From Brahma to Buddha, Spring 2007

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: Feb 16 - May 18, 2007" »

Posted by Global LAB at 03:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

2007 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 03:36 AM | Permalink

Please complete the India Visa Application (you can download the visa application form here) according to these instructions. Be sure to send your completed application to the Consulate that handles your state of residency:

If you live in: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, send your package to:

Consulate General of India - New York
Consular Section
3 East, 64th Street
New York, NY 10021

Continue reading "India Visa Application Instructions" »

Posted by Global LAB at 05:52 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.

GEAR:
Money Belt – A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely hiding your passport, money, etc.
Sleeping Bag – Sleeping bags should be “mummy” style and have a temperature rating between 0 and 20 degrees.
Sleeping Pad – Much heat is lost through the ground, and a good insulating layer between the bag and the ground is important.
Water Bottle – Please bring two, one-quart, plastic. Nalgene bottles can be found at local outdoor gear shops.
Water Filter (MSR Sweetwater is a good one)
Head Lamp – Flashlights are okay, but headlamps are more convenient.
Alarm Clock/Watch – Travel-size, to catch early buses and trains.
Swiss Army Knife

Continue reading "Packing & Gear Recommendations" »

Posted by Global LAB at 06:09 PM | Permalink

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 "Greetings from Tracy, Semester Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:59 PM | Permalink

Hello… my name is Caitlin Thurrell. This year I graduated from St. Paul’s School, and now I’m planning to spend a year in the world before college. I’ve never lived outside of New Hampshire or traveled anywhere in the East—until now, my life has been very small and very safe. I love my home, but it provides little perspective—this, I think, is mainly what I look for in India. By the time I join up with you I’ll have been there for four months already, living with my uncle in Auroville, an international community near Tamil Nadu. Some other things… I’m interested in writing and sculpture, in books, in hiking and snowshoeing, in poetry (not mine) and music (also not mine—mainly folk and jazz, but really anything), in history and religion, and in philosophy. I’ve been practicing Ashtanga yoga for the last four years, and during the summer I work making sandwiches and scooping ice cream at a deli by the lake. I’m a little afraid to meet you all, but more excited than that.

Until then—
Caitlin

Posted by Global LAB at 12:39 PM | Permalink

Hi. My name is Noah Klugman. I am from Amherst, Massachusetts, where I live with my father Jeff, my mother Elana and my 14 year old sister Sara. I enjoy writing and playing music. I play several instruments and sign (kind of). This trip will be my first to India, but not my first to Asia. Two years ago, I went on a month long trip to Vietnam and I came back with all sorts of things I didn't have when I left, including some crazy memories and a couple of great friends. I know that the purpose of this blog is so that all of us and our parents and friends can read about our future travel mates, so I just wanted to say hello again to everyone. I am reallly excited to meet you all and share whatever we shall together.

Noah

Posted by Global LAB at 04:33 PM | Permalink

Hello Students-

Having spent four months with the Brahma to Buddha program in India over the past year or so, I have some recommendations that I wanted to share with you before you depart for India on February 18…

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.

For all students:

It is important that your clothes be clean (no holes, stains, etc.).

Continue reading "Pre-Departure Letter from Michelle" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:19 PM | Permalink

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:
Feb 16 - 18: Group orientation at US retreat center

In India:
Feb 18 - 19: Flight to India

Feb 20 - 21: Delhi – Arrival, orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi

Feb 22 - 24: Haridwar – Shri Ram Ashram Orphanage and School, visits to Ghats, intro to Hinduism

Feb 25 – Feb 27: Boat ride on Ganga River starting in Allahabad arriving to Varanasi

Continue reading "Semester Itinerary" »

Posted by Global LAB at 04:47 PM | Permalink

Namaste Global Learners!

As the start of the semester is now less than a month away, I would like to start conversations about the amazing opportunities for Independent Study Projects (ISPs) that you will be able to choose from in Varanasi and Dharamsala. In Ladakh, we will be embarking on a group ISP; working together to give back to the communities we will visit. There is more information about this project on the way.

