Heading Home

If there is anything about my travel adventures I don't like, it's the long flights home. Cramped seats on the plane, long layovers, expensive airport food and long lines at customs are simply not much fun. But, it's always nice to get home. 

This has been another great adventure and I'm eager to bring all my wonderful experiences back into my classroom. As always there is a lot I will be taking home with me from this adventure. India and Nepal are both amazing places with beautiful sites and people even more beautiful. Clearly our customs are very different but or humanity is the same. 

The earthquake in April brought great loss to many in this area but, the resiliency of humanity can be seen in the hearts of the Nepalese people. I have been surprised by the lack of regret or self pity I've seen. The Nepalese culture has a very strong connection to nature and I think that helps them accept their place within the natural flow of life.  Yes, the loss of life and destruction of their beautiful monuments was immense but, for the most part they seem to be looking forward. They have great pride in the beauty and long history of their home and culture. 

The people of both India and Nepal are facing the many significant challenges ahead of them with an optimistic heart. Many of their challenges concern issues that rarely touch the lives of most Ameticans. But many of them concern us all; like the global environment and world economy. There is, indeed, much we can do as Americans to address all of these challenges but I believe if our efforts are to bring fruit, we need to see all our brothers and sisters around the world as equals. We must foster mutual respect and resolve to work side-by-side for the sake of humanity and benefit of all.  

Yes, I am proud to be an Amercan and I enjoy sharing my culture with people as I travel around the world but, it is just one world that we all share and it is that revelation that inspires the true traveler. We all agree that "people are people".  We see it in the eyes of a mother tending to her child. We see it in the pride of a craftsman in his work. No matter how different the customs, our hearts pump one beat at a time and the gift of life is given to us all for but a finite moment. This is what the traveler knows. 

As I sat in the hotel waiting for my taxi to the airport, an Asian woman walked down the steps into the lobby.  She could have been Japanese. She could have been Chinese. She could have been Korean. I will never know. As she walked by, our eyes met and she bowed her head as I bowed mine.  The nod of our heads was not in Japanese, Chinese, Korean or even English. It was the connecting eyes of fellow travelers seeing an empathetic heart and knowing "people are people". 

Dealing With the Aftermath

All the people of Kathmandu worked together to quickly clean up the rubble after the earthquake. They have also placed pictures of many of the monuments before the earthquake at the site so you can better realize the distraction. Here is a picture of what remains of the Vatsala Temple. 

Sisterhood of Survivors

The Sisterhood of Survivors is an NGO that supports victims of human trafficking and domestic violence by providing a safe environment and training that prepares women for jobs including paralegal jobs that enable them to help other survivors. It is one of many such organizations supported by the Planeterra Foundation and I could think of no better place to present our Lotus Blossom Blessings.

Earthquake Damage

Damage from the earthquake can be found all over the city but seeing the many historical sites destroyed is very disturbing. 

Kathmandu

After checking into the hotel in Kathmandu, I took a quick walk in the area. 

Tragedy Strikes Pokhara

Pokhara is a fascinating city and like all of Nepal all of the people are gracious and eager to share their beautiful culture. Tragically, as I was watching the sunrise over the mountains, a landslide swept away several homes. The total damage and fatality is not yet known as several people are still missing. 

I have seen how resilient the Nepalese people are following the earthquake just weeks ago.  After watching the sunrise, I saw many rescue workers on their way to the landslide. It is clear that they have a strong sense of community. In their tragedy, they are an example to us all.  Our thoughts and blessing go out to the people Pokhara. 

Sunrise

I got up at 4:30 this morning to see the sunrise from a peak overlooking Pokhara. 

Elephants

I will be leaving the Chitwan National Park this morning; heading to Pokarha. 

Pied Hornbills

I woke up this morning to see these Pied Hornbills through the window of my room. 

