Tuesday, November 30, 2010

India - the beginning

Hi all,

After an endless, 15 hour overnight bus ride (our second night without sleep in 3 days) we finally arrived in Dharmsala in the foothills of the Himalayans. The town is perched on the edge of a mountain side, seemingly stuck to the rock with cement. The roads are narrow and filled with little shops, pedestrian shoppers and of the course mopeds and cars. It's a little bit of a challenge to look at the shops, the people and the wares being sold and still avoid being run over by the mopeds and the cars. We are at about 5,000 ft. and feeling the altitude a little, but then again we are so sleep deprived that when we lay down for a short nap, we felt drugged by sleep.

Our hotel is lovely, the mattresses are actually soft and comfy and we look out over the edge of the mountain. We still can't drink the water, have to close our eyes and mouths when we shower and can't flush the toilet paper, but we think we will be very comfortable for the next 3 nights here. Tomorrow morning it's yoga on the terrace at 7am and then the teaching with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama starting at 9 am. The afternoon we are visiting the Tibetan Children's Village, a boarding school for Tibetan children after the 5th grade. We are going to try some Tibetan tea tomorrow morning, which is yak milk boiled with chai tea spices. Yum! We've already tried chai with water buffalo milk - boiled of course.

Delhi was awful, none of us want to go back except to pass through to get on the plane. It was noisy beyond belief, filthy and smoggy. My asthma kicked up something awful and when I looked at my filtration mask at the end of the 15 hour bus ride it was already getting gray. I slept in it on the bus because of the diesel fumes and grit. Yucko! We miss you all and are so grateful for the wonderful people in our lives. We couldn't have done this trip without all of you! Thank you. More tomorrow.

Donna and Marty

Phone numbers

Hello, our new cell phone number is 88-944-175-66.

Pema

Monday, November 29, 2010

Dharamasala!

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We made it to Dharamsala today and it is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on Earth! After 14 grueling hours on the bus with lots of hills and sharp switchback roads, we arrived. I got really sick on the bus, but everyone was so helpful with their kindness, ginger, essential oils, it just seemed a rite of passage and worth the suffering.


The Pema Thang guest house is cozy with good food and amazing views. We are in heaven here.
I love and miss you all and wish you were here!

~Leane

P.S. Happy 13th Birthday, Franny! I love you!

Magic in the Mountains

Hi from magical Dharamsala. Driving up the winding mountain road, is it a mirage? a cloud? It sparkles white here and there. It's real, oh my gosh, it's mountain peaks, the Himalayas! A silence comes over the bus riders in awe of the majestic beauty right before our eyes, grander than our imaginations.

Kelly and I just came back from a walk through the woods to Shimla, a tiny town just above McLeod Ganj, to get closer to the peaks. Our hotel is above 5-star. We have lovely rooms that overlook the mountains, some with balconies perfect for relaxing with chai and just being here. It is a dream. How did I ever get here? It's all so magical. I think I have a little mountain high and it's great. Love to you all, especially my beautiful son, Peter, and my lovely husband, John.

I don't know when I'll post again, but I'm thinking of you. I trust you had a wonderful weekend.

Love,
M

Contact Details

Hello All,

We're now safely tucked into the Pema Thang guest-house in Dharamsala. It was a longer journey from Delhi than we'd anticipated, though the scenery was stunning.

For those following the blog from home, we wanted to update the contact information. The phone numbers for Ashok and our cell phone are no longer valid. The contact number is the one for Dawa, which is 98-71-641-715. We're also working on getting another dedicated number, which should be available in the next day.

Namaste,

Scott

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Arrival

We're here! It was a long trip - but smooth overall-thanks to Scott, Pema, and Pam. The sights, (including wild dogs which always makes me think of Micronesia), the smells, and fast pace of Delhi are wonderful and exciting. The highlights so far were the Tibetan ginger lemon honey tea that i had with breakfast, and seeing Gandhi's memorial and eternal flame here in Delhi. Dana and I took a rickshaw to his memorial with our lovely guide, Ashok, who will accompany us throughout our travels in India. We are very lucky to have him with us!

We are off to Dharmasala tonight where we will stay for three days and attend teachings by the Dalai Lama. Thank you, Steve, and Franny, Sylvie, and Esme, for your love and support of this blessed journey!

