo and am now working for the summer. I played lacrosse in high school and enjoy reading. I also like Tom Petty and that kind of music. Can't wait to meet everyone and am sure it'll be a great trip.

Jordan

Posted by Global LAB at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hey I'm Andrew Rosseau. I'm eighteen years old and I live in Inverness, IL. I just graduated from high school, but I've decided to take off a year before college in which I plan to travel all over and stuff. My first trip was to Peru, and I've only just returned a week ago. I like to read, write, play hockey and tennis, skateboard, snowboard, and hang out with all my friends. I'm looking forward to getting know you all and I can't wait for our trip to India. See you soon.

Andrew

Posted by Global LAB at 03:07 PM | Permalink

My name is Breena and I am ecstatic to soon be joining you on our adventure into the mountains and cityscape of India. I currently live in Newton, MA with my yellow Labrador, Harper and am working in a funky coffee shop. The farthest I have traveled East has been to Poland so I am filled with excitement for the road ahead. See you all very soon and enjoy the summer days.

Breena

Posted by Global LAB at 12:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My name is kate Deming. I have lived in New Haven, Connecticut, my entire life. I am taking a gap year, and after that, I will be going to Washington University in St. Louis.

One of the main reasons that I am doiing this program in India is that I want to see as much of the world as possible whenever I get the chance. I am really looking forward to experiencing a culture completely different from my own.

Posted by Global LAB at 08:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello all,

I'm Julianne Skinner from Voorhees, NJ. I am so excited for this journey--I've never lived abroad for an extended period of time, but I can imagine how much there is to learn from it. I am joining the program as part of my gap year, and I'll b e a freshman at Carleton College in the fall.

Some of my interests--I listen to a lot of music and play a little, and I love the outdoors, camping, backpacking, and everything that goes with it. I loved Latin classes in high school, and I'm looking forward to learning a spoken language. I am very undecided about what to study in college, maybe Linguistics or Chemistry. I miss doing community service in my school's service program; my favorite weekly site wasa a group home for the mentally ill where we talked and played board games with the residents. It was surprisingly homey.

Can't wait to see everyone in September.

--Julianne

Posted by Global LAB at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello Students-

Having spent four months with the Brahma to Buddha program in India over the past nine months, I have some recommendations that I wanted to share with you before you depart for India on September 17…

These are fairly simple things to do or keep in mind that can really help to make your time in India more enjoyable and make you a more culturally sensitive traveler.

1) Packing hints: Culturally appropriate clothing. What does this mean? When you are packing for this program it is really important that you bring clothes that will be both comfortable and suitable to the locations we are going to.

For female students this means loose fitting shirts that have sleeves at least the length of a usual t-shirt. Shirts that have spaghetti straps, are sleeveless, tight-fitting, or mid-riff baring are not appropriate and can lead to troubles that can almost certainly be avoided by more conservative dress. If you wear pants that have a low-waist line you need to have shirts long enough to cover your mid-riff. If you wear a skirt, it should be at least to your knees.

For male students it is best to have pants and shirts with short sleeves as well. Local men in India almost never wear shorts and if you wear them it will set you apart in a way that is not helpful.

Continue reading "Greetings from Michelle Bos-Lun" »

Posted by Global LAB at 01:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Namastey,

My full name is Sanghamitra Sarkar and I will be helping to arrange your projects in Varanasi. I am originally from the northeastern part of India i.e. Assam. My mother tongue is Bengali. I have done my studies from Allahabad (a city which is 127 k.m. from Varanasi), and Madhaya Pradesh. I have done two masters, one in Modern History and the other in Tourism Management.

For the last 5 years I am staying in Varanasi and working with the western scholars from all over Europe and America. They were all research scholars. I used to help them in the field with translation and transcribing the tape records and arrange interviews for the students. In the last few years I worked with almost 20 scholars who were working on different projects.

I look forward to meeting all of you soon and introducing you to Varanasi.

With Good Luck,

Sanghamitra

Posted by Global LAB at 08:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Julay!

My name is Rinchen Namgial. I come from Domkar village, which is 118 km west of Leh, Ladakh. I grew up in that village, and received my high school education there. Afterwards I moved to Jammu for higher secondary school and college. I graduated in history, geography, economics and English. Later I went to Jammu University where I studied Buddhist philosophy.

To support my studies I worked as a freelance guide for the local travel agencies in Ladakh. This started my interest in working with people from different countries to help them understand Ladakhi culture.

