From New Jersey to Delhi and beyond
Jullay!!
A good friend told me that Leh had a magnificence that was difficult to describe. Well, they hit the nail on the head. It is breath taking, both physically and emotionally, and because of this, it is difficult to put into words what is occurring. But, I am going to try anyways…
As we sat around Choktse’s (traditional Ladakhi tables in which you eat from on the ground) and ate our breakfast today, the students shared about the overall energetic difference between Delhi and Ladakh; the emotional release many of them felt as we walked off the plane and into this new world. Delhi offered us loads of opportunities to explore the rich cultural history of the Indian people, as well as contemporary Indian cultural and Ladakh is providing us with peace and ease to reflect a bit on where we are and what we are here to do.
It is amazing to think that we have traveled from small town New Jersey to the Jama Masjid (the largest Mosque in India) in Delhi and now to Ladakh, a hidden kingdom for much of history, in the span of five days. Our time together thus far has been invigorating and it seems as if each turn we take provides some new experience to strengthen the bonds between each other. In the coming days we will be exploring both urban and rural Ladakhi life, engaging with local people to learn about their customs and exploring some of the foothills that surround this mountain city, but until then, we rest, preparing for another leg of our journey together.
I hope you all are well and appreciate you following us during our time in India.
That is all for now,
Justin
Leh, Ladakh September 18, 2008