On the Road in Nepal

I'm currently on the road heading to the Chitwan National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unfortunately we have learned that a bridge along our route has collapsed and we are not sure if we will be able to pass over what remains. Stay tuned. 

Crossing Boarder Into Nepal

I crossed the boarder into Nepal yesterday. The first thing you notice is a lot less honking of horns on the streets.  The roads are also a bit better. 

My first stop was the birthplace of Budda. 

Ceremony on the River Ganges

The monsoon rains hit near the end of the ceremony making for a very exciting adventure on the way back to the hotel. 

Orchha

I took the train from Agra to Orchha this morning. Orchha is a much smaller city. I will visit a few of the temples before boarding the train again tomorrow. 

A Day in Agra

My first stop in Arga was the Agra Fort. It has been the site of many historical events since its construction in the mid 17th century including a historical battle of the Indian rebellion in 1857. 

And, of course, Agra in where you will find the Famous Taj Mahal; built by the Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Bollywood

My last night in Jaipur included at trip to the Bollywood theater where popcorn and a Coke cost me about $1.70. 

Streets of Jaipur

Navigating the streets of Jaipur can be an exciting adventure. 

Jaipur, The Pink City

Jaipur became known as the Pink City when it's wall were painted pink (actually terra cotta) to welcome Prince Albert in the mid 1800s. 

This photo was taken in the Amber Fort. 

A Busy First Day in Delhi

My first full day in Dehli took me to many sites; including the Jama Mosque, the Qutab Minar and the Raj Ghat Ghandi Memorial. 

First Dinner

I had a chance to meet some of my fellow travelers over dinner tonight. The food was great!  It made my eyes water and my nose run while I was getting to know my new friends from Chicago, Los Angeles and other parts of the U.S.

Finally arrived in Delhi

Americans are required to get a visa prior to entering India. I applied for an "e-visa" last month; paid the fee and got my papers in about two days.  This was the first time I had gotten a visa "e-visa".  Most countries let Amercans travel without a pre-arranged visa but when they don't, it's usually a more complicated process that requires mailing in your passport and takes several weeks. This e-visa was very easy so I was a bit concerned that I might run into a problem.  Indeed, I did. When the agents at each of the airports couldn't find a visa stamped in my passport, I had to show them my papers and convince them that my passport would be stamped when I arrived at the Delhi airport. I had to wait several minutes at the gate in Abu Dhabi while the plane was boarding and I waited for an airport authority to approve my departure. But, I'm here now and my passport is stamped. 

Last Long Walk

Tomorrow morning's walk will be a quick one; well before the sun rises. So, this will be our last long walk before I return in August. It was still pretty warm but Sweenwy and I decided to just sit on a bench and enjoy the fresh air and our last few moments before I leave. We'll have an extra Milkbone before we hit the bed tonight. 

Predeparture Rituals

My plane takes off in just 14 hours. I'm mostly packed and ready to go so, I'm just spending some time going over some of my pre-departure rituals. One of them is making sure all my dollars are clean and crisp. Many foreign currency exchanges will not accept currency that has been torn or soiled. In Mongolia they wouldn't even take it if it had been folded. Mine looks pretty good. Now I just need to try and get a good night's sleep. I'll be getting up at 4am. 

Preparing for Another Culture

I'll be leaving in just three days. Most of my preparation is complete so I've just been doing some reading about India and Nepal. India will come first and this is what the GEEO website has to say:

India is a country which is very different...... Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge.   ...(Visitors)....have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but...should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way.

In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humor, then you will be captivated by what India has to offer.

Counting Down the Days

The school year has ended and I have now completed my AP summer institute. So, I can give my full attention to getting ready for my great adventure of 2015.  I completed my visa application on line and it's been approved. It's time to double check my to-do list and start packing my backpack. 

Jesse, the director of GEEO, posted this link on FaceBook today. 

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/06/thank-you-culture-india-america/395069/ 

It's an excellent example of how two different cultures interpret the same expression and why learning a new language is more than just vocabulary and grammar. 