Continue reading "Hello from Namgial, Ladakh Coordinator" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello. My name is Sonam, but you can also call me Peter. I was born on the 10th of March, in 1979, in small village called Changthang Nyoma in Leh, Ladakh to a family of nomads. At a young age, I was sent to the Tibetan Childrens Village School located in the town of Choglamsar, in Ladakh. After the 10th class, I completed two additional years at a school in South India and then completed my college-level courses at Delhi University in the field of Business. In March of 2000, I started to work in the travel business IATO (India Association of Tours Operation) company at New Delhi as a travel coordinator. I stayed with the company for six years.

Last April, I started my own travel business company at New Delhi in the name of SP Travels 24/7. I now work with a dedicated team, which combines the dynamism of youth with the experiences of age, to ensure a memorable tour experience to our clients. This work has allowed me to develop a good relationship with the native people. I look forward to sharing with you the actual lifestyle and culture of the people you will meet.

With regards,

Sonam (Peter)

Posted by Global LAB at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi Fall ‘06 India Students-

Today Kate and her mom and I had a chance to meet and see pictures of India and talk about the upcoming program. It was great to meet them and I am eager to meet the rest of you in less than a month’s time in New York for orientation.

I hope all of you have had a chance to communicate by email and phone with your “alumni mentors” by now. If you haven’t connected yet, do get in touch with them as they are all students who have experienced the “Brahma to Buddha India Semester” within the past two semesters and have plenty to share with you to help you prepare for your pending adventure. If you have not heard from your mentor in an initial email contact please let me know and I will follow up and help get things rolling.

We would like all of you to register with the US Embassy in New Delhi. To do this you just go to the US Embassy website's Travel Registration page and fill out the registration form on-line. You’ll need your passport number to do this. Once you do this you will receive periodic postings from the US Embassy about things you might want to know about in India.

Continue reading "Pre-departure Info" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi Everyone,

I'm Cassie Denton and I'm from the ever-illustrious California.

I love the smell of chlorine and drinking kombucha and dancing. I hate the sound of Styrofoam and bedroom windows that don't face east.

The rest you can figure out pretty easily just by asking.

I can't wait for the rest of my life.

Posted by Global LAB at 08:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Art teacher and Global LAB board member Kathleen Frye visiting Siddhartha School students in Ladakh last month

Hi Everyone-

I want to let all of you know about a terrific opportunity that we have for the second week of our program in Ladakh at the Siddhartha School, a small day school which I visited for the first time last fall.

The Siddhartha School was founded in the small village of Stok, Ladakh in 1995 by Geshe Lobsang Tsetan Khen Rinpoche, a Ladakhi monastic abbot who had been living and teaching at a Tibetan center in Washington, New Jersey as well as throughout the northeast of the US since 1978. In 1992 he returned to his homeland of Ladakh in order to open the Siddhartha School and educate the children of a community without a school of their own. With funds raised primarily in the west the Siddhartha School was established, and today the 100 students enrolled there learn Ladakhi, Tibetan, Hindi, and English languages, as well as math, science, history, and culture. Geshe-la (now more commonly known as Khen Rinpoche) travels to the US every fall and winter, and lives and teaches for much of this time just outside of Portland, Maine. Both last winter and again this past spring I had the good fortune to spend some time with him at teachings which he was offering near my home here in Portland. One afternoon over a pizza buffet at his favorite local restaurant we shared our stories of Ladakh and Buddhism in America, and he expressed warm and sincere gratitude for bringing my previous groups to his school. In turn, I said the honor and pleasure was ours, which is the plain and simple truth.

Continue reading "Siddhartha School request from Galen" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Namaste from Knight! I'm an alumnus from last Spring's Brahma to Buddha semester. Since I've been back I've taken my experience and written a 30 page paper on insight philosophy. Then I took a summer class in digital video production at NYU where I'll be returning to for the Fall semester. I rounded out my summertime by catching the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee and the Gathering of the Vibes festival in upstate New York, not far from where our retreat will be. I'm just returning from a long weekend at my friend's cabin in beautiful Vermont, and am writing this email from my family's home in central New Jersey. I'll be looking forward to meeting you all and seeing you off on what will be the adventure of perhaps many lifetimes ;)

After September begins you'll be able to look at the Consciousness website Chris, Caroline, and myself from the Spring '06 semester have been collaborating on.