These options presented here are only a sampling of possibilities depending on your interests and inquiries about the cultures we will be visiting.

First, think about what draws you to India… what are some things you are curious about, and how would you like to explore them? The best ISPs come from curiosities we all carry and what we would like to learn more about. This is your opportunity to dig into our experiences and pull from them meaningful experiences, knowledge, and skills that you can take back with you and continue studying upon your return to the U.S. in May. The only limit you might have is your curiosity, as the instructors and guides for your studying wishes are plentiful.

In Varanasi, the City of Light, and earthly abode of Lord Shiva, there are options to study about traditional Hindu culture: music, dance, cooking, language, religion, and traditional arts. Also, volunteer opportunities and queries about contemporary social issues are also plentiful. Below you will find a list of what students this past fall found great satisfaction in studying.

--North Indian Cooking Classes
--Observation and study of Hindu Caste System
--Yoga
--Photography and/or Photo-essays
--Stone-Carving
--Tabla Drumming with internationally renound performer Kailash
--Go Ahead Orphanage – volunteering at this home for street children helping with homework, English language support and generally spending time with the students.
--Benatti (fire dancing) – ancient martial art tradition where one learns to spin a bo (a long wooden pole). As your skill increases, one lights the ends of the bo on fire!
--Weaving – exploring the depth of the Varanasi silk and textile resources
--Studying the life and role of Sadhus (wandering ascetics)
--Interviewing Women regarding gender roles, arranged marriage, etc.
--Observing and studying with Ayurvedic Medical Practitioners

In McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, the hill station which serves as the seat for the Tibetan Government in Exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, options abound to study Tibetan refugee culture: music, dance, traditional arts, and language for example, draw you in to this culture living in refugee away from their native land. Dharamsala could be considered the center of Tibetan culture, though at the cost of many lives and livelihoods. Looking at these social issues through an anthropological lens is also possible. Opportunities to study different traditions of Buddhist philosophy are present as well. Below you will find a list of what past students have discovered great meaning in studying.

--Tabla Drumming
--Jewelry Making
--Photography and/or Photo-essays
--Yoga
--Tibetan dance and guitar: the dramyen
--Thangka painting
--Tibetan Healing Massage
--Buddhist Philosophy Classes at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
--Lha- Local NGO that offers language instruction and other opportunities to give back to the community
--Research on perspectives on the Tibetan political situation
--English conversation partners with Tibetan political prisoners recently arrived to Dharamsala
--Meditation
--Tibetan, as well as North and South Indian cooking

As I stated above, these options are only what has been studied in the past. The sky is the limit based on your curiosity and interests! This list is merely to begin the conversation about what you would like to inquire about once we arrive to these communities.

Feel free to contact me, Michelle, John or Brad to have conversation about these topics if you wish.

See you all very soon,

Tracy

Posted by Global LAB at 06:18 PM | Permalink

Hey, my name is Sarah Tarbell-Littman. I live in the one square mile town of Bronxville, New York. For the first half of the year I went to Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia with the organization LeapNow. I like chocolate, skiing, my cats, photography and other things I can’t think of at the moment (I have a horrible memory). After my year off I’ll be attending Mt. Holyoke.

Posted by Global LAB at 11:37 PM | Permalink

I just completed my college degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. My major was painting in the Fine Arts Department. The university I belonged to embraces an interdisciplinary approach to learning, which provided me with a very broad learning experience. I was exposed to critical theory and artistic techniques from the art department, and I was also engaged in many other subjects including those in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. As a student, the biggest blessing that I have been given has been the extensive studying abroad that I have been able to do. Whether it was surviving a 50-foot rogue wave in the Pacific Ocean during my Spring 2005 'Semester at Sea' study, volunteering in the townships in Cape Town, South Africa, or working on miniature painting with a traditional painter in Jaipur, I have learned how to adapt and work in uniquely different situations. This has broadened my perspective, and has altered my view on my placement in life. I look forward to meeting you all at the great Rubin Museum of Art in Chelsea.

See you soon!

James
or you can call me J.B.

