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My home before home...
Dharamshala is nestled in the valley of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh in Northern India. The town is split into two levels, the lower being Dharamshala (where I am staying). The upper level, a few steep miles uphill, is christened McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, as well as an influx of Tibetan refugees fleeing the Chinese oppression in their homeland. The entire region provides a generous view of the Dhauladhar Mountain range and surrounding valleys at the foothill of the Himalayas. The view is so expansive that you can sit under the bright warm sunshine on one mountain while you watch dark storm clouds gather to shower over another.
The weather here is pleasant. Warm before the frequent thunderstorms, and cool after. And just a note, I can not say the same about Delhi, where I spent my first few days. I thought it couldn't get hotter than Vietnam until I got to Cambodia, in which I was sure it could not get any hotter. But I was wrong, Delhi wins. The most unbearable heat goes to Delhi. Our apartment was air conditioned, but it didn't really mean much
They laugh right at me, those mountains.
I often lift my camera in awe, attempting to capture their magnificence, but they just laugh, and even the rolling green hills have a good chuckle. Do I really think it is possible to capture this beauty? Not in photos, not in words, not even close. since there were frequent power outages. I woke up my first night thinking that someone had a pillow over my face. That pillow is called the thick heavy heat that makes breathing close to impossible. Needless to say, I was happy for the 12-hour bus ride north towards Dharamshala, where I have adapted quickly and easily.
I join with the CCS volunteer program upon arrival to India on May 13th (thanks to all my sponsors). I am working with a mentally "lighter" workload, however, this does not mean I do not have a workload. It has taken me 2 weeks to even write a blog. It has been difficult because my mind is scattered, and I am still digesting a bit of Cambodia and a lot of Vietnam. I was given my assignment, and started working my first week at Jathed Primary School.
Jathed Government Primary School
Grades 1-5
There are basically 2 types of school systems here, private and government. And lets just put it this way, you would want to attend a private. But unfortunately, most children must attend government schools to get their mandatory education. My orientation explains that I will have nothing to
My Flat
Its lovely on the outside, but it's a fraternity-esque communal space...and smell. I am remembering the challenges of communal living! work with except a room. In government schools, there are no chairs, desks, supplies, and barely electricity. English classes are a requirement, but CCS and the school are looking to provide a little mental stimulation to the class by teaching it through art, or any creative means. I originally start with grades one and two, but by day 3 I am given all 5 grades, which is over 80 children. I have 30 minutes for each class (grades 1-5) and need a lesson plan for each level, which means planning the lesson, getting the supplies, then learning how to somewhat explain it in Hindi.
The school is run by one nutty principle, Hari, who speaks very limited English. Actually, the only English he did learn was from an American history textbook, which gives him an "interesting" vocabulary. Yesterday he told me that "he and the population of the school would like to worship and adore me for my stamina and endless endurance". He also likes to pop quiz me by dropping in the middle of my class and shouting things like "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", he
My Room
I snagged this spot after a week, my room is clean and simple, wish I could say the same about the communal bathroom and kitchen. than points and yells "OK, WHO SAID THAT?!" This can really throw you if you are in the middle of prying a yellow crayon out of a first grader's mouth.
On top of teaching there are requests for a portrait of the school, to make numerous learning charts by hand, and to paint a mural of Gandhi on the side of a building(?). The school and Mr. Nutty are more than thrilled to have their own artist, and I am happy to help, but I am trying to balance myself by having the time to take advantage of of the extra activities offered through the program. This includes Hindi language, lectures on Indian political social structure, Tibetan art and culture, and the countless hiking excursions that begin at the foot of my doorstep. I also have this great idea that I would like to get a few good nights of sleep. But I know my time will go quickly here, so I want to make sure I am able to write, to learn and to offer as much as I can. With only weeks left this is the home stretch, and I plan on giving it my all until
Hiking the Neighborhood
Overlooking McLeod (the middle mountain in the distance) the last day.
A few mental notes/misc. facts, not enough for their own blog, but worth mentioning:
India is 1/3 the size of the United States and has a population of has 1.2 billion people, the second largest population in the world next to China. 1 out of every 6 people is from India.
It is mandatory that we wear traditional Indian attire while working
There are 22 volunteers total, about half of them are sick
I love Indian food
An STD shop is a place to make phone calls
I saw the Dalai Lama on my first day
The 4th grade English Class is learning a poem about INFLUENZA
Nodding yes is not an up and down motion, but a twitch to the side
The hills are so steep that if you wear flip flops walking uphill you will slide out of them
I need a flashlight to go anywhere after dark
Showers here are a bucket of water and a spicket
Fellow volunteer 19-year old Melanie comes from a family of Olympic swimmers. She explains as part of the training they all
Temple
Mountains are often crowned with small temples drink steak shakes twice a day (yup, that's steak in a blender)
Fellow volunteer Linnea has attended the Precious Moments factory in Missouri as well as Dollyland, the Dolly Parton Theme Park
Fellow volunteer Cheri works for a recruiting company that recruits recruiters
my favorite quote for this trip...
" THROW YOUR HEART IN FRONT OF YOU AND RUN AHEAD TO CATCH IT"
-Arab Proverb
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Michael
non-member comment
I sure am glad that there are just mountains there and not volcanos!! Remember it only takes a few hours to make the climb!!!! Nicaragua is so far from India! Watch out for all the cow dung! Oh and don't let the cows come in while you are doing yoga. It does mess you up.