From Brahma to Buddha, Spring 2006

Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities.
-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Exploring a traditional village perched on the Tibetan Plateau. Sipping yak butter tea around a kitchen fire. Smelling jasmine and curries sold in the bazaar. Hearing horns and bells echoing over an ancient monastery’s walls. Watching colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind on top of a mountain pass. Throughout this semester program, participants will have the chance to live and study in the country that gave birth to two of the world's great religions--Hinduism and Buddhism; to travel amid some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet; and to emerge with a far greater understanding of one of the most influential countries helping to shape the 21st century. Though it is impossible to predict the most memorable experience a student will have in India, those who participate can expect to embark on a journey of discovery that may well last the rest of their lives.

Continue reading "India Semester Overview, February 12 - May 12, 2006" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:48 AM | Permalink

From Brahma to Buddha--Spring Semester Itinerary*

Feb. 12-13: Fly from New York to Delhi.

Feb. 14-16: Orientation in Delhi. Visit major cultural sites. Attend evening sitar concert, visit schools, meet cultural leaders.

Feb. 17: Train to Agra. Visit Taj Mahal. Board night train to Varanasi.

Feb. 18- March 3: Varanasi. Visit cultural and religious sites in the ancient city and along the banks of the Ganges River. Cultural lecture series and language instruction. Begin Independent Study Projects and service learning opportunities. Celebrate Maha Shivarotri on Feb 26th. Day excursion to Sarnath to visit Deer Park, site of Buddha's first teaching on the Four Noble Truths.

Continue reading "Daily Itinerary" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:56 AM | Permalink

For more program details and to receive an application for PVI's semester (offered every fall and spring) in India and the Himalayas, please send us an email at Info@pacificvillage.org, or call our New York office: 718.786.5426.

You can also download an application and program FAQ.

To see what some recent PVI semester participants have said about their experiences in India and the Himalayas, please visit our feedback page.

Posted by Global LAB at 02:58 AM | Permalink

Upon receiving your notice of acceptance into the semester program, you will need to apply for your Indian visa. Please complete the India Visa Application Form according to the instructions below.

You will need to send your application to the Consulate that handles your state of residence.

If you live in: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, please send your package to:

Consulate General of India, New York
Consular Section
3 East, 64th Street
New York, NY 10021

Continue reading "Indian Visa Instructions" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:49 PM | Permalink

Below are some highly recommended books and movies that will help you better prepare for your experiences during the semester. If the time allows, borrow or purchase a few of these titles. Public libraries are likely to have several of these as well.

History

John Avedon, In Exile From the Land of Snows, NY: A Knopf, 1984. This excellent book and should almost be required reading! It offers a clear and concise background on Tibetan culture, and details the events surrounding the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese.

Mahatma Gandhi , Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Beacon Press, 1993.

Mahatma Gandhi, (Louis Fischer, ed.) The Essential Gandhi, Vintage, 1962.

Continue reading "Suggested Reading and Viewing" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:47 PM | Permalink

Please carefully review the packing list below, bearing in mind that lugging an unnecessarily heavy pack around for the entire time we are in Asia will be extremely tiresome. Most people tend to overpack, so try to focus on leaving behind as many non-essential items as possible. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still…you definitely will not regret it! That said, you will not want to leave out any of the cold weather clothing/gear suggestions--our trek in the Himalayas will require appropriate protection against cold weather.

BAGS:
Internal Frame Backpack – Your main “suitcase” should be comfortable, durable, and as light as possible. If you will be getting a new backpack, be sure to spend time with a knowledgeable salesperson to make sure of a good fit. REI has a good overview of how to make sure your backpack offers a good fit.

Continue reading "Semester Packing List" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:59 PM | Permalink

Michelle at the Amber Fort, near Jaipur, India (Photo credit: Misha Clasby)

Dear Spring Semester Students,

Namaste, Tashi Delek, and Jullay-

I have spent the fall semester with PVI in north India (Sept-Dec 2005) and have had so many amazing experiences that will be coming your way soon! In the spring, I am looking forward to spending the first three weeks of the program with you. I will help with program orientation to life in India which will begin at the airport and continue in Delhi and beyond as you explore and learn in the diversity of northern India. I am eager to help support you in your journey and help you understand the cultures we will be immersed in together.

