From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2009

I really enjoyed the home stay in Domkhar. What seems particularly special was the transition that took place between my family and I in less than a week. The family and their habits initially seemed like a clue I could not decipher: I felt isolated when they spoke to each other all I heard was an incomprehensible stream of sound, I was surprised to see the very dignified looking grandmother burp loudly in mid-sentence and keep talking without any apology (ok, maybe I have seen this somewhere else before…) and bewildered to see the daughter start making hundreds of momos (Tibetan dumplings) at 9 o’clock at night. But quickly I noticed patterns in their behavior and speech and moreover I recognized many of these patterns. While sitting with many village women in the shade sorting apricot kernels, I could tell when my home-stay mother was telling a funny story before the laughter erupted throughout the group; I soon knew when she was speaking about me before the heads turned to look at me in curiosity. Although the mother spoke no English, my Ladakhi phrases limited to ‘can I help you?’ how are you?’ and of course ‘ju-leh’ allowed us to reach a mutual understanding. I could tell she appreciated my enthusiastic help cutting vegetables and many dough based dishes, and I was really touched by her generosity and hospitality, making me generous packed lunches daily and giving me a special cup of hot milk knowing I was not a huge fan of the butter tea.
Having said this, I am now very excited about the special group time, the physical and mental challenges and the jaw-dropping vistas that the trek will bring. The group will be happy to know that I can already feel a song coming on: CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN…! 