~xoxleane

Greetings from Dehli

Hello Friends and Family,

It is Sunday afternoon in Dehli. The flight in on Fri night was uneventful. We landed safely in Dehli a little before 10 p.m. Long lines to check in at the airport and then a bit of a wait for our bus. While at the airport there were a group of drummers welcoming guests. There was a bit of a procession with the drummers and a horn player who came to welcome the Indian boxer who won at the Asian games. He was carried around on their shoulders with a garland of marigolds around his neck.

We then checked into the Wongdon guest house sometime after midnight. I did try to sleep but there was a serenade of car horns, dogs barking, pigeons cooing, people talking, music playing and other sounds I have not deciphered. I passed the night in a half awake-half asleep dream like state with this lullaby of India in the background.

Today we visited the Tibetan tailors. First we went to pick out the fabric. Having to choose from so many beautiful fabrics was not easy. Then the tailor's took our measurements. The tailors are making me a traditional Tibetan dress called a Chuba. It will be delivered to us on Tuesday at Dharamsala, if all goes well.

This evening, the plan is a visit to the Red Fort and then back on the bus for an overnight busride to Dharamsala. I am hoping to catch some sleep on the bus as there is too much fun to be had during the day to take time out to rest.

I send my love to you all back home.

Mindy

Dana says Hello

Just want to say hi to my family and friends. We arrived safely, tired, but no problems. It is a real trip to see India again after 30 plus years. Right now, we are staying in a Tibetian community on the outskirts of Delhi. Today Leane, Ashok, and I went to Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and his memorial with an eternal flame. Very moving. Tonight we will get to the Red Fort and Jami Masjid. Then we will get on an overnight, 12 hour bus ride (!) to Dharamsala.

More later.

p.s. Happy Birthday to my sweet husband Ted!!!

Ani Tsering and Ani Tenzin, Osel Ling Nepal




The long dusty climb suddenly came to a halt as we convinced our driver that we needed to stop and ask directions. We knew the temple we wanted to reach was Osel Ling Monastery, and from a distance we could see it up on the mountain top. But now that we were at the base of the mountains, we could not tell which one was the one we should climb. The dust cleared and the view revealed a large monastery. We get out and walk in only to discover it is not a monastery ... it is a nunnery. After some time, our driver figures out that Osel Ling is not in Situ Paila, it is the next one over.

We get back in the car and reverse our direction. We bump down roads that no car was meant to be on. Just cows, oxen and other pack animals. Reaching civilization again, we begin to climb. The road turns to dirt and dust again, severe drop-offs appearing on the right side. Scott and I debate if its is safe enough to continue, wondering if the angle of incline will win over the tiny engine of our taxi. We decide to continue and settle in.

After dangerous switchbacks and difficult inclines, we finally reach the top. And it is stunning. We get out of the car at the front of the monastery and two nuns and a monk come to greet us. Now this is unusual, as monks and nuns normally live separately. We say we are from the USA and hope to visit the temple and meditate. They invite us into the complex, giving us a brief tour of the grounds. As we take our tour, the energy of the place is palpable. We are in a wondrous environment and the call to meditate is strong.

But as the conversation progresses we find out that the monks are away in Bodhgaya, preparing for the teachings. Those who are here are taking their turn at watching the monastery so that no thieves or bandits enter the place. The one who has the key to the temple is away - in Boudha where we started our journey.

We are taken to the Khenpo's room and fed candied sweet potato and milk coffee. The sun begins to set, and both Scott and I contemplate the coffee for a moment, knowing that drinking it may put us over our caffeine limit. But honoring the hospitality wins out in such a soft and welcoming space, so we both settle in on the cushions and sip our warm beverages.

We learn that Ani Tsering and Ani Tenzin are from Lhadak, but have lived in Taiwan studying the Dharma and have recently come to Osel Ling for three months of study. Their studies are now complete, and they plan to stay the winter before returning to Ladhak. Why? Because it is not possible to get to Lhadak in the winter time.

Ani Tsering is more talkative, probably because she knows English just a bit more than the others. She learns Scott is a Yoga teacher and is studying with Mingyur RInpoche. And she also inquires what it is like to be a nun in the West.