Continue reading "Greetings from Michelle, Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 07:47 AM | Permalink

Hello Everyone!

Greetings from Brattleboro, Vermont! I hope that this letter finds you happy, healthy and brimming with excitement for our rapidly approaching adventure together! I write you from the comforts of a local coffee shop on a rainy November day--attempting to catch up with friends and family, mentors, advisors and life in the US for a brief spell while at the same time preparing for our time together this spring. I am sure life finds you in a similar place--wishing to stay in the moment while beginning to notice your thoughts drifting towards India and the unknown ahead.

Continue reading "Hello from Erin, Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:20 PM | Permalink

Dear Everyone,

Namaskar from Madison, WI.

I have been putting to bed the final details for what will likely be a two-year stint in India. It will begin with a wedding in Chennai, honeymoon in Kerala and then a jaunt up to Delhi to meet all of you. Ever since I spent a year with SIT on programs in Jaipur and Dharamsala, I dreamed of one day leading my own program, and now with the help of Michelle, Erin, Sarah, Cam, Brad, John, Carey and everyone else at PVI I will finally have a chance to do it.

I have been back and forth between the United States and India since 1998, and in that time I have worn a lot of different hats, from student to tourist, to journalist and anthropologist. I received my Masters degree in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and have since completed all the coursework necessary for the Ph.D. If things go according to plan, I will begin fieldwork for my dissertation on mass media in India some time in the next couple years as well as continuing to work as a freelance writer for a variety of American magazines and newspapers.

Continue reading "Hello from Scott, Program Co-Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:25 PM | Permalink

Jullay from Ladakh!

I want to use this brief introduction to extend a warm welcome from such a unique part of India! I have been living in Ladakh since July and I am thoroughly excited to be able to share this amazing experience with you. Although I will only be joining you for the last third of your program, the world of opportunities and adventures that Ladakh offers will provide us with plenty of time to get well acquainted!

Ladakh, originally known as La Dags or "Land of Passes," is an isolated mountain environment that offers a distinct combination of culture and geography. Be aware that it is not your "typical" India with the smells, the colors, the overcrowding, the pollution – Ladakh is quite different indeed. But that is exactly what makes it such an indispensable part of your semester program! Your time here will expose you to the vast cultural variations that are present in India, sometimes region-to-region, sometimes village-to-village.

Continue reading "Hi from Cam, Co-Director (Ladakh)" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:35 PM | Permalink

Jullay Jullay!

By the time I meet you all, you'll have spent your first two months exploring the North of India with Erin—you'll be seasoned Indian travelers, I'm sure! Hopefully you will be ready to settle down into the remote, peaceful, and quite chilly Ladakhi mountain lifestyle with Namgial, Cam, and me!

Since my first trip to India in 2003, it seems each return visit is just a little bit longer, and I find it that much more difficult to leave when the time comes. Originally, I'm from Longmeadow, Massachusettes, a town geographically and culturally thousands of miles away! Though this distance is great, I've found a unique familiarity in Ladakh which continues to draw me back.

Continue reading "Hello from Sarah, Co-Director (Ladakh)" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:59 PM | Permalink

Julay!

My name is Rinchen Namgial. I come from Domkar village, which is 118 km west of Leh, Ladakh. I grew up in that village, and received my high school education there. Afterwards I moved to Jammu for higher secondary school and college. I graduated in history, geography, economics and English. Later I went to Jammu University where I studied Buddhist philosophy.

To support my studies I worked as a freelance guide for the local travel agencies in Ladakh. This started my interest in working with people from different countries to help them understand Ladakhi culture.

Continue reading "Greetings from Namgial, Ladakh On-site Coordinator" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:24 PM | Permalink

My 6 year-old self's proclamation that "I want to be an anthropologist when I grow up" was met with no shortage of raised eyebrows from skeptical adults. Since then, I have continued with a life of passionate fascination with world cultures. I just graduated from a rural Indiana high school and am taking a gap year to travel beyond the cornfields before attending Indiana University next fall to study International Studies or Cultural Anthropology.

