Finally taking a little bit of time on the computer and sorting through all that has happened these past few days. On the 9th, I attended a long life ceremony for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was quite an interesting and calculated experience. Chants were conducted the entire time and there was no translation provided, so my understanding comes only from what I experienced. There were several thousand spectators and everyone sat on the cement floor, very tightly packed. The temple has 2 levels, so there were tvs dispersed so people could watch from afar. I found a really great spot to sit right on the edge of a walkway where i could see a little glimpse of the actual ceremony as well as a tv screen. This ceremony used three oracles. They wear ridiculously ... read more

Oh my goodness, after 40 some hours of sitting I made it to McLeod Ganj, India. It's absolutelty breath taking. In this impossible setting at the foothills of the Himalayas. Everyone is chatting and honking and saying hello. I made a friend on the 13 hour bus ride and we are going to exchange my English lessons for His Tibetan lessons. I have not yet found my internship, so I had to pay way too much for a guesthouse last night, but I got a few more hours of sleep. I'm happy to be here and enjoying this sunshine-y day. The phones are down family so this is my official check-in, i am alive and safe. love love love p.s. mom i dont have your sisters and brothers email so could you send them the link ... read more