The Adventures of Ms. Orange

This is the end.....beautiful friend, the end

2007-03-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

So this is my farewell blog.....my last night of this amazing trip. I can barely believe what these last few magnificent months have entailed. This trip has been everything....and the most amazing experience of my life.....and I say this without hesitation. Traveling alone is the best thing that anyone can do for themselves, without a doubt. If ever life leaves you in an utterly hopeless quandary I would suggest to pick up, pack your bags and get to India.....or Brazil....or just somewhere that gets you outside of yourself. And if life has left you with no quandary what so ever, then all the more reason to go. Traveling is amazing.
You know one time when I was younger my aunt Chrissy said maybe this world isn't so big and when you go in an airplane they just shake you around for a while and pop! They say, "Now your in France, or Poland, or Russia." And yes at some points during this, and definitely towards the end, it felt like this. I mean what a brilliant little box, that has allowed us to bop all over this planet. And meet people from all over the world who are doing exactly the same thing. Young minds full of curiosity and a general faith that the universe, God, the Buddha, or the Lonely Planet, will help us to find what we were looking for. And in everything I saw, learned, experienced on this journey, the most brilliant part of it all was to discover the incandescence that exists within me.....and finding what makes it, shatters it and causes it to blossom. I have fallen more in love with life and this glorious world we live in then I ever have been.
My mind is brimming with ideas for my classroom, and the mundane pleasures of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area leave me with so much gratitude. My family and friends are the most exciting and beautiful people and I am so blessed to have this loving network of people.....that extend from San Francisco to New Mexico, and San Diego to Portland.....and now that network has expanded to every facet of the globe. My life is full and I feel so anxious to share everything that this trip has given me. I can't wait to be home and in the loving arms of my darling Jason and all of you too. So I arrive in San Francisco Tuesday morning and I would love to see each and every one of you....I have a million stories that I'm just bursting to tell!

And then I ate dog....

2007-03-05T01:43:00.000-08:00

Well, so going from the strict vegetarian diet, I had acquired through yoga, to the all meat diet of my friends in Beijing was a bit of a shock to the system.....and of all of the fabulous meat dishes I've had in my life I now must say that dog meat is the most tasty little dish I have ever had! Now once you get past the, oh no a cute little puppy, and just focus on the pure pleasure of their tasty bodies you'll understand what I mean by YUMMY! Yes, the meat is a bit fatty, but oh so tender. Tony seemed to think that this restaurant may have been trying to pass off dogmeat, a delicacy, for simple beef.....like the opposite of what Chinese restaurants in the states are known for....but I'm sure this was no beef...and the menu said dogmeat.....but you know it was written in Chinese, like everything else.

Getting by in China with no understanding of the language is something I would not recommend. I mean no one speaks English at all....and everyone speaks to you in Chinese. And I look like I should be able to, so this only adds to the difficulty. China is a place that I'm very glad I came to, knowing someone and having a place to stay. And Tony has been the most brilliant host. The weather has been ungodly....it snowed the first night I was here. And so now after this little taste of Chinese culture, and Chinese chow chow, he he, I'm headed home in the morning. It was short, but oh so sweet!

I'm so glad I missed my flight!

2007-03-05T01:15:00.000-08:00

So I missed my flight from Bangkok to Beijing......you know at first I was freaking out, hysterical panic attack mode.....you know the usual. Then some of my meditation training kicked in, along with a visit to the gym and then the realization comes that everything happens for a reason....and the reason for this fiasco was that I had no idea how crazy fun Bangkok is! The best way to see Bangkok is to make friends with a few rickshaw and taxi drivers, and ask them to take you some place good.....our first purpose for taking a cab was A. the air conditioning and B. to get as far from Ko San Road as possible. The cab driver took us on this crazy long ride around the city and eventually we ended up at a crazy Thai restaurant, but you know the kind that are made for tourists. Anyway from there we were instructed to go to this all night market where there was boxing and ping pong shows....so we went. What we didn't realize, and were astonished to come upon were..... well...... ping pong pussy shows, strip tease boy bands, girly men, eatable roaches, which Marty tried, racing rickshaws, all night thai whiskey rickshaw rides and the rest I'm going to have to leave to your imagination.....or I'll tell you in person...anyway needless to say this turned out to be one of the craziness nights of this wild Cheyenne's life, too much fun.

And with every ounce of will power in me I made it from that lovely pub on Ko San to the madness of the Bangkok airport....and onto the next flight to Beijing. And wow if Bangkok to Beijing wasn't shocking enough. I had to add all of these extenuating circumstances just to get the full effect of the China culture shock! And then I ate dog....

Goodbye Bangkok, Hello Beijing

2007-03-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

So it is my final night in Bangkok.....and I can't say I'm sorry to see it go. Coming from India causes everything here to severely pale in comparison, but I guess that's not really fair since it is like apples and oranges. My friends from San Francisco just arrived and they have been noticing the salesmen, pollution, and toilet situation among other things that are difficult to deal with. And to every observation they have made I up the ante with...."Well in India", which is actually starting to annoy me. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to want to go anywhere else. Or perhaps I end up like one of those 30 something English folk who have been to India a dozen times. I guess we'll have to see who things work out, one can never guess.

But besides the comparison with India I am overly anxious to get out of Bangkok. This is a tourist trap if I ever saw one. Luckily Jamie and Marty are an entertaining pair, so my last day is turning out quite well. We went to Wat Pho today, which was really the one place I really want to see before I left. In it there is a gigantic sleeping Buddha, which is truly brilliant. We had a lovely day, and Marty made me start to feel like a bit of a Buddhist expert with the millions of questions he had. It's interesting running into old friends and getting some indication of how I've changed......and haven't. Traveling alone it's just you looking at you. It's interesting now to see myself through their eyes. It's very heartening. I have made baby steps towards improving my lifestyle and ways of thinking about things, and it feels good to see the difference.....the subtle changes. And besides that it's just wonderful to be with old friends. It feels like sooooo long since I've seen a familiar face. So we are off to some highly recommended restaurant which Jamie has on her list of "things you must do in Thailand". I just had to squeeze one last Thailand blog in. Next I will be telling all about my fly by night ideas about Beijing and then home!.....oh this trip is ending so soon I can barely believe I'll be home in a week!!

So I guess I'm going to China!

2007-02-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

Well as fate may have it ditching out on this adventure is not an option.....my ticket from Beijing to SanFrancisco is non- refundable. So I guess that means I'm headed north, which is fine and great and I'm excited. I am just waiting for my visa to China to be processed, which should finish up around the 1st of March.....and the rest of my travel plans I'll spell out as they come. One of the most boring ways of describing a trip is "I"m going here then there and then I'll go here at this time by train, bus, boat, whatever" So NOW I am in Bangkok, and you know Bangkok is a crazy sort of place. Sort of. It a travelers mecca. Everyone from every facet of the globe comes to Bangkok, some are on their way to the rest of the world and some are on their way home.....and then there are the seasoned sex traveler, who are just here for the business. And you can never tell one from the other by their outward look....