I share that it is difficult because we do not belong to any culture -- not the traditional Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, not the Western lay culture, but somewhere in between. And because the way things work in the West is very different, we have to adapt to be able to live in the West, such as having a part time job to pay the bills, and wearing work clothes when we are out in the world. This brings its benefits and its challenges.

And to my surprise, Ani Tsering understood. She said she had been to a school to learn English where she wore the standard dress uniform. But she had short hair, so those who knew she was ordained thought it was strange she was not wearing ordained robes, and those who saw her in school thought it was strange that she had no hair. She did not quite fit in either world.

In Kathmandu, there is one nun who understands what it is like, and across the language and culture barriers we instantly become friends.

The sun continues to set as the conversation moves on. It is getting cold and Scott and I finally acknowledge that our opportunity to meditate has slipped away with the sun. We prepare to depart so that we can reach the bottom of the mountain safely before the sun has completely set. On the way down we discuss future retreats in Nepal and how we might request to stay at Osel Ling monastery. We feel refreshed as if we had meditated, and note that only the most holy places have the kind of energy that will cause that to happen. Sun sets as we depart from the mountain and head back to Boudha.



We're Here!

Our intrepid travelers are now safely in India. They arrived last night without incident, and after a prototypical Indian-delay with the bus, got to our hotel after midnight. After some chai and breakfast, money was exchanged and the sights are being seen.

We have emergency numbers if you need to reach anybody.

The best number is the cell phone that's carried by one of the trip leaders at all times (Pema, Pam or Scott). That number is: 99-04-258-780

Each of our local guides carries a cell, too. Either number is equally good, though try our number first.

Ashok - 96-24-044-009
Dawa - 98-71-641-715

Our adventure is underway!

Namaste,

Scott

Friday, November 26, 2010

Commenced!

Hello All,

Our intrepid India travelers are somewhere over the Yukon Territory, now, en route to India.

On this end, we're double-checking room assignments, and off to pick up the tour bus.

After months of preparation, the moment is upon us!

I can hardly wait to greet our travelers at the airport this evening!

Namaste,

Scott

Blog

I've removed some unneeded logistical posts (now that people are on the road) so that our readers can see more posts by the group in general.

Pema

Delighted in Kathmandu


Delighted to see such a tall person.....

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Hello friends and family (from Betta)

I thought I'd put a few words here in case you're trying to figure out the best way to use this Blog. So, you've discovered that the way to read something from me is to click on Betta from the menu.

Since I won't post daily, and if you want to learn more than what I have to say, maybe about the itinerary, places we're staying, etc. there are other ways to get to that. Try looking at Travel Information or Resources, or any one of the names of my fellow travels. Pema, Scott and Pam are our guides and have promised to diligently keep our family and friends up to date even when I'm not.

But I will do my best and truly appreciate that you're interested. I'm no doubt missing you as you read this. If you want to get in touch with me, I will occasionally look at my email at bettahoy@charter.net

Love,
Betta

Posting pictures

Just practicing uploading photos to the blog right before we leave.
This is Deer Park in Wisconsin.





FM Radio for Lectures in Dharamsala

Hello
My ipod nano 5th gen has a built in FM tuner. I am able to listen to FM stations here in the U.S.

I am assuming that this would be fine to use as the FM radio to listen to the English translation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Just wondering if any of you out there are techies and can advise me on this one way or another. My husband has said that there should be no difference between the fm tuner in my ipod nano and the fm tuner in a regular radio. This makes sense to me but I am curious if any of you have used a nano to get fm stations in India or other places outside the U.S.

Other than this I am packed and ready to go. Looking forward to seeing you all on Fri in Madison or on Sat. in Dehli. Have a peaceful and joyful holiday.