Posted by Global LAB at 04:30 PM | Permalink

Dear Brahma to Buddha Semester Students,

Here is some important information foryou to help you plan for Orientation:

1. We will be having our pre-travel orientation at the Lifebridge Sanctuary in High Falls, NY. You can be dropped off there (any time between 3-5pm) on February 16 or if it is more convenient for you see option #2 meeting us in NYC.

If you are driving, directions are available here.

2) If you are flying into NYC you should plan to meet Brad Choyt (Education Director at the Rubin Museum of Art and Founding Director of Global LAB) at the main entrance (150 West 17th Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue) to the Rubin Museum at Noon for a special tour of the museum's Himalayan collection.

If you prefer, you can meet Brad (and the other students meeting in NYC) at the Port Authority Bus Terminal by 1pm as the group will be boarding the bus there to head up to Lifebridge Sanctuary. There are public transportation options which can bring you from JFK airport to either the Rubin Museum or Port Authority. If you are planning to meet the group in NYC and you cannot make it to Port Authority by 1pm please contact michelle@global-lab.org ASAP so we can figure out alternate arrangements.

PLEASE LET MICHELLE AND BRAD KNOW WHETHER YOU PLAN TO MEET THE GROUP IN NYC OR GO DIRECTLY TO THE PRE-TRAVEL ORIENTATION SITE (brad@global-lab.org) so we know where to expect you.

Posted by Global LAB at 10:36 PM | Permalink

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 11:37 PM | Permalink

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 11:43 PM | Permalink

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.

Since then I have worked as a translator and guide with many different organizations, schools and universities, and with different travel agencies. As a guide, I have been leading treks since 1990 in Ladakh, Zanskar Valler, Changthang, Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet. In 1996 I started the Yama Adventures travel agency, which is based in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. In addition to Ladakhi, I am able to speak English, German, Tibetan, Hindi, and Nepali.

As a guide/coordinator I have worked with the Smithsonian Institute, Earthwatch, Indian Wildlife Institute, and Agclon College from Switzerland. As a translator, I have worked for students from Oxford, Berkeley, Wisconsin, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Toronto and Ulm University in Germany with their research in Ladakh.

Continue reading "Hello from Namgial, Ladakh Coordinator" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:46 PM | Permalink

I’m thrilled to be a part of what will surely prove to be an amazing, challenging, and life-changing experience for you all! My life journey began much as yours has. I took a leap –decided there was something beyond (what I did not know)– and landed halfway across the world into something exotic, strange, frightening at times, but nonetheless exhilarating.

After spending time in India this spring you may come to experience what I feel constantly: the urge to return. It’s such a vast and diverse country. I feel like I only get a glimpse each time, but these glimpses are always challenging and enlightening! I find so many aspects of Indian culture fascinating. In fact to even mention “Indian culture” as an entity is problematic because there are so many different Indian experiences. So as we embark on this journey together, I invite you as well as myself to heighten our awareness of the complexities, the intricacies, beauty, and harsh realities of what we will encounter.

While I was studying indigenous perspective in Mexico a respected teacher of mine, Gustavo Esteva, said so gracefully, we must learn to “host the otherness of the other.” Exposure and interaction breeds understanding and acceptance. As we all open up to the worlds beyond our comfort zones, we invite the experience of the unknown. This process triggers a curiosity that will lead us further…

Together we will shape and transform this program into our realities…realities we will never leave behind…realities that will challenge us and inevitably demand growth. That’s why I have joined Global LAB and I imagine that’s at least a part of the reason that you have chosen to take this leap with me. It will be an unforgettable one!

I am honored to take on the responsibility of being your guide, leader, and friend through this incredible adventure! As we rapidly approach our departure date, please feel free to contact me at 704.905.5362 or kempie@global-lab.org with any last minute questions or concerns. I cannot wait to meet you all in person!

Kempie

Posted by Global LAB at 04:14 PM | Permalink

World Travelers,

First I would like to commend all of you for making the decision to take this semester to travel in India. Making this kind of step is not easy, and it takes courage to sign yourself off to a group of people you do not know, in a country so different from your own. This being said, I think traveling in India will return to you tenfold the experiences, ideas, new acquaintances, and cultural awareness that will help you to make more great decisions throughout the rest of your life.