Several of the restaurants and facilities are 24 hour...not that I have taken advantage of this option.....I've been in bed by 9:00p.m. every night (not quite the party girl I use to be)... So anyway the other morning, around 9:00a.m., as I'm walking through one of these all night cafes I notice on odd sort of couple. The man is the average 22 year old American boy....just out of college on his first trip to Thailand sort of look. He is sitting with a he/she Thailand beauty and they have both slurping up the tail end of a juicy cold mug of beer, and who knows where the night....I mean day, might take them. And all of this is from my judgemental snap shot view of the situation, I mean who knows maybe he is a reporter doing a story on the sex industry in Thailand or I don't know anyway, just not the average scene....and not many average scenes....just average for Bangkok.

So my old roommate Jamie and her boyfriend will be arriving in Bangkok on Wednesday night, so that's exciting. It will be great to see some familiar faces and get some fresh juice. You come to a point in traveling where going sight seeing and looking at another temple or palace or museum sounds like a subtle torture on the senses of your soul. You just grow dull to the brilliance. That is such a shame, because some of these places are truly magnificent. So having some fresh meat will help me to see things through there eyes. In some ways traveling is a kind of addiction. I mean there is an endless amount of sights to see on this earth....and most travelers in some form or another are trying to capture just enough to take home and say now I have lived. I've seen the world. I know this trip has satisfied my ego and all of my senses on many levels, but one thing that I wasn't expecting and one thing that I am most satisfied with is that I feel that I've learned how to live. I mean living by myself, and waking up and doing just what I want to do. And finding that I enjoy a very simple sort of life. I love the simple things. Eating, reading, exercise, meditation. A very easy routine. I guess in some ways I have become quite boring.....but that is if you're looking from the outside. Because I'm not bored. And so today I will sort out the remainder of my travel arrangements and then go see the glorious palace and emerald Buddha....and this time I will be using my disposable camera. I've already lost two cameras on this trip...so I'm signing off now. I hope all is well back home. And thank you for keeping up with my blog. I feel a bit self indulgent at times writing this silly thing, so thank you for letting me know you appreciate it and actually read it.

As a sinking ship

2007-02-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

And of course the madness is saved until the very end. And since I've left India everything has fallen to pieces. Word to the wise NEVER buy plane tickets until you are a few days from going to your next destination. And make sure you know all of the rules and regulations.....which usually include in the fine print "any changes will cost about the same as the original ticket." So the story goes. If I want to fly home now from Bangkok that's fine, but I'll have to buy a fresh new ticket and get nothing for the old one......or I can wait in Bangkok until March 1st at which time I can figure out a way to Beijing. Then sort out getting my flight date changed....which of course will cost a heap. And until a few moments ago I was walking around aimlessly on the verge of tears. And then of course, Tommy graces me with his short and sweet sentiments that lift the burden off of my shoulders.....Thank you Tommy, we are so blessed! Not just with each other but with an angel of a mother who helps to makes any freak out of mine go from a minor heart attack to a lesson for life, not to be missed. I thank God for the both of you everyday. I grimace to think of what the fire of my life would amount to had God not given me you guys to tend after me. My brother is far to kind in his love for me......Thank you for your words Tom.....

She... (carrie)s herself as a child
who truly knows that it's all magic
In knowing this truth
her smile makes people believe.

divine radiance
Divine radiance like night back into the day
we laugh as children

Sister Friend
You are a deep and familiar place and always a home
Thank you for blazing the trail that I've walked....
it still feels warm and humbling

Koh Phangan

2007-02-22T03:15:00.000-08:00

And now I am in Thailand on one of the eastern islands called Koh Phangan. This island is gorgeous. I'm staying in a little bungalow right on the beach in Bah Tai. It is quiet and easy living. I'm properly tan and have finished my book. This island is well known for it's full moon parties.....but I don't think I will be sticking around to check it out. You known I've really tried to understand and appreciate any part of trance music.....but sorry to all of you trance heads, I just don't get it at all. Last night I went to a party in the jungle with the people from my guest house and after about an hour or two I HAD to leave. And that's the way it has been at every trance party I've tried to go to on this trip. It just completely drives me crazy. I can't even listen to it in the background. AHH!

So besides that Koh Phangan is paradise and just what I needed before heading home. In the future I think I will come to Thailand before going to India in stead of the other way around. Thailand is sooo touristy and yeah, it's just so different from India, and I think I'm just missing my India, and my home. So I am in limbo, in Thailand......in between my two loves, and ready to be home. So I'm going back up to Bangkok tomorrow to sort out my ticket home.....and from there I will leave you with my final salute. What an exquisite adventure this has been....

Out of the frying pan

2007-02-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

So the magical mystery tour has come to a quiet close......in other words I just left India. It was so hard. I really feel in love with that place. I can't explain it....and perhaps I shouldn't even try. I've been accused of simply being in a state of culture shock, and I can say that's true of the start of my trip. But at that point I didn't really know what to make of it. I didn't love or hate it, I just didn't know what to make of it. It was all so different. It wasn't until that shock began to fade though that I really began to love the place. I can't compare my experience there to any other country I've been and it really wasn't just India it was the way "my trip" went in India, and the way I was treated and just the syncronicity of it all. It was so deeply intoxicting and left me in a such a sanguine state, I will always return. And I can't say that of anywhere I've been.

My last stop was in Mumbai, which is a city I could, and may easily move to. I did a yoga course there that was so exquisite. It was at the yoga institute, which is the oldest yoga center in the country. My lovely best good mate Jon recommended it to me. He took the 6 month course there and is such an inspiring person in every way, he's quite the poster child for a yoga center, so I had to check it out. I learned so much about living life, so I think I may go back for a 6 month course they offer. I could think of nothing more inviting then spending 6 month under the teachings of these debonar women, which 95% of the teachers are. But no plans, because life is a cameleon of possibilities.

The day before I entered the yoga center I spent the day in Mumbai. I went to Leopold's, which was the restaurant that was used as the main stage in Shantaram. I sat at a table and pulled out a brand new book, Karma Cola. One of my favorite things is to have an opened afternoon, a good cafe, and the promise of a new work of art unfolding in the pages before you. With Shantaram still lingering on my pallet though, there was a bit of sketicism on my part as to how this book could compare. Just as my mouth began lapping up the first few pages in walks a couple, of the young and daring assortment. They ask if they might join me, and I willingly ablidge. We begin to chat about what else but our travels, and I come to find that the gentleman, from England, has been bopping back and forth between Bombay and England for the past 17 years. The woman was a yound aspiring Indian DJ, and she had a big gig later that night so was a bit nervous, but I senses this was her character in general. I come to find that these are friends of Greg, the author of Shantaram and he, though currently in Thailand, should be stopping into Leopold's some time in the next week. They give me a bit of history about the book and Greg and I can barely contain myself. The book I have been gushing over! My beloved Shataram, so close. Again my timing in India has made another peek around the corner become a masterpiece. Well, needless to say I never meet Greg, or that would have been my story. Though, this brush with my new found hero was enough to tide me over. The trip 16 hours on the train to Mumbai was well worth it. God I love that city.

