Kale Shuh, Dharamsala! We'll Miss You!
Yesterday we left the New York City of Northern India - Upper Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj), and I am already missing it. I know that I will come back to this city because even though I have lived in and explored this place for over three weeks, I have barely scratched its surface. Everyone from seemingly every nationality and social strata can coexist there. The place is steeped not only in ginger-lemon-honey tea, but also an inordinate amount of hope on the part of the Tibetans. It is inspiring to see the city's daily hustle and bustle because you know that all of that activity is working - in some way - towards Tibet's independence. I will miss all of those people who etched this experience into my memory - my homestay parents, all of my teachers, and every person with whom I took the time to have a conversation. I will also treasure all of its memories (both good and bad) such as giggling along with the Dalai Lama, spotting the back of Richard Gere's head, and ordering brownie sundaes at Beans Cafe. Yep, I know that I'll find a way back - and soon. Till then - je la jelyong, Dharamsala (see you soon)!
-- Katie