Secondly I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Emma Cruse and I was a student on this last fall’s 2006 Brahma to Buddha semester with Global Learning Across Borders. Michelle Bos-Lun has graciously invited me to come up for this orientation weekend and be available to all of you Brahma to Buddha students as a peer resource. I was very excited to be asked to take part in this semester’s orientation and I greatly look forward to meeting you all and hopefully being able to answer or discuss any questions or issues that you find yourself dealing with in this now short time before you leave for India.

My experience in India with Global LAB, as well as my leaders and fellow travelers was as of now, the greatest experience I’ve had. India is unlike any place you will have encountered in the US or possibly anywhere else in the world, and I think you will all find it as eye opening, stunningly beautiful, culturally fascinating, and emotionally taxing as well as rewarding, as my fellow travelers and I did last fall.

The bonds I made with my fellow Global LAB students last year was certainly one of the most important and glorious parts of my traveling experience. The friendships and group bond we all share together is hopefully something we will carry with us far into the future as these people are now some of the most important people in my life.

I cannot wait to meet each of you and I hope you enjoy your week at home with friends and family!

Best,
Emma C

Posted by Global LAB at 02:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I hope all is well at Lifebridge and you've been able to stay warm amidst the dumping of snow in the northeast. One Ladakhi I met today told me he had heard all about it on the news, and how Leh hasn't gotten nearly that much snow this winter!

Peter, Namgial, Amit and I are putting last minute things into place and very much looking forward to your arrival. We will meet you off the plane at the airport and get you safely to the hotel just in time for a good night's sleep before the exploration of Delhi begins.

Travel safely, sing some songs together, and eat some extra s'mores for me!

See you soon,

Tracy

Posted by Global LAB at 01:39 PM | Permalink

Hello all. My name is Matthew Rubin. I am from Durham NC where I just graduated from Carolina Friends School, a small quaker school in the wood's where i have spent my whole life. For the start of my gap year I was in Oxford England taking classes in art/photography, music technology, and philosophy. I enjoy playing music and all that jazz and also have a strong passion for the search for Atlantis. I look forward to spending three months in India with everybody and think it is going to be an amazing experience.

Matt

Posted by Global LAB at 04:00 PM | Permalink

I'm Chris from New Hampshire. I Graduated from Holderness School last year and am taking a gap year. I spent the first semester in England with Matt Rubin. It was odd seeing him again (on the bus in NYC) in a completely different setting. Culturally, England wasn't very different except for some English quirks. I am looking forward to India and Caitlin I do know your mom.

The last two days of getting to know my group and learning about how to keep myself from getting sick has been exciting. India seems so different. I have a much better idea of what to expect in India, but I feel what I imagine in my head is not close to what I will experience. I hope that this experience will be eye opening and a lot of fun.

Chris

Posted by Global LAB at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Life's good in the "Gunks" and Lifebridge Sanctuary was again a perfect setting for the semester students and leaders to get together for a couple days' worth of community building and preparation before plunging into India this spring...

Michelle, Matt, Sarah, Noah, Chris, Emma, JB, Kempie, Remy (not pictured: Caitlin & Tracy, who are already in Delhi)

In search of a group theme song, Remy began by "playing" the globe in a spontaneous percussion circle

Posted by Global LAB at 07:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hi All,

Just spoke with Tracy, who was happy to report that the whole gang is together (with all their bags, too) and heading to their guest house. They will begin in-country orientation later today on the lawn of the Red Fort and start taking in the sights of the country's capital. Check back soon for photos and more.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello All. After a few day's of exploring just a few of the many amazing sites this city has to offer we have finally made it to a cumputer and are all bloging away. After only three days of being here i feel like we have already experienced so much. From practicing our cartwheels at the Ghandi museum, seeing more animatronics in the many temples then i have in disney world, or indulging in some amazing brain curry, we are all pumped and ready for more. Tonight we will be boarding the night train to beggin our 4 day boat journey down the ganges. Hope all is well back home.