So after the yoga course, which had the main theme "mindfulness" I hopped in a cab, and when I hopped out I realized my bag was no longer with me........ My bag holding my cell phone, camera, plane ticket, clothes, and books. Let's see what lesson..lesson's could I ascertain from this experience, at the moment too many to think of. But the entire catclysmic circumstance lauched me onto a plane into the air and now I have landed in Bangkok......

And this is a whole new ball of wax. I'm in L.A......except in Thailand on Monday everyone wears yellow in honor of the king......So from the highway there are thousands of little yellow bodies filling the pavement. I miss India, I miss home......I'm going to the beach. Ko Phangan to be exact.

Things I miss about home: NPR, The Lighthouse Restaurant, the Oakland A's, Sunset, Ladonna's laugh, rocket the alien dog, Tommy's piano and everything else, Watching TV with Jason, Austin's jokes, singing with my Dad, Hopes intoxicating spunk, Dennis playing music, Mom gluing it all together, and the Babe laughing at all of us.....I miss my clan. I miss my friends and I will always miss India when I am not there too. My heart is growing as a Baynon tree....leaving roots all over the forest floor......

Yoga

2007-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

My time in Pushkar has been very well spent. I've been doing an intensive yoga retreat, not just doing yoga, but also learning the history, meditations, doing cleanses, and breathing techniques. Yoga is a way of living, not just a 30 minute workout and I'm really, really loving it. I leave tomorrow to do a course in Mumbai at the Yoga Institute, which is one of India's oldest schools. This is only a 6 day course, but they also have 1 month and 6 month courses, for teaching yoga...so if I turn out really liking it I might come back....I haven't even left yet and I'm already planning my next trip to India.
So I guess after the course I'm off to Thailand. I'm trying to work out my flight shifts now, but If everything goes well I'll be on a flight from Mumbai to Thailand on the 18th of February. So the thought of leaving India leaves me a bit speechless. I didn't give you my "Holy Cow" bit yet, or...oh there is just so much to tell. I don't know where to begin. For now I just leave saying this about India. This place has to be truly magic to hold this many people that have of this many different religions, languages, cultures and colors and keep the peace......really truly amazing.

The Bible

2007-02-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

Such a large and cumbersome book, but you see every traveler from every country with their head stuck in some version of it. And it's funny because as we pack and repack our most necessary possessions, which we must decide are important enough to carry on our backs, this large and heavy book is never left behind. You can almost tell how long a person has been traveling based upon how often they refer to it or how close they carry it. And yes I started with one, but I did quickly discard it. When I revealed this information to a traveler I meet along the way she gasped as if my words were blasphemes. She even said she was going to write home about this brave Indian, sorry I mean Native American, who traveled without one. And if you didn't know better and you watch the way we wander around the world each with a copy of this one book, it does on some level look like we are all from the holy cult of "The Lonely Planet", some being members of the sect "The Rough Guide", but both of the same mind.

On the bus ride to Pushkar I met a sweet Swiss couple who were bright eyed and held their Bible quite close. They asked where I was going to stay in Pushkar. I replied, "Several of my friends who have just come from Pushkar recommended the Moon Cafe so I think I'll stay there." They asked, "Have you made reservations?" I reply, "What?" Not in a condescending tone, just with a certain sense of surprise since I truly hadn't thought of it. They quickly refer to their "good book" and the woman looks at me in shock and awe and a slight sense of disbelief. She proclaims,"But, that place is not in the book!" I told her I didn't carry a book so I didn't know what was or wasn't in the book. She looked at me, I swear, with the same reproach someone would give a true heathen. Needless to say they did not join me at the Moon Cafe.

Traveling without the book just means not staying where everyone else stays, and being in the mental space I am right now, that sounds like exactly what I want to do....I'm even switching out of the Moon Cafe tomorrow, because though it is lovely, there is a bit of a scene there...and as out of character it is for me I am seeking utter and complete solitude right now. And I really don't mean to be blasphemis, I am a believer and follower of the Lonely Planet cult. I have spent countless hours with my head stuck in that book preparing for my trip, or for my next move. And now that I am without the book, I guess there is some excitement to finding a place on my own...without the suggestion of others.

Today I found this lovely cafe called the Dreamland. They have a rooftop restaurant and I decided to duck in to while scrambling away from one of the many beggars India has to offer. And the story to tell about this place I have kept in my hand written journal, and so to avoid repetition I'll just say I enjoyed myself enough that I'm going to return there now for some food and to finish my sweet Shantaram....my bible.

Where home is

2007-02-02T03:21:00.000-08:00

During this period of transition I have found my heart filled with so many questions. Last night before bed I was thinking of what life would be like upon my return. The thought of being in my car on the way to work and being filled with anxiety about the day to come. Working, working, working and always looking forward to the time when I could travel...relax....and now relaxing, relaxing, relaxing and thinking of when I will be working. So funny this paradoxical life. While contemplating this, and many other of life's continual paradoxes, I wonder why I came to India....or why anyone comes to India....why anyone travels. I have met so many people on this trip with so many different trips. And now that I am finally alone I finally feel the time to expound upon the sentiments I have found. Some have come to escape the tragedy of home, or the turmoil that exists there....for this reason I am not traveling. But this conjures up the question of where is my home. For the entirety of my life home has been in the Bay Area....and now that is not so true as it once was. Having some of my family here and there, as most people do, home has become an abstract concept for me rather then a place. Also being in this transient space I search for home in my inward parts. My family and friends will always be with me wherever I go........but where to live my life, that is a question that still remains up in the air. Today home is at the Mewar Inn in Udaipur, and tomorrow home will be at the Moon Cafe in Pushkar, and so on and so forth. You know I thought that running to the other side of the world would give me this answer....and coming to India has given me so much more, so much I was not expecting. I guess we travel to see the world, satisfy our curiosity and to be in a space that is not like home....and for me I thought that would be a way of finding where home might be. And I guess right now home is close to my fingers and a key pad. And so in this conundrum I have found solace in writing, and I have discovered what a love I have for the written word. What an extravagant language we have. And the methods in constructing a sentence has become a passionate subject for me.....please read Shantaram....such a beautiful piece of literature. And in traveling I have discovered that tomorrows plans are for tomorrow....don't plan too much. So where home is a question I must leave unanswered. My plans for this trip have been so transmute. I have moved my ticket already once and I'm thinking of moving it again. I love India and I'm finding it hard to leave. So we'll see what tomorrow brings. Today I will rest..........the way my life works this space and time is rare. I'm going to go read my book now...my love.