Mindy

Monday, November 22, 2010

Reading list and pictures

I read a Fine Balance a few years ago and it is an excellent but rather heavy book. I am going to bring Freedom by Johnathan Franzen, A Passage to India by E.M. Forester, and Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham - all on my Kindle which I am excited to have ( and just received as a gift from my husband, Steve). My neighbor, Matt, bless his heart, just gave me a book on "understanding exposure" so now I am challenged to take at least a few good pictures while we're there. Somehow I think this won't be too hard in India! My daughter Esme drew this picture to give to my neighbor, Matt (to thank him for the book), and it seemed exotic so I thought I'd share it~

xox
leane

Visit to Sidhbari

I hope to visit Didi Contractor, the mother of my friend Kirin, who lives in Sidhbari near Dharamshala. I have a few things to deliver to her that Kirin wants her mother to have and aren't readily available in India. I believe it to be a 15-20 min. cab ride from Dharamshala. Knowing Didi (through her daughter) loves company, it may be possible to take a few fellow travelers who might want to meet her.

People in India

This first picture is of our hired driver. He has been taking me around Delhi the last few days and making sure that I am safe. On the last day I asked him to take me to his favorite place in Delhi. It turned out to be the Lotus Temple, and I had already been there. So I asked him to take me to his next favorite, which he said was India Gate. I offered to take a picture of him at India Gate, a memorial for those who have fought on behalf of India.

The second is of two gentlemen who asked me to take a picture of them at Jantar Mantar. Some locals want to be memorialized by a photo, and they are so proud to have their pictures taken. I offered to send the guys the pictures.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Phone numbers in INdia

Hi All!

Count down! Wow! If I can calm down enough to write coherently, I do have a bit of information for you! Several of you have inquired about the phone numbers which family or friends could use for emergency contact while we are traveling in India.... Both Scott and Pema will be carrying such phones.....

I just got word back from Pema that they will not receive those phones until Nagin arrives with them in Delhi, early on the 27th... What this means for us here at home is that we won't be able to give those numbers to our loved ones until we land in Delhi.... Scott and Pema will have the phones by the time we arrive, and the numbers will be given to us directly at that time, and also will be posted for family and friends on the blog....

So please know that the numbers will be forthcoming upon our arrival; also just a reminder that these phones will truly be designated for emergency contacts only, and that we will all be using the blog as our main source of communication with home...

Have a wonderful Day of Thanksgiving, and we will see you all on Friday!

Blessings,

Pam

Beautiful eyes in Jantar Mantar

Rounding the corner of Jantar Mantar, a lone woman sat framed by the burnt orange architecture. The scarf of her bright yellow outfit lifted by a gentle breeze in a beautiful contrast to the surrounding color. Startled, I stared at her warm happy eyes for just a second and then turned away.

She would not be considered one of the most beautiful women of India. But in that second her bright eyes conveyed something so deeply beautiful. Looking far away into the gardens, a small smile on her face, she had caught me staring as I quickly turned away and looked at the information board just across the sidewalk. I wanted to look back, I wanted to take a picture of her there, so beautiful in such a unique way. But I did not want to be rude, and I hesitated.

I turned around again to survey the landscape and observed a man walk up to her. As they departed down the walkway, I turned to walk the other way. Something made me look back though, and as I did they turned and looked toward me with warm smiles and a kind of knowing in their eyes. And I knew that we were sharing an experience, that we both wanted to look at each other more but were too shy to do so. And at the same time there was suddenly a connection that seemed like a thousand years of friendship. It lasted only a second. No one wanted to be caught staring. I took a breath and turned away.

As I walked through the grounds, so peaceful, I kept thinking about her. About that moment, that connection and the look in her eyes when I first saw her. I sat in the grass and thought about that instant when you could see straight into her joy of the place and time. I sat for maybe 15 or 20 minutes and then got up to depart.

And then she appeared out of nowhere.

Without hesitating this time, I walked over to her. She did not speak any English, nor did the man who was with her. But through gestures I asked if she would return to the place where I first saw her so I could take a photo. And she agreed. While she was settling in for a photo, the man said very gently, with a touch of pride, "my wife." He had a gentle smile on his face and soft eyes, and he watched her carefully as if to ensure she was most comfortable.

