Happy, healthy, safe and sound in Delhi
Namaste to our friends and family!
We are currently staying in the Tibetan quarter of Delhi, where each moment brings new sights, sounds, scents and tastes. Since our arrival on Monday night, we have spent our time exploring the ancient markets and mosques of Old Delhi; having a few spontaneous Hindi lessons; getting outfitted in Indian clothes; sampling Tibetan and Andra Pradeshi cuisine; and sleeping off a touch of jetlag.
Our whirlwind tour of Delhi ends tomorrow morning, when we fly to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. At 11,950 feet above sea level, Ladakh lies on the border of Tibet and shares it's mountainous landscape, architectural style, religion and dialect. By Saturday, our students will be beginning their first home stay in the rural Ladakhi village of Domkhar, volunteering at the local school and helping their new families with the barley harvest. Our cultural immersion has begun!
Spirits are high and senses are heightened among the members of our group. Our students are full of energy and curiosity, and are proving to be dynamic, introspective and bright in every way. We are incredibly lucky to have such a group, and we are all looking forward to the upcoming days, weeks and months.
Please continue to check our blog, as our students will begin to post stories and photos very soon. Until next time!
Jackie Dennis
Program Director