Udaipur

2007-01-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

And now I am in Udaipur which is said to be one of the most romantic cities in India...and yes it is lovely and busy and it feels as if there is so much to do and so little time, but I guess this is only the essence of my nature rather then the places I have been. The first morning I arrived in Udaipur I ran into the friends from Varanasi that I helped do the boat party with....so the synchronousity of my trip seems to continue. I have spent the past few days running around with them. They bought a van so we were able to get out of the city yesterday and go for a drive to the Jan temples, which were constructed around 600 B.C. They were extraordinary and the day itself was sublime. We stopped and they cooked under a tree that I absolutely fell in love with....and of course had to climb. So they are leaving in a few days to go back to all of the places I have just come from. My curiosity tempts me to cancel my plans and follow these incandescent Israelis....so we will see which way the wind blows. I have enrolled in a yoga course in Mumbai, so that might be an option...or my original plan to stick around Rajasthan until my plane leaves on the 22 of February for Thailand. So all of these options have left my mind and heart in a labyrinth of emotion. I seem to have been following a steady breeze....and now the airs are changing all around me....and since I am in India I think it is time to consult a mystic....one that a very dear friend recommends. So after this we will see where the tide turns. Besides this Udaipur has been fun. There are some lessons we are meant to learn alone....and others that we must have the assistance of others. And although my plans were to find my alone time in Rajasthan, this again is not the case. I guess loneliness is not an adjective I will have trouble with on this trip, and while I am in Udaipur I will be taking Indian cooking classes, so hopefully I can come home with some skills....but we'll see how that goes. And from sanguine to cantankerous my mind has shifted, but as always with the winds of my heart there is nothing a good nights sleep will not alleviate.

The Holy City Of Omkareswar

2007-01-26T04:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't been this far off of the beaten track since I arrived in India. It took 3 hours on a local bus to get to Omkareswar and I haven't found a map that has it. My friend Justin told me about it. Justin I met in the monastery and he is one of the dearest friends of my life. He reminds me of one of the Vista street kids...That was the street I grew up on...And not any one in particular. He just is someone I always want to know and I think he might be the truest Buddhist I've ever met, a zealot in the best sense of the word. Anyway I never would have found this place had he not directed me and it was just me luck I ended up their on the birthday of this holy river. The place was just brimming with enthusiasm and went from being a tiny town to a proper Indian town...I mean it's not India if there is breathing room, right? So everyone comes to bath in the river on this most holy day and I did think about it, but undressing or even going in my clothes and having wet clothes clinging to my body in India didn't sound like a good idea, or at least a pleasant one. I have made my peace with the constant stare...For one thing I am different, I am in their country, and the guys get it as well. We are foreign, that's interesting. And the yelling and cat calls...Well I grew up in Oakland....Which is mostly ghetto and cat calls are something I have spent my whole life ignoring, so I don't really even hear them anymore....Where was I going with this, oh yeah, but as far as bathing in front of Indian men....Not gonna happen....No matter how holy this river might be.

The evening was magical. The entire river and city was light with candles. Like all together we were a birthday cake. And on the hill there was the symbol of ON ablaze. Fireworks going off and drumming and dancing was going until my head hit the pillow...And even when I woke. People is India celebrate their beliefs like no other. A spectacular party for this ancient river. Well that was that and this is this. I am in Indore waiting for a night bus to Udaipur. I hope to spend a bit of time there...no more rushing around. There are cooking classes and flute lessons and a great yoga ashram. And I'm not sure how long I will stay. The travel bug bits and I follow...And the bug has not turned me wrong yet. So anyway, I love you all and will write less as I will be doing more. My time in India feels as though it is getting short and that is sad...So I am off to see the world so to speak.

The iridescence essence of India

2007-01-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in an "internet cafe" which is actually the only computer in town. In front of me is a poster that reads "Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it." These words are written on a poster of some western city in a gold frame. These words burn into me in everything I see in India. I have been in love in so many ways....I fall in love with pizza on a regular basis and if you play the Talking Heads "speaking in Tongues" album I fall apart with love. The ways in which I have loved the many things, people, and pleasures of this life are on a very high level of passion...I burst on a regular basis. But none of these can come close to the many ways in which I have fallen head over heels in love with the iridescence essence of this holy mother India. In every breathe her charm overwhelms me and in every warm and tender smile I feel her arms embrace me. It is so hard for me to believe the stark contrast in retrospect to whence I first arrived. I had so many warnings and my heart was filled with so much fear. "A woman alone in India, the men are terrible"...."They will cheat you, be very careful." And so all of this was true. I was cheated and the men were terrible. And leaving for Nepal I promised to never return. I think life gives you what you expect it to. And I didn't give India a chance to give me anything good. I'm glad I did return....And I returned to Varanasi...A city I could live ad die in. For the first time I saw the holiness of this magnificent place. And a seed was planted in the depth of my spirit....That seed has just now begun to grow....And now I see India for everything that she is. And all of my six senses are in awe of this holy, holy place. I know India is not for everyone and I have met people who will never come back, but I think India loves me...As I love India. I have never met people more warm....I have so many stories of people going so far out of their way to help me...Because I am their guest, and they love their holy India. My timing has been amazing....All of those prayers back home have guided my course impeccably.

I was in Pune and went to the OSHA meditation center. When I got there they said their were no more tickets...They were sold out for the tour. So I turned to leave. As I was half way down the street. I saw a familiar face. We meet as old friends might...a kind of "oh, there you are"....and he says "Where are you going! Today is the big celebration! Come on, Come on!" I reply, "But I can not get in, they are sold out." In return he says, "But today all of the celebration is outside of the center. One of our elders has passed away and we are having a big party and burning the body down at the ghats." Just then I hear instruments from behind the walls of the center....As they approach the walls I can feel the energy of the crowd....Soon a herd of beautiful people of every color all dressed in red wine colored robes come dancing out of the gates with the body of their dear friend carried in the center. She is wrapped in white cloth with flowers strewn atop. I am swept into the crowd and we march through the city singing and dancing all the way to the ghat. There we watch as all of her brothers ceremonially light the body ablaze....This is similar to what they do in Varanasi....Same same but different. This was a beautiful occasion and one that happens very rarely....Maybe once every year or so....I felt so lucky to see yet another way the spirit is celebrated and the mysteries of this life are rejoiced upon rather then ignored....I joined my new-old friend for a meal and then hoped on a train that afternoon and was on to Jalgaon to visit the Ajanta caves....But I'll save that story for later. Today I am in Omkareswar. This place you will not find on a map. It is a holy place and today is it's birthday the holiest day of the year....and I just happened to come here yesterday. People are coming from all over the country for the celebration today. They will take a bath in the river which is meant to bless their life and purify their Karma...And again I just happened to be here on this holy day. I have been blessed on this trip with my timing. Thank you for all of your prayers back home. They are guiding my journey in such an aspicious way. I love you 5 times