I took two pictures and she was delighted to see them. But true to impermanence, they had no computer and too little English for me to figure out how to send a photo to them. They smiled and I smiled, and soon we again went our separate ways.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Hi all-
How many folks are packing today? I'm at the phase where I am thinking about the extras- what books to take, and for me what little knitting project to take to occupy those bus and airline hours. My book is "A Fine Balance"- a novel set in the1970's in India. I'm hoping that rather than taking two novels, that some of us might swap books with one another as we finish them. As for my knitting project- the debate is between a hat I already know how to make, or one that will challenge my knitting instructions reading skills. Any intermediate or above knitters who might be able to help with instruction translations/ actual skills?
Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday.
Beth

Definately bring a sleeping bag

Hello all,

We have been advised that we cannot fully rely on the electricity to power 12 heaters at the same time, therefore you should definitely bring a sleeping bag just in case we have a power issue in Rewalsar / Tso Pema.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Checking out the Imperial

We visited the Imperial Hotel this evening to determine if the Spice Route might be a suitable place for our last dinner during this visit to India. We were seated in the Buddha Garden, which used to be off limits to guests. We carefully sampled several dishes and discussed Scott's new book, which arrived from the printers less than 24 hours before we departed from the USA. All in all we had a great time, and at the end declared the meal a celebration in honor of the book being published. Click on the images below to see a clearer image.






If you are joining us this trip, your meal will cost you between 900 (~$20) and 2000 (~$45) rupees depending on what you choose for dinner. The menu is comprised of selections you would find along the spice route, including traditional dishes from Keralaw. MMMMMMMMMM.......

37 Practices Update


There are three copies of the HHDL (His Holiness the Dalai Lama) Commentary in the book store and several small booklets of a translation. So if you have not acquired a copy and would like to do so, there may be a very brief opportunity. RS 120 for the commentary and RS90 for the booklet.


We're here!

Hello All,
Pema and I arrived in India late last night. The non-stop flight was absolutely uneventful, and is significantly easier on the system than flying thru Europe (based on a sample size of 2).

We've spent the morning navigating Majnu Katilla region of Delhi, and are headed downtown to visit the travel agent after lunch.

India remains colorful, inspiring and fragrant. We can hardly wait to see you all in a few days!

Namaste,

SAA

The journey from the airport

Arriving in Delhi was a special experience of joyful confusion and baggage delays.

We were an hour early but sat on the jetway waiting for a gate. Eventually, the pilot declared that he had never seen a plane take so long to pull out of a gate. But 30 minutes later we deplaned into the new Terminal 3.

And it was totally different. New western style bathrooms, shiny new walls and carpet. It looked like we just landed in Switzerland. But the one thing that was still consistent with past visits is the distinct smell of India. So it looked like Europe but smelled like India. Europe? *Sniff* India. Europe? India.

We waited about an hour for our bags, watching the carousel go round and round as one bag.....then much later another bag.... and after another pause another single bag rolled up from below. Watched the bags go round and round, waiting, waiting.......

Baggage finally in hand, we met the driver Tenzin and got into the shiny new van.

The drive was 45 minutes from the airport, 15 of which was on the shiny new highway that leads to the airport. 15 minutes past areas of low shrubs and trees, and 15 minutes in the small neighborhoods of New Delhi. What an interesting progression from the unfamiliar and somewhat confusing airport culture to the anticipated and more familiar setting of Majnu Katilla. As we meet the group it will be interesting to see you all experience this amazing transition through the city for the first time.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Reminders and Last Minute Details!

Greetings, All!

The pace quickens! Below are some important reminders and last minute packing considerations...

  • Above all, we need every traveller to submit all emergency contact information. Please use the following link to add your contact information to the list. Pema and Scott leave for India on this coming Wednesday, and it is necessary for them to have a complete set of this information with them. Thanks in advance for taking care of this!
  • When we board the bus on the 26th, please bring $10.00 dollars cash.... I will collect this from everyone and when we arrive in Chicago, I will turn the collective $pile into rupees, and return the $10.00 equivalent of rupees to each of you. This will give you each a stash of rupees to purchase bottled water, or whatever small items you might want once we land in Delhi! (Imagine! Landing in Delhi!!! )
  • As you finalize your packing and preparations, be sure to record all passwords and pin #'s for all credit cards you wish to carry, all bank accounts you may want to access, as well as for any internet accounts you may want to use.
  • Be sure to inform your credit card company of your impending trip to India!
  • Record all necessary contact numbers for redeeming lost traveler's checks if you plan to use these in India.
  • Remember to bring luggage locks (TSA locks are best) for each piece of luggage you plan to check while traveling within India (Chandigarh to Jaipur flight)
  • Be sure to pack all pocket knives and leatherman tools in checked luggage! (I have lost two great little Swiss Army knives by being forgetful about this detail!!!)
  • Ear plugs and eye masks are a great boon on that long flight from Chicago to Delhi!
OK, Folks! That's it for now! More details may emerge from my travel dazed mind, and if so, you'll be the first to know!