Matt

Posted by at 06:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Chris bathes in the Ganges

I don't know how I lived until four days ago. I have never liked coffee and tea never grabbed me, but Chai is caffeinated candy that I can't stop drinking. The day does not begin until I have Chai and a parata (spelled wrong) or a samosa. It started the morning we arrived in India. We left the Mohini Palace for the Woodlands Restaurant a couple blocks away. I was jetlagged and grumpy from traveling for 48 hours and wanted to go to bed. I was apprehensive about the meal because I love peanut butter Captain Krunch and a glass of oj in the morning, and I was pretty sure that was not on the menu. The restaurant was completely empty and I had a feeling that this was not a rare occurrence. This worried me because Brad had said don't eat at an empty restaurant.

Continue reading "I love Chai" »

Posted by Chris at 06:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Hello everyone, we made it to India!

Well, being back in India has been wonderful. The weather is perfect, though a bit cold later in the day.
We have been exploring some of the sites of Delhi; some of the more unique sites have been the contemporary Hindu temples that grace the Delhi landscape. The robotic Krishna story at the ISKCON temple was a bizarre affair. But no sites was more perplexing as the Swami Narayan temple on the outskirts of Delhi. This mammoth temple designated to a swami from Ayodah, included a robotic life story of the swami, a water-fountain light show, and a river boat ride down a gallery illustrating important Indian artistic, religious and cultural achievements. Sadly when leaving this ride, the audio narration said something like "let's return India to its former glory". The temple is probably larger than the Konarak temple in Orissa. There were more Indians here than any westerners. After leaving I really felt that this temple was probably funded by some big Indian company, maybe the Birla family. I just don't know why this teacher is so important, and why would he warrant such a large temple. Sai Baba-ji a more important figure in the eyes of Indians doesnt't even have as large of a temple. So I believe it might be politics and a little Hindutva. The interior of the temple included relics of the swami, the caption the objects was designed to look old, which made me a bit weary of their importantance. Everything constructed just seemed so purposeful. This religious group is followed by 8 million people and the large Mandir that caused a cultural parade in Chicago is a BAPS construction. I am bit confused about this order. There is a reincarnate teacher in power now, who teaches the 200 year old scriptures.

Continue reading "Namaste, Greetings from the Motherland," »

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

Sarah with a few new friends

To all my friends and family who are reading this, I am alive and well. India has been wonderful! By far one of the best parts of this land is the Chai :). Me thinks a good number of us are mildly addicted to the stuff...or at least close to it. But I won't dwell much more on Chai, becasue Chriss over there has already claimed it as the subject for his blog entry. Instead I'll talk about the children. They are so cute! From the little girl in the red dress who would smile britely and reach out her hand to me to grasp every time i saw her in the museum; to the children outside of Jama Masjid with whom I played pass the truck. One of the hardest things is when they come up to you, palm outstreached, begging for money you know you can not give.

Well it is time for us to cram into Gypsy mobile, with our driver Amit at the wheel and head out to lunch.
Yum!!! ^_^

Posted by Sarah at 07:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

By the time we stumbled out of the plane after some hours of Bollywood films and almost sleep, the fog was already too thick to see out the airport window. Walking to claim our bags, I saw the older woman whom I sat next to walking away with a younger woman also in my isle. They had met on the plane and talked in Hindi quietly and quickly for the whole trip. As they walked away they held each other’s hand. I felt my first isolation.

Continue reading "A Certain Kind of Slug" »

Posted by at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tracy begins Delhi orientation

As we're jamming out to Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin in the internet cafe, the blog is being christened with thoughtful entries sharing just a few of the experiences that we've been having.

We've seen sights in Old Delhi like the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), a Sikh Gudwara, a Jain Temple and the famous Red Fort in Delhi. Also, we visited the ISKCON Temple and learned about Krishna consciousness and why Krishna devoties wear their hair shaved, with a tuft in the back (So if they get distracted from the path, Krishna can take a good hold and pull back.) We've eaten wondrous meals of south India dosa and uttapam, nursed chai addictions, and (finally) ate at the best resturant in Delhi, Gulnar, where Noah and Matt graciously finished half a brain cooked up with curry.