Goan..Goan...gone

2007-01-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

And just like that. I wake up one morning and it's time to go. NOthing is different I still love Goa. But the traveling bug came in the night and bit me. I woke up and realized I've been in Goa since a few days after Christmas. The days have been like a beautiful dream that all drift together. Goa is a bit like an Oasis for travels. A paradise of lost hippies and tranced out Isrealis where you can eat whatever your little heart desires for next to nothing. But then you find yourself complaining because the next town over has a plate of fish for 70 rupees instead of 150. I settled in to Goa. I am now properly tan and satified with everything I have learned and experienced here. Everything is a lesson. Everything in life is begging to teach you something and traveling the lessons about myself seem so much more apparent. True that since the moment I arrived I have spent very little time alone. But also true I am alone. I am away from everything and everyone that so intensely effects who I am. So I am able to see myself in a different way. I was speaking with this south african the other night who pointed this out to me. All of us travelers here alone together and talking to ourselves to each other. Seeing who we are in the faces of others and freeing ourselves through this magical gift we have in this journey we share. I feel so privilaged to be taking this journey and in comparison to the poverty I see in India I am ashamed. I have met travelers who have stayed and started charities. That is so incredibly beautiful. And so many of the people I've met are so incredibly beautiful, especially Lucianna. At this point in the journey I will be leaving Lu, who I have been with since the monastary. She is wanting to stay in Goa for a couple of weeks and then go south, and I hear the northern region of Rajasthan calling, so I must go north. So this wonderful traveling companion and soulmate I must leave. She is someone I hope to know the rest of my life. Our spirits are so kindred, and the theiving elves have continued to terrorize her....Her purse was stolen from the beach the other night with her motorbike key, sunglasses, and 600 or 700 rupees. And last night she was on the back of another girls motorbike and the girl crashed. My heart goes out to Lu. I really hope this string of bad luck will end. The lessons we are learning are so different. The thing that I've loved about our friendship is that she shows no judgement about anything I have done or said and I feel the same way about her. We just love each other unconditionally and that has been such a gift. But now it is time for me to be on my own, fully and completely. Goa is full of activity and beautiful people from all around the world, but I'm ready to leave the oasis and head back to India. I'm leaving for Pune on Friday night where there is a far out place called the Osho Meditation Center. Curiousity is drawing me there and I'll tell more once I have seen it, but don't worry Mom I'm not staying, just looking. Well it is Wednesday market today, my last and I'm a little sad to see it go. My roomates and I will cook a big feast tomorrow with the owners of our guesthouse as a good-bye. They are such warm people. I will always stay with them when I come to Goa, just a beautiful family. And there is so much to say about Goa, my heart is bursting. The night market, the Dutch Baba who lives in the Trees, The Slogans "Bai, Why like dis?", The "come look my shop" girls, The children chasing me as I've stolen their magic flute, so many stories I hope you can read between the lines. And I will tell you them all when I return. I hope you will all come to India someday. It is a truly magical place. Goodbye Goa

Toilet oh Toilet I hate you, you stink

2007-01-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has been to India has some sort of toilet adventure story. Mine has been endless. When I first came to India shitting in a hole just wasn't going to happen....so I just didn't......for way to long. Then there was life in the monastary which as I'm sure you can imagine sitting on your bum all day backs things up a bit. Now without going into any finer detail lets just say not much has been solid since entering India. But it's not a big deal because I feel great. So the interesting parts of the bathroom experience...toilet paper is rarely provided so you learn to carry a role with you....and pissing on a train requires a new kind of balance I didn't think I had. And the toilets don't usually flush so, like in my house, youhave to pour a bucket of water in after you take care of business. And there is no such thing as a clean bathroom in India, so I've just learned to get over it. India helps you let go of any germaphobic tendencies you once might have had. And I have had water out of the tap and food on the street.....and I haven't taken any shots or medicine and I'm great....and I'm also knocking on wood right now. Well there is so much more to say, but the beach is calling me. So until next time, I love you all.

Anjuna to Arambol and back again

2007-01-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

So I ventured out of the lovely little nook I have found in Anjuna. I have actually settled in to a bit of a routine. And if anyone knows Anjuna they would underatand how bizarre my little life might seem. Anjuna is know as a meeca for Trance music and people come to Anjuna from around the world to party. The funny thing is I haven't been out since New Years. I've been doing yoga and reading and enjoying the beach and the fresh fish that is 150 rupees a plate ($3). Oh and my roomates are just wonderful. We had the best time the other night at the night market. I've already given you the low on Lu.So now for a bit on the lovely Englishman John who has driven his car from England to here. It's been very refreshing to be around someone I feel completely myself with. He is writing a book about this trip, so he's always taking notes about all of the crazy and ridiculous scenerios that we see. Like today there was this scene with a ear cleaner, which is a job in India. And John goes down to talk to the ear cleaner and the ear cleaners victim or client. He was offered an apprenticeship as an ear cleaner. Oh how I would take such pleasure in coming back to Goa and seeing John sticking needles and cotton into the ears of tourists.....The John and Lu combination has been just right. Well so I spent the last few days with some friends up in Arambol. Friends I met in Varanasi. Arambol is a bit up the coast, perhaps 20 minutes by motorbike, and has been considered the quieter get away place in North Goa....but the thing about Arambol is that everyone seems to have flocked to it, so it's not so quiet. There seems to be a younger crowd there and lets see how can I say this. I had a great time in Arambol. Really loads of fun and really good, kind, happy people. But I guess I am just in such a different place then the scene that was in Arambol. At one time I would have felt like I had found heaven....but you know the world is so subjective and what satisfies you today can seem so superfluous the next. I am in such a different place. I guess I have found some satisfaction in my spirit and even though I am by no means a zealot I have settled in to a sweet little life that is fullfilling my simple needs. Or maybe I'm just getting old. And so I am back in Anjuna. Enjoying a new book and I will be starting a fruit juice cleanse in two days which will last for five days. And if anyone has advice on cleanses please drop me a line. These are the kind of things I enjoy now. Spliffs and Chillums all day just doesn't really do it for me anymore. So many of the people I'm meeting are a bit younger then me and just on a different trip. But this trip is not over and there are so many other trips and turns it could take....and I'm not soooo old. And I am in Goa so we'll see what stories arise next. As they say in India "Sub Kuch Milega" or "Anything could Happen" so we will see.

