From Brahma to Buddha Semester, Fall 2011

After a morning of feeling pretty wonky, Team Che Bander moved guest houses. Our day consisted of massive amounts of momos (Ladakhi dumplings) and our first taste of real fruit - fresh apples! In the afternoon we hoofed it down into the main market to visit the mosque in town, and then we were set free to test out our bargaining skills. It would be safe to say that those skills did not materialize over the two hours spent searching for trinkets and yak wool scarves. We did learn some pretty important lessons, though: a) never try to bargain for items at the end of the tourist season, b) always be prepared to walk away from a deal, and c) just give up because they're going to rip you off anyway. Our day ended with a trek back up to the guest house in the dark (sunset happens at around 6:30 here). We passed random cows chewing cardboard boxes underneath the Milky Way - something one could only experience in Ladakh.

- Katie