Today, we'll visit an orphanage and hang out with some of the children who live there after their school is out. We'll take in the National Museum this evening and prepare ourselves for our first train ride, landing in Allahabad where we will meet our boatmen and start our journey on Ganga-ji. (Arrrrrrr. (pirate noise) )

We're so thankful for all of the help and support we've recieved from our friends and coordinators in Delhi. Constant patience and flexibility on the part of the students, leaders, and coordinators have offered a solid base for a beautiful journey!

We'll be in touch soon...

Posted by Tracy at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

All is well here in Mirzapur and the boat ride has been wonderful so far!

We'll arrive to Varanasi after one more night and be able to email more details soon.

Tracy

Posted by Global LAB at 03:57 PM | Permalink

Namaste, everyone! Yes, we've all made it safely to Varanasi and are settling into a more normal routine. The first week has flown by - the busy streets of Delhi that were roaring with wedding festivities, a long train ride to Allahabad, four days floating down the Ganges, "The Baba Hunts", temples, Matt's historic changing-of-the-overalls, water buffalos, Amit's cooking, and so much more. While traveling down the Ganges, the students broke up into pairs and worked on recording their experience using audio recordings, photography, and creative writing tools. Now that we have settled into a place with internet and, at the very least, reliable electricity, the group is working to put their perspectives together into a digital story that shows/tels their trip down the Ganges. I won't spoil anything, but here are some photos for the time being of the past week in Delhi and on the boat. (For more photos, click on the Flickr icon with the rotating images on the right side of the blog.)

Last night was the student's first night with their homestay families. All of the families are within less than a five minute walk from each other, located in, roughly, the same neighborhood. After Hindi lessons this morning we all gathered to swap stories. The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon will be spent introducing everyone to their ISP teachers... and let me tell you, there are some awesome projects that the students are focusing on. I'll let them write about them, but here are some of the topics: stone carving, audio stories/interviews with the milk-stand-man, working at an orphanage, sitar, and a bunch of others.

Everything is moving along smoothly as we find our steps in Varanasi.

Remy

Posted by Remy at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

For their parts in the Ganga Trip project, Caitlin and Noah wrote two creative writing pieces focusing on the same thing: walking from the back of the boat to the front.

Caitlin described what she saw, and Noah described what he felt.

Together, the pieces paint the scene and move to the stern. Enjoy.
(Caitlin's will be up later today)

Here is Noah's:

How I feel walking across the boat.

As I contemplate how I am going to move from the back of the boat to the front, a small wave hits our side and we rock slightly to the left. I close my eyes and feel us tip back to center. Not often enough do I have the opportunity to contemplate buoyancy and balance.

I feel the constant shaking of the motor. How I adjust situationally always surprises me, ironically catching me consistently off guard. When the motor runs we live with it, all shaking together, our eyes following shaky words in books and our sunglasses like polarized magnets on our nose. When it turns off we forget about it quickly. We resume a normal vocal volume and gather our bags.

The front of the boat is covered in sun. It looks distant from where I sit in the shade. For the past couple of hours I have sat reading, guiltily not looking too intently at my surroundings. I watch my group mates sleeping and I think, “at least I am not sleeping.” I immediately regret thinking that, wondering out loud why I can not relax. It is hard for me to remember that there is no competition in traveling. No element of collection either. I decide that I want some sun, and fold the top corner of the page I was reading.

We stash our bags in the center of our boat. On either side, there are two long white wooden benchs, with a one forth inch cushion coving the top of them entirety. Two nights ago, our first night on the boat, I rapped this cushion around my arms to try to stay warm. Now, on my part of the bench, the cushion has fallen to the floor. I didn’t really care, but I would be lying if I did not mention that this cushion, and the state of its being, did not contribute to my decision to move to the front. Also, I was cold again.