Continue reading "Greetings from Melissa" »

Posted by Global LAB at 05:04 PM | Permalink

Hey,

I'm Liz Ganley-Roper from Middlebury, Vermont. I am a senior in high school and will be graduating a semester early in January. Since I was two years old, I have been traveling abroad. This past spring I spent five months traveling through Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, which inspired me to go abroad this spring to India. Some of my interests include snowboarding, dancing, writing, music, soccer, and of course, traveling.

I can't wait to hear more about you guys and eventually meet you all!

Liz

Posted by Global LAB at 09:08 PM | Permalink

My parents named me Drew Knight Weller just before my birth on April 8th 1986. That makes me 19 years old putting me in my second year of college at New York University. This also means I'll be turning 20 during our homestays in Ladakh. Originally I am from Bordentown, the crimp squeezing the middle of New Jersey into the silhouette profile of an upside down rabbit (or that is what my elementary school teachers told us, if you look at a map the peninsula of Cape May is a big bunny ear). So now I am studying interdisciplinary overlapping and cross-curricular collaboration at the Gallatin School of Individualized study in NYU.

Continue reading "Hi from Knight" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:34 PM | Permalink

Hey, my name is Lauren Brown. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Washington D.C., in a little town called Chevy Chase. I’m a freshman at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

I love to read books on philosophy, psychology, religion, and science. These fields of study are most intellectually stimulating to me because they seem pertinent to understanding my place here, and how things I see interact. I’m likely to major in one of these areas. I also love nature. Oregon is full of natural wonders and I go hiking/camping whenever I get the chance.

Continue reading "Greetings from Lauren" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:03 AM | Permalink

Hi,

My name is Hannah Ginder. I am thrilled to be joining PVI for the India Semester this spring!

My curiosity and open-mindedness are what brought me to this program. Currently I am a sophomore majoring in psychology at Lebanon Valley College. Some of my hobbies and interests include painting, sewing, photography, reading, tennis, and running.

--Hannah

Posted by Global LAB at 08:45 AM | Permalink

Hi,

My name is Chris Smothers. I was born in Connecticut in the spring of '88. Now I live in Monkton, Maryland (up north, near PA). I play tennis and rock climb. I also enjoy snowboarding and music and any mix of the two, however I'm rarely able to devote an adequate amount of time to either.

Two years ago I left St. Paul's School (not the real St. Paul's, a poseur) and became home schooled. Currently I'm finishing some courses at Johns Hopkins and contemplating the freedom I'll have over the next year now that I have enough credits to graduate high school. I guess it's also pertinent to mention that I follow a yogic path derived from the eight fold path of Patanjali, and learning, first hand, about its place of origin, is one of the many reasons I want to go on this trip. Can't wait to meet you all.

Hasta by,

Chris

Posted by Global LAB at 05:09 PM | Permalink

Hello everyone!

My name is Ashley Conroy and I am a junior at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. I’ve always been fascinated by the cultures of Asia, but my interest in India flourished soon after I began the practice of yoga a couple of years ago. I just declared my minor in Religious Studies and am planning to devote my area of focus to the Eastern religions when I return. While I’ve learned many things about the philosophies and traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism, I feel as though I’m only able to scratch the surface of these wonderful religions in the class room. This is one of the main reasons why I want to go to India.

In general, though, I love the feeling of adventure and new discovery when traveling abroad, and I can’t wait to meet you all so we can experience the amazing cultures of India together!

-Ashley

Posted by Global LAB at 05:52 PM | Permalink

Hi! My name is Katie Finnigan and I am a junior at Ithaca College in the small town of Ithaca, New York. I am a junior Culture and Communications major and a philosophy minor there and I also write for my college magazine. I live in a suite with my four roommates who are also my very good friends. I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where I live with my mom, dad, younger sister, brother, and two dogs. I enjoy almost all types of music but my favorite is indie and folk. I also love movies and I like to read. I have profiles on both facebook and myspace so feel free to look me up. I look forward to meeting and traveling with everyone!