Lucianna and the theiving elves

2007-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

So I really didn't think it was possible for anyone to lose there things as much as I do. It's quite ridiculous and anyone who knows me at all will tell you the same. But then I met Lu. Lu is so much fun and has become a sister. We met in the monastary and I've changed my whole trip because I knew traveling with Lu would be a great adventure. And it definetly is that. So the story goes like this. And I think I'l start and end the story like this. Over the course of about 10 days Lu lost her passport, credit cards, shoes, keys, purse, 1000 rupees, 2000 rupees (seperately), Cd with all of the pictures from our trip, notebook with all addresses, sunglasses, travelers checks, and the story goes like this. Either on the 33 hour train ride from Varanasi to Mumbai or on the 12 hour ride from Mumbai to Goa Lu got hot, so she took her money belt off and put it in her purse. By the time we got to Anjuna it was gone. Passport, travelers checks $200, and a credit card. Next on New Years eve Lu loses her purse with 2000 rupees, sunglasses, and another credit card inside. This night she also loses her shoes and then meets a poor family and decides to raise money for them. She spends the next couple hours going around collecting money for this family and gets 1000 rupees....and loses it. Oh and she finds her purse, but loses it again. Then a day or so later she looks and can't find any of our CD's with the pictures from the trip (which I am counting on since I have lost my camera). Then a day or two later she loses her notebook with all of her addresses and other extremely vital information. Then, as if this is even possible, she loses the keys to our new house. And so, on seperate occasions Lucianna lost everything over the course of a few days...everything. Passport, keys, credit cards, purse, money, Cds, notebook,sunglasses and travelers checks. And I don't quite know what to say. This is the first New Year's Eve I have lost nothing. I think my elves have found someone else to pick on. Or Lu has her own elves. Or perhaps my elves and her elves are double teaming her. We were laughing today about how funny it would be if the elves walked in the house laughing and carrying all of the things she has lost. This was their best heist yet.

I'm a Goan

2007-01-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

So I've settled in quite nicely into Goa. I have a house that I am sharing with a wonderful brazilian girl named Lucianna and a charming yoga teacher named John from England. Today I did a bit of grocery shopping and this evening we will be going off to the night market to get some decorations for the house. I'm so happy. It's a very simple life....wow I just had dejavu....again. I've been having it so much on this trip It's really unbelieveable. Like everyday almost. And sometimes....like in Jammu and Delhi I had these instinces where I came to a place I had never been before and remembered it from a dream.....very surreal this life. Last night we were laying on the beach and I don't know what it was and this has never happened to me before but I saw something with flashing lights that were moving in a circular motion. Now I know what you are all thinking, I mean I am in Goa, but no I was completely sober. And anyway where is this car going. Sometimes the train of thought is like a car with no driver.
So New years was unreal. I had the best time. Really. Since I was with a brazilian, Lucianna, I jumped in the ocean at midnight and destroyed my dress. I then waited for 7 waves to crash against me....and so I was granted 7 wishes. It was so fun. There were fireworks and a huge fire on the beach and brilliant music. Goa is a very magical place. If not for those I love back home I would become a Goan. My life is wonderful and traveling is the most eye opening beautiful thing. It feels really good to be settled in a place for a little while though. The transient lifestyle was starting to get to me. Now I have a fridge. I'm going to cook a lovely dinner tonight for my roomates and sleep in a house I can call my own. I hope you all had a wonderful New Years and Christmas and everything else. My next blog will have photos.

New Year's in Goa

2006-12-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to the beach and I've fallen completely in love with Goa. It's picturesque and the music is soooo good. I will be spending my days on the beach with a book and a beautiful sound system blaring behind me. The music reminds me of home....which has been surprising since Goa is known for it's Trance. And don't get me wrong, this place is full of trance and full of Isrealis. But Isrealis are, for the most part, beautiful and Trance is, for the most part okay sometimes. And I promise I won't turn into a trance head. I know that Goa has a way of doing that to people. But I will get a tan and I'm sure I will be dancing quite a bit for the next month....and sometimes it might be to trance and sometimes I might like it. Qite a shift from life in the monastary I must say. But I love the simple pleasures of life...sunshine...good food...a good book...dancing...dancing....dancing. I'm reading the best book and I think everyone should read it. It's called "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas. If you come across it read it. It's a bit technical at parts, but with a base knowledge of biology it's pretty easy to digest. It talks about a wide range of science topics and the way in which we communicate and interact as a species comparing our relations to things like mitocondria and ants. Ants are facinating creatures. Do you know that they raise livestock and have slaves and child labor! Wow...yes you were all right, I am on the other side of the world with my head stuck in a book. But it is a great book and I haven't missed any monkey fights or night markets...or New Years silliness. Happy New Years. I love you all.

Christmas on the Ganges was surreal

2006-12-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

That had to be one of the greatest nights of my life.It was so much fun, the boat party was a complete success in every way. I can't wait to show photos. The boat was just covered with flowers and going to the flower market to get the flowers was sooo exciting. There was a herd of Indians crowded around laughing at us try to haggle. We were the only white girls in the market and by the end they were putting flowers on us....oh it was one of my favorite memories. I just fell in love with Varanasi in every way. It was difficult to leave, but I am so anxious to get to the beach. I've been dreaming about it. I've been land locked for a longer period of time then in my whole life. I'm so glad to see the open waters of Bombay. The trip took 33 hours on the train. Crazy! That is too long to be on a train. We are now in Bombay for the day. Bombay is a proper city.....with sidewalks and cars, not like the rest of India. It feels weird to be here. Tonight we leave for Goa. I can't wait. I feel like my whole trip has been in anticipation of getting to the beach. We will be staying in a house that some friends are renting for I don't know how long, we'll see. Oh and I got a bit side tracked, but the boat party, back to the boat party. It was brilliant. It was so surreal to be dancing on a party boat down the Ganges and watching the burning ghats, which is human bodies that families are burning in ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges to send thier souls to Nirvana. Varanasi is full of people waiting to die. This is a place that is thought to be so holy they don't sell alcohol! Although we did have some on the boat. The party was full of beautiful people. I met this great Isreali named Ynon who I immediately felt like I had known forever. I love it when this happens. We had so much fun. I think everyone had a great time. And now we will all be meeting in Goa hopefully for the New Year. Goa is a Porteguese influenced region and the food is suppose to be amazing. The gilr I am traveling with is from Brazil, so she is excited about that. Anyway I better go and see some of the sights of Bombay. I think we are going to try to be extras in a Bollywood movie or something....

Christmas Eve Boat Party

2006-12-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve today and I am helping put together an all night boat party to float down the Ganges with about 50 other travelers. The past few days have been so remeniscent of my life in San Francisco getting ready for Jason's wonderful Sunset boat parties. I miss this part of our life together terribly. I'm doing the decorations, as I have in the past, and I'm having a great time. There is a wating list for the party that is almost as long as the list of people who will be on the boat...oh it feels like home. It's funny, I coulnd't be doing anything else that would make me feel less homesick. Well I will write more tomorrow....I'm off to the flower market for deocorations....and then the anticipation...the butterflies nin the stomach.....the perfect dress and a flower in the buns for good measure. Boat parties will forever be one of the greatest events of my life....and this time on the Ganges

Varanasi....so much a photo could not say

2006-12-21T04:05:00.000-08:00

Varanasi is a crazy city, and everyone will tell you that. I love it....Rigth now we have a place with a balcony right on the Ganges.....Meer Ghat....Lu and I that is. It is magic. You know traveling everything is happening so fast there are so many photos you just can't get. And on this trip there have been so many holy places and situations where taking a photo was just not approriate. I mean no one would come into one of my religious ceremonies snapping photos, I would hope. So when I see it happen here I cring.....So the photos I could not take. Last night a few of us were chilling out on the rooftop deck of our guest house and all of a sudden I notice monkeys are slowly surrounding us. I reach for a camera and just as I'm about to take a photo there is a monkey turk war right on the table in front of us. I'm screaming and the monkeys all run off, so it's over just as soon as it had started....then we leave the guest house to meet friends for dinner. On the way we wlk along the Gange and we see a crowd off Indians crowding around an English guy in a top hat. He was a street preformer....hillarious and magical and the whole thing was just brilliant. At the end of the show he said Thank you but I want no money. Just take with you a smile and share this good feeling with another.....in India everything is about money and everyone is selling you something, so I thought this was a novel idea for spreading a good feeling. After this a man dressed as Santa Claus comes up to me, which just is off in India and the Santa Claus had a terrifying squeezed face....I wouldsn't shake his hand. I felt like a child going to see Santa at the department store for the first time. India is crazy and I love it.

