Back to McLeod!

Hello everyone! It’s Alex again! I hope you are all doing well. This week we drove back from Spiti and have begun our third block where we will be staying with host families, wrapping up classes, and beginning our volunteer work. 

On our drive back, we were fortunate to be able to meet the family of Pema, our chef at Sarah College. It was a wonderful way to be introduced to being a guest in a Tibetan family’s home. When we arrived, we were tossed delicious apples picked straight from the apple orchard that her family owns. Their home was beautiful and large. We were served tea, and we all enjoyed each other’s company. We had no cell reception at their home, so we were able to interact and converse with one another without the distraction of technology. At one point, we all ended up in their kitchen as they prepared a delightful meal for us. Berto brought out his ukulele and we all sang along. Some people even danced with her family. While being off-grid was challenging at times, and we missed speaking with our loved ones who are not in India it was a wonderful way to bond away from assignments and everyday distractions. 

A dance party in Pema’s family home

On our trip back, we spent an extra day at Banjara Camp and Retreat in Sangla Valley to give the drivers rest and prepare for two more long days of driving. While we were there, we wandered around the village and river which ran by it. In the town, there was a beautiful temple that had exquisite wood carvings. Shani and I enjoyed it and spent time admiring all the details. On our way back from the village, we stopped by the river. We found a sandy spot on the shore where we sat and rested. We also walked in the ice-cold river for a while. It was a beautiful way to relax and mentally prepare for the long drive ahead. 

Shani in front of the exquisitely beautiful temple in Sangla Valley

On our last night away from Mcleod, we visited with Anuradah, an old friend of Damchoe’s.  We were able to witness a beautiful sunset on her balcony that looked out over the expanse of mountains. She welcomed us into her beautiful home and made us delicious pastries as we listened to Beethoven on her speakers. It was incredibly rejuvenating. She also had a lovely cat who we pet and fed treats to.

Happy, full, content students after a visit to Anuradah’s home

This week we also arrived back in Mcleod and have had time to connect with our host families. Some students live with children and others live with grandparents (or both). I had a lovely conversation with my host father about reincarnation and the realms beyond this one on the first night back. It showed me how willing this family is to share their culture. Thursday was a day to relax, move in and get to know them better. And classes started back up on Friday. After class on Friday, all of the students went to the theater to see the Joker. It felt like a piece of home, and a way to celebrate the beginning of this next block. While this next block is going to go by fast I think everyone is ready to make the most of it and connect with their host families.