I stand up. The metal hand built roof of the boat allows me to get up to about half of my full height before stooping over. As I turn to my head to face the front, feeling my feet follow, I notice Sarah. She is holding her knees looking out at the river. I think to myself that this would make a great picture. My camera is not accessible. I creak as I stretch, but not really.

I have never thought before about the split second it takes for me to feel ready to move. As I take steps towards my sunny destination, I consistently check and recheck my path, direction and objective. I step over the bags, books and people. The front of the boat is now moving beneath my feet.

Posted by Remy at 04:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Holi breaks out in the Berkshires

The B2B Spring '06 Posse, post-fire ceremony, light offering, and Holi Play-sends the B2B Spring '07 Delegates salutations and warm wishes!

Spring like temperatures, blue skies, birdsong, a full moon, and a total lunar eclipse--it must be Holi. Some of you will celebrate your first Holi with homestay families in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges; some of us (Erin, Michelle, Frank, last spring's Brahma to Buddha alum) are gathering together in the Berkshires over the next couple of days to reflect and re-connect; others in the ever widening B to B circle will be under a full moon in Greece, China, Argentina....

Wherever you find yourself this Holi, may the fires burn bright, the rainbow of colors arc brilliantly as winter's cold and gray again make way for spring's return.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Namaste,

Well, it has been a long time since I last posted, so I am going to be writing a lot, the final complete post might take a day or two. and you might see it in a couple of different stages, or unfinished

Delhi was spectacular, probably the highlight of Delhi was visiting the NAZ center (an orphanage for AIDS stricken children). This wonderful orphanage is in charge of 31 children. This exceptionally clean orphanage provides English lessons, onsite medical help and a slew of other benefits many normal day street children wouldn't have access to. As Sarah said, "these children have been given a bad card in life but also they have a great card that many street kids might not have." Even though they are stricken with a life-threating sickness, there living and learning arrangements are truly un-parrelled in India, a country of extreme poverty. Interacting with the Manipurian kid, named Chopsticks was a thrill, his story was sad. Both his parents died from AIDS, so his grandpa but him in an outhouse to avoid interacting with him. Manipur's AIDS rate is so high that his grandpa thought it spread like a common day flu. Also there was a wonderful fat kid, that sat quietly on the floor gazing up with his big cheeks. According to Teresa, this child came into the orphange on the death bed from starvation, and now he is on a diet. And when asked about his name he sometimes calls himself fat ass. This was a wonderful and insightful experience, and I was very interested to hear that this was started by Indian American who lived in the USA working with AIDS in the Gay communities in the early 80's. NAZ has a strong focus on helping the Gay members of society, and many of the actual employees are gay. They also go to local gay hangout spots and pass out condoms. I was also extremly interested in hearing that NAZ works with the Hijra community (third-sex eunichs). This highly secretive society is linked to many religious texts and are considered good omens as well as bad omens. NAZ works with them a lot, and I have always been intriqued with them since I read Zia Jaffrey's "The Invisibles." Maybe I will volunteer one day to help out with Hijra community.

DOWN THE RIVER

ALLAHABAD:
We arrived in Allahabad on a 9 hour train. Coming into Allahabd was interesting, it is a much poorer city than Delhi, and a more cramped and dirty city compared to Varanasi. The actual city is uncharchteristic. Many tents where still erected from the Ardh Mela that occured very recently, though the presence of sadhus was centered down the river, a little further from where we would pick up the boat.

Continue reading "Boating Down the Ganges and arriving in Varanasi." »

Posted by JB at 04:04 AM | Permalink

Stern, starboard. Stone steps rise up from the water, here broad and flat, here steep and uneven, crumbling into the sandy stretches to either side. Rough concrete buildings and bright canopies stand crookedly on the slope, men talking and children playing in their shade. Our boat’s pink makes it distinctive among the crowd of narrow fishing crafts clustered at the bottom of the ghat, brown-grey wood showing bare in most places, decks open to the sun. Three old women squat by the water, slapping clothing against stone. Shapes grow less distinct as we move away, blurring into loose forms of sun-washed color.

