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Published: November 27th 2006
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ManaliCouple of things to report on this time. Firstly, last weekend we went to Manali - which is just under 2000m above sea level (and therefore higher than Palampur and McLeod, though not quite as high as the night we spent camping on the mountain) and therefore absolutely freezing. Much time went on purchasing wooly hats, scarves and gloves… The mountains were stunning though - they’re all about 6000-6500m (a good 2000m higher than most of the mountains around here. Manali is the start of the Manali-Leh road, which is meant to be stunning - takes 2 days, the highest pass is 3,950m. But its only open for a few months in the summer, as the snow makes it impassable from around Sept/Oct. We discovered a very cool temple, which looked strangely Tudor - all wooden beams (check pic). The second day we went up to the base of a ski resort, and indulged in Zorbing (not personally…) quad biking (I did that one) and pony trekking.
Found myself ill for most of the beginning of the week… (theres now 19 of us here, and everyday theres someone who’s ill and off work) so didn’t really do much. I’ve brought a
new Salwar Kameez for the south, as it’ll be hot there. Its now turned freezing here, so will be very glad when I have a chance to wear it!
We went to McLeod again this weekend - I ended up sitting it the courtyard of the main temple listening to the Dalai Lama teaching! Was amazingly cool, the courtyard was full of monks, nuns, Tibetans, westerners, Indians. The Dalai Lama was inside the temple itself, teaching in Tibetan - was on very highly philosophical concepts so I think hearing the Tibetan and soaking up the atmosphere was probably far better than hearing it in English anyway.
We went to the Norbulingka Institute on Sunday - it was founded by the present Dalai Lama to preserve the cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, and therefore teaches Tibetans (mainly monks) crafts such as wood and metalworking, Thangka painting, doll making etc. The grounds were gorgeous - really peaceful gardens Japanese style with lots of water and hundreds of prayer flags everywhere. Lovely temple - the guardian took us right up on top of the roof, where there were stunning views. They have a guest house, so one day I’ll have to come back
to stay there. I brought a photo frame - so I can put a group photo (either at the Golden Temple or the Taj Mahal) in it when I get home.
Currently hunting for a suitable sized box to send my various purchases home in!
Only two weeks left here now - seems to have gone by ridiculously quickly. And as we’re going to Amritsar this Friday and Agra the Friday after, that only leaves 7 days of teaching! Seems a shame, as we’re just getting through to some of the kids - I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud as a moment today when Rajnika (one of our guides) held out a pencil and said to Kamni (who is one of the 5-year olds in my class of 5-9yr olds) “What is this?” and Kamni replied very loudly “This is a pencil!”. Things went downhill when we introduced the difference between ‘this’ and ‘that’ but then I doubt most English 5 yr olds know that.
Several of us who are traveling for an extended period were discussing how weird is it knowing that everything will be somewhat alien when we get home - we’ll have no idea what
the music in the charts is, which of our favourite bands have released new albums or gone on tour (Sim - I expect an email if you spot tour dates for any band you know I like!) or what the current top movies are. Or whats going on in Hollyoaks. Its also strange because it doesn’t feel like less than a month till Christmas, I would be well into it by now. Alex and I were discussing the possibility of making Advent calendars for ourselves (provoked by Kate receiving one in the post from her brother), and Laura and I have decided that we’re going to teach the kids Jingle Bells before we leave.
Definately looking forward to hitting the South - and warm weather! Also starting to have had enough here, its great, but theres a lot of sitting around - as I only teach from 10.30-12 and 4.30-5.30. I’m traveling with Kate - another volunteer, and now the only other graduate (occasionally we feel old) - for a week or so through Agra, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya and Kolkata, from where shes flying to Mumbai to join a project in Goa, and I’m going on to Chennai to meet
Jen and Sam.
I’ve uploaded the photos from Manali, I’ll put the Mcleod ones in my next entry.
Hope you’re all doing well
Rachael
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