Katie

Posted by Global LAB at 06:51 PM | Permalink

We will be meeting with either Palden Gyatso or Ama Adhe in Dharamsala to hear the first hand account of life as political prisoners in Tibet over 2-3 decades. Students if at all possible should try to get and read these titles in preparation:

The Autobiography of a Tibetan Monk (alt. title in England Fire in the Snow) by Palden Gyatso

The Voice that Remembers by Ama Adhe (available from Wisdom publications if not in book stores)

Also, Lonely Planet India is a great over-all guide and has lots of useful background info as well.

Michelle

Posted by Global LAB at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Hi!

My name is Katie Finnigan and I am a junior at Ithaca College in the small town of Ithaca, New York. I am a junior Culture and Communications major and a philosophy minor there and I also write for my college magazine. I live in a suite with my four roommates who are also my very good friends. I am originally from Cincinatti, Ohio where I live with my mom, dad, younger sister, brother and two dogs. I enjoy almost all types of music but my favorite is indie and folk. I also love movies annd I like to read. I have profiles on both facebook and myspace so feel free to look me up. I look forward to meeting and traveling with everyone!

Katie

Posted by Global LAB at 05:29 PM | Permalink

Hey everyone,

My name is Hannah Gordon (my apologies to the other Hannah). I am 18 years old, and I'm currently taking a year off before college. I'm from Easton, PA (right next to the border of NJ and about an hour west of NYC), but I'll be going to Chicago next year to study at the University thereof--you can find me on facebook. I have an endless list of interests, which includes music, math, science, languages, travel, reading, running, soccer, rock-climbing, biking, religion, and lots of other things.

Continue reading "Hello from Hannah Gordon" »

Posted by Global LAB at 01:36 PM | Permalink

Today's NY Times Magazine includes a story on Tibet's political situation and the role of Tibetans living in Dharamsala, India, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan-Government-in-Exile.

The spring 2006 semester group will be based in Dharamsala during the second of half of next March and will have plenty of opportunities to learn firsthand about many of the issues raised in the article:

"The Restless Children of the Dalai Lama"

Posted by Global LAB at 05:08 PM | Permalink

Several of you have asked how much spending money you should bring on the program to cover personal items, gifts, shopping, etc. This depends largely on your own spending habits—some PVI participants spend as much as $1,000 during a semester in India, while others barely spend $100. A general guideline would be to consider bringing around $500. Your program directors will be calling you soon to check in and answer any final questions you may have and will be glad to discuss this issue in more detail with you.

Happy New Year!

John

Posted by Global LAB at 07:10 AM | Permalink

Hi Everyone,

Hope this finds you well and enjoying the first days of 2006. Mix of sleet, rain, and snow at the moment here in NYC. Whereas your fellow spring semester student Melissa Dittmann is enjoying balmy weather in South India, with temperatures averaging in the low 80's. Melissa has been keeping a wonderful blog, sharing her experiences so far at the Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre in Aranmula Village.

To learn more about what Melissa has been up to, visit her online.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 05:03 PM | Permalink

Today's NY Times story on the way traditional and contemporary India are at odds regarding romance before marriage is well worth reading.

Posted by Global LAB at 08:29 AM | Permalink

Hello Students-

I returned from PVI’s fall program in mid-December and have some recommendations that I wanted to pass on to you before we depart together for India on February 12.

These are fairly simple things to do or keep in mind that can really help to make your time in India more enjoyable and make you a more culturally sensitive traveler.

1) Packing hints: Culturally appropriate clothing. What does this mean? When you are packing for this program it is really important that you bring clothes that will be both comfortable and suitable to the locations we are going to.

Continue reading "Pre-Departure Advice from Michelle" »

Posted by Global LAB at 07:03 PM | Permalink

Dear Fellow Traveler:

Namaste, Tashi Delek and Jule!