Posted by Global LAB at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Namaste,

I am Amit from Delhi and I've been working with the Brahma to Buddha semester for almost a year now. I love to meet different people, understand the diversity of cultures, and love traveling to new places and exploring new ideas. The last three semester groups were wonderful--I learned so many things from them, enjoyed traveling with them, from Holi Festival in my house to each and every day was something new like visiting the blind school, watching Bollywood movies and taking Bollywood dance lessons, etc.

About my qualifications I went to a boarding school which is 175 km from Delhi and I studied there up to grade 10TH and then came back to Delhi, finished my grade 12TH and college from DELHI COLLEGE OF ARTS AND COMMERCE IN HISTORY (HONS).

You are very lucky as you are coming in a very good festival season--almost all the big festivals of India are in the following months. Moreover you will be celebrating Diwali at my house.

So here I sign out and for more information you have to meet me. Wishing you love and luck for the fall 06.

Amit

Posted by Global LAB at 01:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There's an interesting audio slideshow accompanying today's NY Times story on the reasons why "India is now developing into the world’s next big industrial power..."

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you would like to have mail sent to you during the fall semester, the address below is the best one to use. Sonam will forward mail to you depending upon where you are when packages or letters arrive.

Student's name
c/o
Sonam Peter
KK Travels
1st Floor, Shop No. 205
Cycle Market, Jandewalan Ext.
New Delhi 110055
INDIA

Posted by Global LAB at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For those of you planning to meet us at Lifebridge (rather than at the Rubin Museum in NYC) this Friday, please plan to arrive between 3-5pm. Driving directions are available here. (Given Friday afternoon traffic, please allow some extra driving time).

Lifebridge Sanctuary
333 Mountain Road
Rosendale, NY
Map It

In addition to simply enjoying being in a beautiful area (more about the "Gunks"), we have a full schedule of activities lined up to help get the semester off to a great start, including a special visit with Remy Mansfield on Saturday. Remy is currently finishing up his final semester at Middlebury College, completing his thesis on travel writing and digital storytelling. Be sure to check out some of his great photography and writing on his blog before this weekend.

See you soon!

John, Michelle, Brad, Tracy, Galen, Alex, & Gabe

Posted by Global LAB at 07:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Michelle, Galen, Tracy, and I will be meeting together in the Berkshires this Weds-Friday before heading to Lifebridge to start the student retreat. If you have any questions while we are away, feel free to contact us at 800.984.4522 and your call will be forwarded to us.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 01:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everybody arrived at Lifebridge this afternoon and the semester's orientation got underway with an excellent group dinner, some discussion about our various motivations for joining the program, and a screening of a documentary film on last semester's students encountering India. Congratulations to Frank Siringo for creating an outstanding video record exploring homestays, independent study projects, trekking, and community service.

More soon,

Galen

Posted by Galen at 04:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Global LAB students and program directors at orientation in New York

Following a great two and a half day Semester orientation at Lifebridge Sanctuary the group caught the 12:40 bus to NYC, leaving plenty of time to get to JFK several hours ahead of tonight’s 8:10 flight to Delhi. Building in some extra time turned out to be a good idea, as the Trailways bus broke down en route and a new bus had to be dispatched for the journey to continue. Galen described it as an excellent introduction to the kind of unexpected transportation delays everyone will learn to roll with once in India. The group has now checked in, cleared security at JFK, and will soon be taking off for Delhi via a quick layover in London. We’ll post a note here as soon as they have arrived in India and reached their guesthouse.

During orientation, students set a new speed record for untying the Human Knot and forming a circle without once letting go of each other's hands.

On Saturday we hiked to Table Rocks within the Mohonk Preserve (New York's largest non-profit nature preserve; designated by the Nature Conservancy as one of the planet's "Last Great Places") and enjoyed sunshine and a panoramic view of the Catskills range to the north.

Knight singing "Salwar Kameez," an original composition from last semester about the national dress of South Asia.

Between Tracy's singing and guitar playing, Jesse's musical gifts (thanks, Jesse, for the post-meal piano jam sessions and for sharing your blog), Cassie's experience as a singer in a Ska band, and all the other musical talents yet to surface, this promises to be a semester filled with outstanding music and song.

Tracy borrowed Knight's guitar and revealed some serious musical talent, singing John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery."

