Hard to believe I've been away 3 months already, with only a month to go! First, I want to say thanks SO MUCH to all of you for sending messages and emails... they really keep me going. It's nice to know I haven't been forgotten !!! Next, for those who haven't heard, I've changed my itinerary a bit. Here's the latest plan: I've nixed the Nepal part of my trip, partly due to time constraints, partly due to the instability in the area from elections and the trouble in nearby Tibet. I'm gonna trade that for the trekking in Darjeeling/Sikkim, which [View Full Entry]

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Still in India... in Varanasi now. Its a pretty cool place. Lots of life.. and death. The sacred river Ganges flows through the city and draws people from all over the country... if not the world. It is believed that if you die here you are freed from the cycle of death and rebirth and immediately achieve nirvana. I'm not sure the exact 'rules' involved, but cremation at the river is also supposed to insure reincarnation to a better life, if not nirvana. The men in the family of the deceased wrap the body in cloth, the women decorated it with [View Full Entry]

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Since March 10th the news in India has been closely following the protests/riots in Tibet. The Dalai Lama, the religious and political leader of the region is in exile in Dharamsala, India as he has been since 1959. During his rare appearance on television a few days ago, he says he feels the tension is just as bad now as it was then. He is asking for true autonomy for the Tibetan people, not a separation from China. Here in Varanasi I witnessed a photograph display put on by other tibetan refugees. The photographs of text are descriptions of the situation [View Full Entry]

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The last few weeks I've been able to get out to the western most state of Gujarat. Its a bit off the tourist track and a welcomed break for a weary traveler. I've slowed down a lot and started spending a week or so in each place instead of simply a few days. It helps me get a better feel for the place, people, and minimize the train/bus misery. Today while lounging in the sun I made a list of generalizations (ok, stereotypes) about India. This is my best interpretation of the place- -Sacred cows freely roam the streets eating trash [View Full Entry]

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Just left the home of the Dalai Lama- Mcleod Ganj- a small mountain town in the Himalayas. Tiny streets crowded with Tibetan refuges selling there wares, Buddhist monks from around the world, and a few western tourists. Due to such high demand, H.H the Dalai Lama is rarely in India, and I was lucky to catch him at a time when he was home, and giving teachings.. and right after my meditation course. Couldn't have worked out better. Even the travels there were suspect to a little divine intervention... helped along by a friend from the course, arriving late and blindly [View Full Entry]

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The Taj Mahal... it really is true that words and pictures can't even attempt to do this place justice. However, it's also a place that I can't possibly leave out. A truly spectacular site- the majestic structure itself, the detailed stone and jewel inlays, marble carvings, but also for the crowd it draws. This is not your average tourist site... the symbol of everlasting love and the most famous Islamic mosque... ps- I've also added a load of photos to the last few entries... enjoy! [View Full Entry]

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India is full of people wanting to help me... or so they say. They all know the best place, and have the best price for everything I could ever need. So goes my Delhi exodus plans: I initially tried to get up to Dharamsala- a snowy little town in the north and home of the Dalai Lama. I was told he's giving talks from the 12-18th of Feb and wanted to see him for some pre-course motivation. I checked a few places and got outrageous quotes from travel agents all -($400-600 USD)...even the alleged "Government tourist info center." So, I did [View Full Entry]

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India. wow. I made it to Dehli today- a crazy place. almost a mix between cairo and thailand.. crazy rickshaw drivers, everyone is a tout or travel agent, and you can't walk down the street w/o getting approached multiple times... even with my mean face on! So far I haven't ventured too far out of the tourist district, so maybe that will change.... Hoping to arrange my train, bus or something out of here soon. The north is full of snow, but I'm looking forward to it... and the Dalai lama. In the meantime here's a few pics.... and I also [View Full Entry]

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Mt Sinai back to Cairo, Giza, lots of pyramids-bent, red, great, weird things I saw along the way.... enjoy! [View Full Entry]

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This is for all the travelers looking for recent info about getting a indian visa for a US passport in Cairo. The indian consulate I went to was at 37 talaat harb street in downtown cairo... found on most tourist maps and right across the street from McDonalds. Its on the 3rd floor, consulate hours are 830am to 1130 sunday through thursday. I filled out my applicaiton on Monday, Feb 4th and paid a 30LE deposit. I needed two passport photos and a copy of my flight itinerary. I was told to come back wedneday , the 6th, pay another 360 [View Full Entry]

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