Stern, port. The bank slopes gently back in shades of brown and green, seen dimly through mist; it is raining now, and cold. Fleece-wrapped, we huddle under our corrugated metal roof. Rain bounces up from the river, and Amit boils water and milk for chai on a gas burner; Matt and Noah are asleep against the luggage pile. A sadhu walks along the riverside, his faded oranges the landscape’s brightest color; the staff over his shoulder swings with the rhythm of his stride.

Midships, starboard. Plots of green farmland line the bank, thatched huts standing on the ridge above them, bright cloth draped over fenceposts to dry in the late morning sun. Figures move over the land; they look small and far-away, smudges only, dark and bright. The motor is pervasive, noise and vibration filling the senses and mind, the constant accompaniment of our course down the river—but now it stops, because we are making port for lunchtime. The green has given way to a stretching expanse of sand, pale and rippled and silent like the desert. We eat dahl and rice that the boatmen have cooked for us. Santosh pours a thin stream of ghee onto each plate from a small metal cup.

Midships, port. A little girl walks across a bridge as we approach, skinny brown legs silhouetted against the sky. She sees us and takes the wide, flat basket she carries from her head, crouching to wave between the rails. A ragged blanket falls around her shoulders and she meets my eyes—I can’t stop looking at her. We pass under, and she is still there, waving, when we emerge. The boat keeps going.

Bow. The sun is enormous, almost on the horizon now, red-orange like tikka powder. It reflects in the wake, giving itself back white on the peaks, fracturing rainbow in the troughs. The river is wide here, and shallow. Amit has filled two water bottles—he will take them home for his father. They roll back and forth with the motion of the boat, bumping over the deck. Tomorrow we will be in Varanasi.

Posted by Caitlin at 04:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Kempie in Color

Sanghamitra and Tracy keeping a watchful eye on the Holi festivities

Only a few traces remain...the hot pink splash on the chai seller's shirt, spatters of florescent color on the roads, goats, and dogs...The water buffalos and cows gnaw on the remnants from the trash piles by the side of the road. Memories of joyfully playing colors with the group and dancing the night away (until 9pm) on the rooftop of the program house linger in my mind. Life has returned to normal or at least the normality of Benares. I'm thoroughly impressed with how quickly the students have taken to the City of Lights in all of its choas, complexities, and intimacies.

Everyone has become very engaged with their ISPs. Matt and Noah are exploring the life and surroundings of a milk product seller at the crossroads of Assi Ghat and are also learning the fine techniques of sitar playing. Sarah, Caitlin, and Remy are learning the rhythms of the tablas from one of Varanasi's best teachers. Chris is pioneering a boat building apprenticeship. While Caitlin continues her yoga practice, other students have immersed themselves in meditative practices with Tracy. J.B. is learning to navigate the world of pilgrims in the various religious contexts that Varanasi has to offer. Some of the students are also trying their hand at the fine art of Indian cooking.

Continue reading "in Shiva's city..." »

Posted by at 06:59 AM | Permalink

My Varanasi ISP with the boat builders of the Ganges has been an eye-opening and pioneering experience. I am the first Global-labber to work with the boat men. The skill of these craftsmen is incredible. They build these fifteen to twenty-five foot long boats from memory using a hammer, chisel and hand-saw. These guys plane, rip, rout, and bend wood without electricity on the ghats at the edge of the Ganges. The speed and accuracy of their craftsmanship is something to marvel.

On Saturday they christened their newest boat with a beautiful Hindu ceremony. First, two women lit a candle and placed it in the center of Holi powder at the edge of the ghat. Flower wreathes were placed around the powder, then the entire offering was moved to the bow of boat. Offerings of food and Ruppies were placed on the bow, as well as the wreathes, powder and candles. One of the women began to sing while the other women placed a yellow hand print around the gunnel. One of the craftsman followed her, placing a red dot in the center of each hand print. Next the master boatman hits each nail on the gunnel one last time. He directed the men to lift the boat and launch it in the Ganges. Twenty men gather around the boat, lift and send it off into the water while the children cheer and jump on the boat as it glides out in the river. I was blessed to be invited to take pictures and share in their ritual.

Posted by Chris at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)