Blessings!

Pam

Dalai Lama's Teachings: Recommended Commentaries

Greetings, All!

Are you packed? Are you ready? I am getting SO excited!!!

I could easily go on in this vein, but I am actually writing to give you our recommendations on the best texts/commentaries related to the Dalai Lama's teachings that we hope to attend in Dharamshala.

His Holiness will be teaching on The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva by Thogmed Zangpo.

There are two commentaries on this text that we particularly recommend; the first is by the Dalai Lama himself, and the second is by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as follows:

Commentary on the Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva
by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

The Heart of Compassion: A Commentary on the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Both of these books can be purchased on Amazon. There are many, many other commentaries on the 37 Practices but these two stand out to us as being both rich and accessible....

The Heart of Compassion can be easily and quickly ordered, but His Holiness's commentary actually appears to come from small sellers affiliated with Amazon, and can take a long time to arrive.... if you want to have this book, I would suggest that you place your order immediately....

It is easiest to locate the Dalai Lama's text in particular through it's ISBN #..... if you try to access it through title or author, it does not come up readily. I have included ISBN'S for both books just to clarify identification of the correct texts.

Either of these books will make thoughtful reading for the bus or the plane, and hopefully will generate much discussion!


Many Blessings!

Pam

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Schedule in India, Careful Considerations

Hello Everyone,

One of the benefits of this trip is that we originally narrowed down the thousands of wonderful options to a manageable handful of activities that will make this trip amazing. And we also left some time open so you could rest, relax, or see something on your own that you really want to see.

With the opportunity to study with His Holiness the Dalai Lama appearing as a more likely outcome, we're observing that our days in Dharamsala have now become quite full. Originally, we had scheduled to mornings with activities and the afternoons free so that you would have time to rest, process, and do some quieter activities on your own. Now that His Holiness is teaching, we understand you are still trying to figure out how to fit in the lovely opportunities to see Nobulinka, the Tibeatan Children's village and other activities.

There may not be a lot of time during the day for relaxation, rest and preparation for the next leg of the trip to Rewalsar/Tso Pema, which is the most rigorous part of our schedule (two days with bus travel, optional hiking, events in the morning and afternoons). While we want you to experience many aspects of India, we do not want you to have such a hectic schedule that you do not have time to relax, enjoy, and simply process all that you have seen.

I have discussed this with Scott and Pam and we are working in the background to see if we can offer you more possibilities to help you fit in the things you want to do in Dharamsala AND stay rested enough to fully enjoy the rest of the trip. As soon as we have done some research and know the possibilities, we will get back to you with more information.

Bus to Airport

Have I missed it? Or is there any further information about where we will be meeting for the bus on the 26th and how to pay for it?
Thanks,
Julie

Monday, November 8, 2010

India electrical plugs


Here is a visual on how the plugs look, so if you are bringing an electrical device form the states, you will need and adapter that your plug will fit into, and the other side will look like the above left. The above left fits into a wall outlet that has the shape on the right. You may also need a currency converter if there is not one built into your device. Wehrman's in Madison is an excellent resource for this.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Question about plugs

I think there is a simple answer to this question, and that it was probably covered in orientation, but alas...do we need to bring plugs AND adapters to India? Any reason to wait to get them there?

Thanks,
Kelly

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Travel Accomodations

I just want to say that the pictures you posted of our lodging have been fun to see.......and.....I have to say, they seem pretty luxurious. Not what I was expecting. But I guess it is better to be surprised that way rather than in the reverse! Thanks for all time and energy you have put into making the arrangements!

News and a Possible Opportunity

Hello All,

I am saddened to report that one of our cohorts will be unable to join us. Due to life-circumstances, a difficult decision was made to stay closer to home.

Do you have a friend who may like to join our travel-community? If someone acts quickly, it's possible to get a passport and visa just in time.

If you know of someone who may be interested, please feel free to forward our contact information.

Namaste,

Scott