Before pujas or prayer offering ceremonies in the Hindu or Buddhist traditions, practitioners often make several preparations. Hindus create sankalpas, a kind of statement of intent which gives worshippers a moment to meditate upon why they are actually doing the puja. Tibetans perform prostrations in front of the central deity followed by a ritual purification of their body, speech and mind with saffron water and incense. These preliminary steps in both traditions allow devotees to take pause and focus upon the reasons behind their actions.

The experience you are about to embark upon is also a kind of ceremony--a ceremony of discovery and learning. And so, I share with you my preliminary thoughts, or sankalpa, with the hope of seeing how all of our preparations and actions while on the program will be significant during the journey together in India.

Continue reading "Greetings from Brad Choyt" »

Posted by Global LAB at 07:36 PM | Permalink

Hi everyone,

One month from today most of you will meet each other for the first time at JFK's Air India counter area to begin your spring semester in India. All of us at PVI are eager to help make this experience a truly unforgettable journey of learning and discovery. I'm writing now to go over a few preparatory matters and to invite you to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming adventure.

Top priority:

1. Have you received your India visa? If not, you need to take care of this right away. Detailed instructions for doing this are available on your program's Village Voices blog.

2. We need a photocopy of your passport's signature/photo page. If you've not already done so, please send a copy to us at PVI's NYC address: 4818 43rd St., #4C, Woodside, NY, 11377

Continue reading "1 Month and counting..." »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:29 PM | Permalink

Greetings from Long Island,

I am a 24 year old Audio/Visual fanatic with a passion for traveling, making documentaries, and live music. I am joining the semester as both a participant and a filmmaker and look forward to working with everyone to create a video documenting some of our adventures and discoveries over the spring (this project will be my ISP). Hopefully the film will be something we'll all enjoy having as a visual record of the experience. And if anyone is interested in learning about documentary film making I'll be happy to share what I know during the semester.

Continue reading "Hello from Frank Siringo" »

Posted by Global LAB at 06:33 AM | Permalink

To introduce myself, my name is Caitlin, I am 18 and I live in Seattle. I graduated form a small high school and I will be a freshman at Mount Holyoke in the fall which is a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts. This past fall semester I went on an expedition in the Rockies with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). I like most outdoor activities, my favorites include snowboarding, camping, backpacking, rowing (crew), and rock climbing. I love music, especially world music. I’m interested in cultural and religious studies as well as politics. I also enjoy reading; some of my favorite books include Man's Search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, anything by David Sedaris, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, and Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

--Caitlin

Posted by Global LAB at 07:40 AM | Permalink

Hi everyone,

My name is Alyssa Crockett. After graduating from Wheelock College (Boston, MA) with a BA in Social Work, I’ve spent my entire adult life working with children and families. I currently live in Dharmasala, India where I work with the children of Tibetan refugees. I tutor children and work actively in the Tibetan school system. In 2001 I started a sponsorship program in Dharmasala for the children of Tibetan refugees. To date the program has received full sponsorships for all of its children in need. I’ve also been successful raising funds for school equipment and repairs.

Continue reading "Hi from Alyssa (Onsite Coordinator, Dharamsala)" »

Posted by Global LAB at 06:14 AM | Permalink

Hi,

My name is Caroline Vik and I'm from Greenwich, Connecticut. I'm taking a year off before going to Harvard next year and going to India is what I'm doing with my spring. I spent the 1st 2 months of my year in France where I lived for my freshman and sophomore years. Then I worked in Boston for 2 months and am not in Florida playing golf as I will be playing at Harvard next year.

I'm really excited for India even though I have very little idea of what it’ll be like but for some reason I’ve always wanted to go there. But I’ll keep this on the shorter side since I’ll be seeing you all so soon. Looking forward to it, I'm sure it'll be unforgettable.

--Vikster

Posted by Global LAB at 06:56 PM | Permalink

Hello Everyone!

As my thoughts begin to turn towards packing and our exciting adventures to come, I thought I would write you with my own list of suggestions to take a look through!