Posted by Global LAB at 07:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enjoying a short layover at Heathrow before the final leg of the journey

Sonam Peter greeting Julianne with a tradtional Tibetan katak at the Delhi Airport

A happy van ride from the airport to the hotel, and to bed

Tracy called to let us know everyone has finally settled in for some sleep at their hotel in Delhi. "The students have been wonderful--real troopers through the long flight and everyone's doing great."

John

Posted by Global LAB at 07:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Galen reports that after sleeping in until around 10 and enjoying a South Indian style breakfast and a Hindi lesson, the group headed out to explore Old Delhi, including a visit to the Red Fort (one of the palaces of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan), then on to the Digambara Jain Lal Mandir (one of the oldest Jain temples in India), and wrapped up with an early dinner near the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

Tomorrow, the group will continue exploring India's capital with a visit to New Delhi.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With Guarav at the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi

All's well here in Delhi. We have students sending blog updates presently, so I'll keep it brief in regards to yesterday other than saying the first ever 'Gandhi Day' was a smashing success. It began with a morning discussion of Gandhi, his legacy, and nonviolent civil disobediance led by Jordan and Tracy; this was followed by a visit to the Gandhi Smitri Museum and the interactive multi-media installations there which illustrate Gandhi's life and teachings in the very home where he used to stay in Delhi, and by the garden in which he was assasinated; after a short, reflective writing exercise we went to the Andhra Bhavan for a South-Central India buffet lunch and then to the bustling Pahar Ganj bazaar, only to find it closed and our shopping assignment postponed due to a Gandhian solidarity movement in which all store owners shut their doors for the day, paralyzing business city-wide in protest of new government policies; from Pahar Ganj we went to Raj Ghat, where an eternal flame burns over Gandhi's resting place (as well as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi's); after a short diversion to the ISKCON Hare Krishna temple, we went to an excellent screening of Manni Bhai, the latest Bollywood smash hit which is uniquely Gandhian in its premise and purpose, featuring the Mahatma himself as an apparition summoned by a hallucinating Manni during his conversion from gangster to humanist. A Chinese-Indian dinner in the food-court outside the theater wrapped up an excellent day, and already this morning we've been to the US Embassy in order to register for absentee ballots and are now back in Pahar Ganj for yesterday's delayed project. Off to Ladakh tomorrow morning, and ready for it.

Posted by Galen at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Galen called to describe the group's first day in Leh, Ladakh. Following a smooth, spectacular flight from Delhi up to the Himalaya, the group was met by Namgial and checked in to the Chube guest house in Leh. Namgial led a walking orientation through the old city and main bazaar, followed by a visit to the polo grounds where an exhibition on hydropower, animal husbandry, and apricot harvesting provided more introduction to life in the Himalayas.

Everyone's health and spirits are great--a bit tired from getting up at 3am to catch the flight, but otherwise feeling little to no effects from the higher altitude and savoring the crisp temperature compared to Delhi's heat and humidity. After acclimatizing to the altitude for a few more days, the plan is to take a day hike outside of nearby Phey village to test out boots and gear prior to beginning the longer trek.

All are eager to email and post to the blog, but the Internet is down in Leh at the moment--it might be back up later this afternoon, according to local prognosticators.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After a VERY early morning getting to the domestic airport in Delhi, we've arrived safely in Ladakh. We were silenced by the beauty of the trans-Himal landscape this morning as we drove from the Leh airport. The students were awestruck as we watched Leh waking up in the early morning sunlight. Upon arrival, we were filled with cha (tea) and biscuits while we admired the inspiring gardens at the Chube Guesthouse. All of us promply hit the hay for a few hours recharging from our early morning and were awakened to a feast of spaks, dal, and das (vegetables, lentils and rice).

Namgial lead us on a stroll through the north bazaar of Leh, pointing out important sites that we all will visit frequently during our time here: Ecological Apricot store, tailors for making gonchas (traditional Ladakhi dress), and the Ladakh Ecological Development Group.

We're all looking forward to a good night's sleep and some more Ladakhi adventures tomorrow!

Hope all is well state-side...

Peace,
Tracy

Posted by Tracy at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For a student perspective on day one in Delhi, Jesse offers a vivid description. Thanks for keeping it real, Jesse!

John

Posted by Global LAB at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Julley from the sole-survivor of a bout of altitude sickness (11,700 feet) in Leh!

Most of the team is down with general fatigue and alot of stomach trouble, and I found myself the only person awake at seven o'clock this morning breathing in this fresh air. We are, however, blessed with an incredibly peaceful guest house complete with a gorgeous garden and toilet paper, so the next couple of days are devoted to tea and recovery.

