Artistic Traditions of Amdo, Summer 2007

This was written last night from my room at my homestay here in Gomer.

I'm at my homestay right now. Thy fed me bread and tea, and put on the french tv station, so that I'd be able to understand it. It may have been the most awkward silence ever in the history of awkward silences...especially because as far as can tell they have two cute sons about my age. Also, the toilet is a huge pit with a curtain in front of it, which is pretty interesting..to say the least..

This room is amazing. This is pretty much my dream house, and I love this family although I just met them and we don't speak a word of each other's language. They are very beautiful people, and I'm glad that I get this opportunity, as uncomfortable as it is. I ate so much dinner that I am in serious pain right now, but at least it was soup-based..and yummy.
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I think the homestay period of this trip has been by far my favorite and most memorable time, although it has just begun. These people don't have any money, they go to the bathroom outside in a pit, their houses look like old creaky ships, and there's piles of dung along the walkway to my room. It's not a comfortable situation by any means. However, I think this is really what is making this trip a worthwhile experience for me. I'm getting the chance to see a very very different way of life, and although it's not easy, I know how important it is to learn from these people and get to know them. One of the most important things I think I've learned here is that people are just people. Whether they're monks or artists or americans or homeless, people are doing their best. I think it's important be respectful of different ways of living, and to push yourself to do without once in a while.

For breakfast we had fresh bread(half a loaf set in front of me, the other half in front of the rest of the family), and milk tea (which I even tried to slurp a little, as much as it pains me to do so).

I'm thinking of my friends and family, and looking forward to whatever comes my way next.

-Kat