We each have our own style in terms of traveling, and mine definitely reflects one that strives for minimalism, a light pack on my back and not a lot of extra ‘stuff’ to lug around. This may resonate with some of you from past experience and it may not. But, even if you don’t mind carrying your weight, I do recommend packing as light as possible for India! You will want to buy a shirt or two during the course of the program to wear while there, you will be carrying your pack on your own for extended periods of time, you will be heaving your bag on top of buses and carrying it up flights of stairs, and you won’t feel as much like a ‘tourist’ with a smaller load. I promise that you will be a happy traveler leaving the States with the philosophy ‘less is more.’

Continue reading "Erin: 18 Days Until Departure" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:03 AM | Permalink

Namastey,

My full name is Sanghamitra Sarkar and I will be helping to arrange your projects in Varanasi. I am originally from the northeastern part of India i.e. Assam. My mother tongue is Bengali. I have done my studies from Allahabad (a city which is 127 k.m. from Varanasi), and Madhaya Pradesh. I have done two masters, one in Modern History and the other in Tourism Management.

For the last 5 years I am staying in Varanasi and working with the western scholars from all over Europe and America. They were all research scholars. I used to help them in the field with translation and transcribing the tape records and arrange interviews for the students. In the last few years I worked with almost 20 scholars who were working on different projects.

Continue reading "Greetings from Sanghamitra (On-site Coordinator, Varanasi)" »

Posted by Global LAB at 05:26 PM | Permalink

Hello Everyone-

It has been great to get to talk to many of you recently! It sounds like most of you have preparations well under way for our rapidly approaching departure.

Here are a few reminders we just want to be sure everyone follows through on:

1) If you haven't sent in a copy of your passport picture page and Indian visa to PVI's NYC office- please do so ASAP:

Pacific Village Institute
4818 43rd Street, Ste 4C
Woodside, NY 11377

2) If you haven't sent a copy of your medical form to PVI (including updates on medicines prescribed for malaria or other travel-related meds)- please do so ASAP, also to the NYC address.

Continue reading "Michelle: Semester Prep" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:16 AM | Permalink

If you've not already done so, please carefully review and record this information and bear in mind that if you are planning to drive to JFK on February 12 the traffic in Queens is usually a delightful mix of gridlock, road construction, and potholes, so give yourself more time than you think you need to get to the airport on time (by 4pm).

Departure to India

Sunday - 12 February 2006

Flight #: AI0112 Airline: Air India
Depart: 07:15 PM Airport: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Arpt
Terminal 4 New York, NY USA

Arrive: 10:30 PM, 13 February 2006, Airport: Delhi Indira Gandhi Int'l Arpt
Terminal 3, Delhi India

Continue reading "International Flight Details" »

Posted by Global LAB at 04:35 AM | Permalink

Hello all,

Back in October, I had the privilege of being introduced to Khen Rinpoche Geshe Kachen Lobzang Tsetan, head of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in southern India, and founder of the Siddhartha School Project in Stok, Ladakh, his home community. During our program, we will be getting to know the Siddhartha School, the students and teachers that make it happen, and if we are lucky, Geshe Tsetan himself. Check out the school's website.

Geshe Tsetan brought to my attention that the Siddhartha School is in need of basic supplies and materials, such as books and games, for its students to utilize. He asked if I could pass on the message to our group that any books and games brought over would be greatly appreciated. (More specifically, children’s books with pictures are probably ideal! Any books with photos, simple English, or that would be interesting to children of the school and the people of the community would be greatly appreciated and definitely utilized!).

Continue reading "Erin: Siddhartha School" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:31 AM | Permalink

If you would like to send small packages or letters to India, the first address where we will be able to receive items is:

Root Institute for Wisdom Learning
Student's Name, Pacific Village Institute
Bodhgaya
Gaya District
Bihar, 824 231
INDIA

Mail can be delivered to us at this address from March 6 through March 10 or 11. Allow AT LEAST two weeks for your mail to get from the States to India. (Even if you mail it super-priority express, it still is likely to take two weeks! ) :) So, if you want to send something.... do so early. (Students love getting small packages from home, so please consider putting a few things together and sending them over... boxes with homemade cookies were a big hit last semester!)