Man's Best Friend All Around the World

If you know me, you know I love my dogs. That's one thing my Hindu brothers and sister in Nepal and I have in common. 

On the Hindu calendar, Diwali is a time of gift-giving, storytelling, and recognition of the relationships humans have with all things.  In Nepal, Diwali is called Tihar. Similar to other Diwali observances, lamps are lit at night during Tihar. The festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, and the dissolution of barriers that separate humans from authentic experience of the world. Nepalese Hinduism is unique in dedicating the second day of Tihar, Kukur Tihar, to the worship of dogs.

Successful Weekend at the Asian Festival

Last Saturday the Crow Collection of Asian Art allowed me and the Obama Junior World Affairs Council to set-up a booth at their annual Asian Festival at the Clyde Warren Park. We helped fair goers create Lotus Blossom Blessings and record video expressions of support for the people of Nepal. I will take the Lotus Blossom Blessings and video with me this summer and present them to the Planeterre Foundation in Kathmandu. 

Watch the video:

http://youtu.be/wC9Y9w2HR_c

Lots Happening

I lot has been happening very quickly since my last post. I've been communicating with Jesse, the director of GEEO and he has set up a link to the Planeterra Foundation where you can contribute to the humanitarian relief effort in Nepal. 100% of your contribution to Planeterra will go to the relief effort.  

Here's the link:   https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/PlaneterraFoundation/NepalEarthquake/donate.do?sponsor=1055.0.97989858

Please give what you can. 

I have also been talking to the people at the Crow Collection of Asian Art here in Dallas and they have very generously allowed me and my students to setup a booth at their Asian Festival this Saturday where we will encourage people to contribute to the relief fund and will also be engaging visitors to our booth in a variety of activities to express their thoughts and feelings for the Nepalese people.  We will also be making some Prayer Flags that  I will deliver to the Planeterra Foundation when I arrive in Kathmandu. 

Statement from the Gyalwang Karmapa.

http://kagyuoffice.org/message-from-the-gyalwang-karmapa-concerning-the-recent-earthquake/

Use this link to read a statement from the Gyalwang Karmapa. 

Tragedy Strikes Our Global Neighbors in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

This morning a 7.9 earthquake struck Nepal, India and Bangladesh just a couple of months before I leave for this part of our world. This will, indeed, add a new perspective on my visit. The city of Kathmandu was hit especially hard. Many of its historic buildings were destroyed and the death toll is already in the thousands. Secretary of State, John Kerry has already ordered the release of one million dollars in humanitarian relief.  But, what can we do?  What should we do?  Is there some way we can bring something to show our support for the people of Nepal during this time? This is a time when we can demonstrate what our global citizenship means. 

"A Global Society of Tomorrow"

According to the mission statement of our school, we are preparing our students for "...the global society of tomorrow."  We talk about our society a lot in my art classes and often refer to our various communities; even our global community.
So, what does it mean to be a member or citizen of a global community?  What is a global citizen?  Are you a global citizen?

My Compass Faces East

I'll be heading East this summer.  East over the Atlantic Ocean.  East past Northern Africa.  East beyond Saudi Arabia.  East to India and Nepal.  You are all invited to join my blog and follow me as I travel across northern India and the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal.

What sites will I see?  Who will I meet?  What will I eat?

Right now it's time to start doing some research.  There's a lot I think I know about this part of the world but, if what I think I know is true, does it give me a complete picture?  I bet not.  That's what I like about traveling the world.  I always learn new things and often find some of my ideas are very wrong.

I won't be leaving until July but start following my blog now as I begin my research and prepare for my next great adventure.  Once I depart for India, I'll be posting lots of pictures with occasional links to videos so, It will be almost like you're traveling along with me.  And, don't forget to leave a few comments or questions that may cross your mind.  It's always nice to hear from home and know you are all enjoying the blog.