Back in the Delhi....with a Delhi Belly

2006-12-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

I really think stomach problems in India is unavoidable. I mean I guess one could just stop eatting. Which I am seriously considering. Or at least be careful.....but I've never been careful about eatting. I mean by "watching my diet" this literally means I watch what food I put on my plate and I watch myself eat it. And I love every minute of this process, but I don't eat differently because of what I have seen. I am just an observer. Oh but the Delhi belly is getting me down, but not slowing me down, so this is just fine. I've been allergic to diary my whole adult life and have always eaten cheese and ice cream, so this isn't to much different.

And now entering Delhi is a whole different ball of wax. I was terrified.... mortified... shoked in a way that it is difficult for the brave Miss Orange to openly admit. Surviving Delhi and obtaining some level of comfort as a single young lady, who doesn't look a day over 21 I'm coming to find, brings a fantasic feeling of accomplishment. And perhaps this is silly for me to find confidence in something that is in some respects a simple thing. I mean I conquered nothing except my own fears. And perhaps that is all I will even conquer.But this is not so bad to me right now.

Oh and sorry for the misspellings and so forth.....I know I'm becoming a school teacher and all that, but I'm on vacation.

REadjustments

2006-12-14T04:43:00.000-08:00

Well so I'm having an interesting time getting used to life outside of a monastary. I've been in Katmandu for the past week living in this crazy little district called Thamel. There is every type of food you could possibly think of. Most of which are excellent, except for the Mexican restaurant. but what was I expecting I'm in Nepal. So funny thing. My entire time travelling....which is about 6 or 7 weeks now has been spent in room 205 or 305. That's in every hotel and even at the monastary. I don't know what the meaning of this is or if there is any, but as a buddhist would say "that is very aspicious". I'm enjoying Katmandu, but I'll be glad to leave tomorrow. I'm ready to run. And seeing the Dalhi Lama speak in Varanasi or Saranth sounds fantastic. I'll be in Bodagaya for Christmas, which should be gorgeous. A few kids from the retreat will be there as well. That will make it better...I don't think I will ever miss another Christmas. This is my second in a row, which is too many. In case my times in transit causes a lack in communication. Merry Christmas to all...and Happy New Year. I love you all more than words

Wow Photos!

2006-12-13T02:07:00.000-08:00

Well I hope this truely worked. I'll be very excited if so, but quite surprised. I think this is a picture of the hill I sat on every afternoon to read, relax and talk about life and death and everything in between. This is Nick a wonderful friend who spent most of those afternoons on the hilltop with me. As you can see it was a great time.

So I made it through Kopan

2006-12-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well that was everything. It was one of the most beautiful pages in the story of my life...and it was difficult as hell....And I laughed so hard and kind of learned to meditate a little bit....and I saw parts of myself that were hard to face, but I did, and parts of myself that make me so thankful and happy to be alive. And in the end I got what I was looking for and a bit more.
Our schedule everyday was quite rigorous and at times overwhelming. Coming in with an American "understanding" of what Buddhism is all about I was in for a shock. At times I even felt like I was at church camp.....and yes Bessie at times like I was in jail, but perhaps the most beautiful and tranquil jail. Like a jail for a white collar crime. I took in so much information and still have so much to research and read. Tibetian Buddhism is an enormous course of study, so one month is perhaps a good start. I'm not even going to begin to speak about emptiness. And the changes in any life are like moving mountains and the rise and setting sun "slowly, slowly" as they say in India. But the way I see the world and the people in it has shifted ever so slightly and just enough to make my heart full.
Buddhism is a science of the mind. It faces the world by exposing it's paradoxical nature. You meditate on death and begin to love life in a new way. Meditate on suffering and find your joy. Liberation from a self cherishing mind is a tough one though and I can't say I'm much closer then I was a month ago. I love and hate so many things, and love more than hate....but I really love a hot shower...LOVE. And the Oakland A's and even though they suck I still love the Raiders. I love a warm, soft bed, and chocolate and coffee and Fenton's Ice Cream (still). And perhaps meditations on impermanance will change this, but at this I don't see that happening anytime soon, honestly. I see the interconnected heart of humanity though and can no longer see a beggar and pass....and in India and Nepal that is quite often.
Reincarnation and Karma are subjects I was once aware of on a certain level, but they make so much more sense.....and are the subjects that will change my life.
And besides that I met the most beautiful people mind, body, soul, and spirit. Really angels. No boredom or lack of conversation and if you read anything on Buddhism read Milarepas biography, Living Buddha Living Christ and Sadartha.
And I could go on and on but I've been in a monastary for a month, so doing anything that does not involve sitting will be great for awhile.
I'm going down to Saranath, India to hear the Dahli Lama and then to Bodagaya, India to hear the Karmapa and then to Goa and then down south to do some yoga and then to the islands off the east coast. But that could all change tomorrow.....and probably will.
Hearing about Donald Bullcoming's death was a shock. And missing the funeral and meeting made it harder......I feel so far away. I had the monks do a medicine puja in his honor and went down to the stupa and found some Tibetian cedar and prayed and cedared myself....and cried all day. He was someone I thought would live forever no matter what. His strength made him seem invinsible....I don't understand. My prayers are with Helen and the kids. He effected so many of us.... my prayers are constant and with everyone. I really wish I could be in a meeting right now or soon. I'm overwhelmed. Nowing death is a part of life does not make it easier when faced with it. It just hurts and makes me feel dizzy. Losing my grandmothers and Donald all this year. Every moment we have with each other is so precious and our life is so fragile. Anyone of us could be taken at any moment. And everyone is precious to someone. I love you all and miss you so much right now. Any and all emails are greatly greatly appreciated. Thank you Jonathon and Bessie for being such faithful friends, and making me giggle. I love hearing about the details of all of your stories. They are all pecious to me. I pray for you all constantly.

I'm in Katmandu!