Michelle

Posted by Global LAB at 12:33 PM | Permalink

Hi Everyone-

I have another reminder for you all... have you had a chance to put together
the picture/collage and make a couple color copies to bring along? I have
been working on mine and am excited to get to see what you all come up with
to introduce yourselves on paper visually and bring along images of home
that are important to you...

See you all soon!
Michelle

Posted by Global LAB at 02:08 PM | Permalink

Hi there,

I just wanted to let you guys know what books I am bringing. Maybe we can get a list going so that there aren't unnecessary duplicates.

Michele Bos-Lun told me she will be bringing the Lonely Planet India Guide, Stolen Harvest (by Vandana Shiva) as well as The Best Women's Travel Writing 2005.

She also said if people want recommendations of certain kinds of books she'd be happy to suggest titles if they'd like that... they just need to email her (michelle.boslun@mail.sit.edu) (or call 802 4601063).

Continue reading "Knight: Books I'm Bringing" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:12 PM | Permalink

Please read through the below list of activities you will be able to choose from while in Dharamsala. There will be plenty of time to discuss these, and many other possibilities, in depth with your program leaders, but it would be good for you to start thinking about which of these options might be of most interest:

Dharmasala ISP Options

Learn various styles of cooking: North Indian, South Indian, and/or Tibetan

Study and practice a variety of therapeutic massage styles: Tibetan, Traditional, Ayurevedic

Continue reading "Alyssa: Independent Study Projects & Service Possibilities in Dharamsala" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:58 PM | Permalink

Hi Everyone-

While some of us are thinking about a blizzard (which fortunately looks like it won't affect our departure on Sunday) I just wanted to let you know that a friend of mine just wrote from New Delhi and told me it was 86 degrees there yesterday! So, if you are in a cold place now just hang in there a couple more days and we'll be enjoying a whole new climate!

See you soon!
Michelle

Posted by Global LAB at 12:15 AM | Permalink

Hello Everybody-

Some of you may be aware that there is a blizzard warning for areas of the
East Coast including New York City for this weekend. After looking into this
situation our understanding is that the heavy snow fall will be finished
sometime Saturday night. There may be light snow on Sunday, but nothing
significant is expected. So, if you are driving to JFK you may want to allow
some extra time because the roads may still be slippery, but the conditions
on Sunday should not be such that they will impact our Air India departure
Sunday evening.

I look forward to meeting you all soon! Erin and I have been together the
past couple days and are eager to be joined by the rest of the group...

Safe travels... see you at 4pm at the Air India desk at JFK...

Michelle
PS- If there is a problem with your arrival and you will in anyway be
delayed the best way to get a message to us would be to contact John on his
cell phone: 347.217.5625

-----Original Message-----

Posted by Global LAB at 12:26 AM | Permalink

Ozzie says it is still snowing in Queens

PVI's NYC based experiential meteorologist reports that as of 9:05am the snowfall continues, with 8 delicious inches accumulated.

Human forecasters are saying snow will continue to fall steadily through 11am. Everyone please be very careful on the roads and keep us posted of your whereabouts as we get through this storm. I'll have my phone on and with me all day: 347.217.5625. If necessary, we will put everyone up tonight in NYC and re-book our departure for tomorrow, but we're optimistic the group will fly this evening.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 09:05 AM | Permalink

As of 9:50am, Air India has no plans to cancel or delay this evening's flight out of JFK. We'll post any updates here should this change.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 09:52 AM | Permalink

Hi Everyone,

We've just accepted two last second applicants to join the semester program. Meet Flat Stanley with brown hair and Flat Stanley with blond hair. They are representing two kindergarten classes at the Small Steps Nurturing Center in Houston. SSNC students will be following their Flat Stanley's during the semester and learning about life in Asia as the group shares photos and stories from India.

More about the Flat Stanley Project.

Posted by Global LAB at 11:55 AM | Permalink

As of 12:10pm, Air India does not plan to cancel this evening's flight out of JFK, however, they do anticipate it will be delayed by 1-2 hours.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 12:11 PM | Permalink

The NY Times says of today's blizzard, "The biggest winter storm in New York City history crippled transportation and commerce and knocked out power." But a little snow and wind didn't stop our intrepid young travelers and their families from getting to JFK and taking off for India, albeit a few hours later than scheduled.