As for myself, everything here is crisp and refreshing and it makes me feel tingly and awake. The only altitude adjustment I am feeling is very sharp and clear vision, which is quite enjoyable for the STUNNING views of towering mountains all around. I sat with my journal and a mug of hot water in the sun this morning and marveled at the change I feel here in this high village. Delhi for me was hot and hectic and rather startling, whereas this is just plain beautiful. The people will always give you generous white smiles and a "julley" anytime you pass, and I feel embraced in the small cobblestone streets and the rough houses.

Continue reading "Julley from Cassie" »

Posted by Cassie at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Julley everyone!

I’m sorry to say that my first blog posting is after a most unfortunate couple of days where I and almost everyone else in the group have been suffering from altitude sickness! Fortunately though Tracey makes a very good mother and Galen manages to keep smiles on our faces. Leh is perhaps the most beautiful place on earth with breathtaking snow covered mountains, picturesque monasteries with colorful Tibetan prayer flags, and simply clad friendly locals. The market is full of local foods and dried apricots as well as hand made jewelry and local woolen vests. Our guest house is spectacular with a beautiful vegetable and flower garden, cozy box beds, excellent food, and a flush toilet! The peacefulness of Leh is a nice change from the insanity of Delhi but I must admit I miss the gypsy (our local Delhi coordinators awesome open air jeep)! I hope everyone at home is doing wonderful and I miss you all more then words could describe.
Cheers!
~Emma

Posted by Emma at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello Ladakh Travelers-

This past weekend my sister hosted an Equinox celebration to welcome the coming of the Autumn, at her place in the woods of Vermont which included a “Meditation Nature Walk” during which all of you were filling my thoughts…

We were walking through the forest, observing falling leaves, crawling salamanders, listening to the bubbling brook and having various “ New England nature” experiences, when we were advised to pick a place to sit. I chose a mossy rock beside the stream where I noticed an intricate circular spider web spanning the width of the water.

Continue reading "Happy Equinox" »

Posted by Global LAB at 05:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The first few days in Ladakh have been absolutely stunning and full of intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of work. I get most of my exercise braving the rugged, tortuous trail between clothing garments or shoes strewn across the floor of my cavernlike room. My destination: the bathroom. As I stagger my way through the dimly lit, cramped cave, my olfactory senses are assailed by the aromatic stench of day old vomit mingled with the overwhelming product of our dashes to the bathroom. It is breathtaking indeed. I do my best to remain upright as I stumble back to my bed, wearily signaling Jordan that the bathroom is now vacant for a few minutes. I reach my bed and collapse on it after the long trek only to have it hit back. I didn't know my body could ache so much from sleeping. The covers seem totally insufficient as my body is overtaken in a fit of shivering.

Continue reading "One Kind of Trekking" »

Posted by Andrew at 09:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Things here in Leh took a tremendous turn for the better today. After several days of general altitude fatigue compounded by a stomach bug that seemed to claim most all members of the group, we've rebounded with our feet moving.

Yesterday morning we ventured up to Shanti Stupa, where Namgial gave us an informative talk on the history and culture of Ladakh and its relations with Tibet, Kashmir, and greater India. The afternoon was spent in relaxation before a tremendous theatrical production of Ladakh's own take on 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (plus another one-act number). Afterwards, our first meal of momos wasn't received as warmly as we'd hoped, but an interview on BBC with HH the Dalai Lama got us talking over tea.

Continue reading "Group Health, "A Mid Summer Night's Dream," etc." »

Posted by Galen at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, India rock stars. Keep the intense dispatches flowing. It appears as if many of ye have been smitten with Ladakh and overwhelmed by Delhi. Feeling ALIVE is living, no? India is still virgin territory for me, but the sensations you've been sharing remind me of my first slaps and jolts from Egypt and Morocco. I believe you have kicked up India to my short-list of new experiences to seek. So I'm sitting here in VA, near sea level, and all of you are about 2 miles up it's killing my neck to catch any semblance of your peace or being. It's a breezy autumn day and the silver maples and sweet gums are breaking the wind with that happening crinkly rustle.

Continue reading "A Plea for Some Sound..." »

Posted by Global LAB at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Shanti Stupa's terrace, Namgial and the group discuss Ladakhi culture and history.

Posted by Global LAB at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For those who may not be familiar with Ladakhi geography and place names (click image to enlarge).

Posted by Global LAB at 08:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)