2006-11-07T05:32:00.000-08:00

I'm here! In heaven! I love Katmandu! Okay so it is a city, but I grew up in the city and after Dehli this is a cake walk. Oh so much to say about my time in India...but first I wanted to thank everyone who wrote to me. I do feel so far away and hearing anything helps. So my trip so far has been Dehli to Kashmir then a very loooong trip by land from KaSHMIR to Katmandu....I do not recommend. Maybe when I was younger...no on second thought I just don't recommend. Perhaps I am a travel wimp. That's okay I can live with that. In India driving is a whole different game. Weaving in and out of traffic at 40 km per hour going around tight corners on ten thousand foot cliffs through the Himalayas.....I really have never been more afraid. I was really scared. I was almost ready to get out and walk. But I didn't and now I am in Katmandu. And I won't be doing that again, ever. Okay, so I'm going a bit out of order. First Delhi was Delhi. It's a very overwhelming city. Luckily while I was there I was still in a place of complete bliss from the newness of it all. Then Kashmir, which was breath taking. I spent time with the gypsies who live deep in the Himalayan mountains. That was magic. They live so simply and so close with natural, it's beautiful. I was climbing a mountain and I hadn't seen another persome for like an hour and I get to the top of this mountain and there are two gypsy kids at the top just playing. I went up to them and said "Where are your parents!!??" And of course they just look at me, because they don't speak english. And even if they had spoken english I'm sure they would have reacted the same. These people live with the mountain. They are free. It was a life changing adventure. Oh and the best part was the time I spent with their children. We didn't speak the same language, I mean some broken english, but there is a light that children have and these children were like firecrackers. We sang and danced and laughed and played games. Oh I just fell in love. And Kashimir itself was breathtaking. The Muslim family I was staying with was so sweet. They took very good care of me. I was sad to leave. So then from Kashmir to Jammu by crazy Indian Jeep, it's like a carpool. Then from Jammu to Godakpur which is south of Nepal. I got there at 1:00am after a 27 hour train ride. I stayed in a nasty 2 dollar hotel and woke early to take another crazt jeep ride to the border of Nepal. This driver drove the car into a ditch and so we got out of the car in the middle of a tiny village. They were all looking and pointing at me. I heard the kids mimicing me speaking and laughing. It was funny to hear them imitate english. So then after crossing the border I went to Lumini where the Buddha was born. From there I took another crazy bus ride through the Himalayas. And now I am in Katmandu. I love it here. It's good to be out of India. I ,mean it was a great experiece and I'm sure I'll come back, but not alone. I was too much of a target, especially with the men. The Nepali people are great and they all look like me...And they all think I'm Nepali...I love that. I want to make a photo album of me dressed in costumes from around the world.....Like it's a small world after all in Carrie's face..ha ha. Okay so I will be going into the monastary for a month tomorrow, so no more emails.....but I would love to come out and hear from all of you. I Love YOU ALL so much, and I feel like an alien here sometimes, especially when they stare at me like I'm an alien. I hope you are all treating each other well and enjoying this beautiful gift we call life. This trip has given me such a chance to reflect...I am so blessed and all of you are a part of that. Sometimes on this trip it's really scary, but I feel like everyday I am jumping off a cliff, and rigth when I'm about to cry God catches me and again I am freed. Faith is something that is a verb and I'm learning so much about it. The other day I sat in the Jeep next to a man who was the President of all of Hindu temples in the region of Jammu he lived in. He had so much knowledge to share with me. He invited me home to meet his wife and son and wait for my train, but I was worries about missing the train so I declined, so he escorted me to the train station, showed me all around and got me tea and sat with me until he was sure I felt comfortable and safe. He said he knows God sent him to make sure I was okay. There have been angels like this all along the way. I feel so full of love and light....like I'm flying. I can't wait to see how things are after the monastary. Maybe I'll pop. Wouldn't that be funny if I just burst. Okay that's enough. I'll write more in a month.

2006-08-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hey! Just wanted to wish you all luck in your new classrooms. I hope school is going well. I just wanted to send you some pictures from last years class. Even though this is a new class I'm sure by the end of the year you sill feel just as close as we did. I hope you all have fun in the 5th grade. I just got a job as the assistant casting director for Russell Crow's new movie! Isn't that great! I'll let you know how it goes. This is something I never imagined would happen to me. I have always wanted to be in the mivie business! Anyway, hope all is well at Searles school!

2006-08-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

So finally I've got some pictures up of my family and of New Mexico. Now that I know how I will add many. The first one id of my brother Austin. The next picture is one I took on the drive out here. The rocks out here are so great. And the last picture is at my sister Hope's birthday party. She is sooo cute isn't she. Anyway there are many mre to come. Oh, and I just booked my flight to India. I will be leaving on October 25th! Isn't that exciting! I can't wait. Life in New Mexico has been beautiful and I do love being with my family,but I have always lived in the Bay Area, so this is a huge change. It's sometimes great but sometimes hard. I miss you all in room 16. Hope you all are ready for school to start!

I love Taos

2006-08-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am having the best time in Taos. It is so beautiful here. I've been riding my bike around town and everywhere I look is like a picture. I also just started playing the piano again. Anna I thought of you today when I was practicing so keep it up! It's the best feeling to be able to make your own music, no matter what that music might be. Right now I am learning a song called Blue by Joni Mitchell. I've been reading this summer too! YOu guys should read the book A Wrinkle in Time if you can. It's one of the greatest books I've read, and I think I read it in the fifth grade. Oh and you should go see the movie Monster House if you can. It is really funny, and a little scary, but not really. Anyway hope everyone is doing well and keeping busy. Only 3 more weeks until school starts so go play outside in the sunshine as much as you can. I love you all!

New Mexico News

2006-07-05T22:24:00.001-07:00

Well, it is hard for me to explain the beauty I have felt spending time in New Mexico. Life is so surprising and the most exciting thing you will ever find is that family and the love you experience with them is like nothing else. My grandmother died while I was here. And that is so weird, because my other grandmother, her sister, died the last time I was here. That is the last of my elders that are gone and in my culture that means it's time for me to step up. I guess it's perfect timing that I got my teaching credential, right! Well, the interesting thing is that I was planning on staying in the Bay Area for the summer, but when I got back from New Mexico my job out here was gone. Then, a job working at a home for Native American children who were needing help opened up in New Mexico. So, I'm moving out there for the summer. I guess this is what God wanted for me. I'm so happy to be where I am right now. I hope all of you in room 16 now how much you changed my life. I couldn't have become the person I am today without you! I love all of you and think of you often!

Summer has begun

2006-06-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Anna! Thanks for the message. So I haven't left the bay yet. On Monday I will be going up to the Marin Headlines to go camping! And today I will be going to the A's Game with my brother. I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. I have to say I'm a bit sad to be away from all of you. I'll post some pictures from tonight's game too! Let's Go Oakland!!!

Frist Day

2006-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the end of school and it feels very strange to be leaving you all. I have grown so close to you in such a short amount of time. I will always remember you guys as my first class. I love you all