Students, leaders, and the Flat Stanley twins just before heading through airport security--all hoping that Ashley's flight from Atlanta will arrive in time to join the group flight to Delhi.

With no time left before the boarding gate closed, Ashley arrived 2 terminals away and had to run through the snow because the AirTrain monorail was not running. Thanks to Rita Chopra, Air India agent extraordinaire who convinced the crew to hold the flight a few more minutes, she managed to get on the plane with everyone else.

Posted by Global LAB at 11:07 PM | Permalink

We sat inside the plane at JFK Airport for many hours before the blizzard conditions calmed down enough so we could take off and begin the first let of our journey, to London.

Hannah Gordon and the Flat Stanley twins met a Sikh gentleman.

Posted by Global LAB at 11:11 PM | Permalink

We arrived in Delhi this morning and got out of the airport by about 10:30 am. We are all here and well, but Ashley's bag took the scenic route and will hopefully be joining us soon.

The students are excited to be here and we are too...

Michelle and Erin

Posted by Global LAB at 08:11 AM | Permalink

I awake before three. I am not surprised by the time as I went to sleep at seven, after noticing that I was drifting off between words in my book. A spider walks gently across my forehead, lingering on my ear. I am not startled. I remember that the spider is nothing more than the canvas curtain bristling in the window above my bed. After a brief meditation I try to go back to sleep, but my efforts are not met with success and I step outside, book in hand. It is now around five and still dark. I search for a comfortable ledge and find one separating the grass courtyard behind the hotel from a stone courtyard adjacent to the kitchen. I place my Gita upon the ledge and scurry up after it.

Continue reading "Chris: Dawn Reading" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:49 AM | Permalink

Katie and Lauren pose with a family in the Hindu queen's courtyard at the ancient city Fatehpur Sikri

Hi Everyone-

We are closing in on our first 24 hours in India and so far all is going well. The students enjoyed the ride from the airport ("so many cows/goats/colorful clothes," etc)....one student even told me it was worth the marathon travel from NYC just to experience that first taxi ride.

It turned out that while our airplane left the JFK gate at not long after 11pm we sat on the runway for hours and did not take off until 4:20 am! Thankfully they fed us on the ground and many people used this time to catch some zzz's.

Yesterday we checked into the YWCA, had some orientation talks on the grass outside and then went for tri-wheeled auto-rickshaw rides to Connaught place for a meal and some Delhi exploration on foot. The group is coming together well.

Continue reading "Delhi Days" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:39 PM | Permalink

Caitlin and Hannah Ginder at India Gate

Erin and Michelle emailed just prior to jumping on the train: the group's been busy, with morning discussions on Islam and Jainism before visiting Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid, a Jain temple, the National Gallery of Art, and attending a traditional Indian dance concert and performance.

"Delhi Belly" has been rumbling through a few tummies, but all seem to be on the mend and in high spirits as they head South to Agra and the Taj Mahal.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 12:48 PM | Permalink

Namaste,

After spending one of my first days in India hugging a toilet or a bucket, it was great to join back up with the group and experiance Delhi outside of the hostel.

2/17/06
Today we went to a school for blind Indian children. It was amazing how much they can learn withough sight and such little recourses. They were all in great spirit too!

Continue reading "Caitlin: 'Delhi Belly' and Beyond" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:36 AM | Permalink

Hannah Ginder and Caitlin in a Delhi rickshaw

We had quite a while to wait before getting on the overnight train to Varanasi, so we set up a small camp with all of our large bags in the center and the 15 of us standing guard around them. We drew the biggest, most unselfconscious crowd of starers I have ever been stared at by in my life. To be stared at by over 100 people simply because of the color of your skin is one of the strangest, most awkward things I've ever felt. It was a very humbling experience.

A good number of them just wanted us to give them some money, but some were absolutely determined to sell us any number of bizarre things--so determined that phrases like "I actually don't have any money with me right now" wouldn't discourage them in the least.

Continue reading "From Hannah & Hannah" »

Posted by Global LAB at 07:01 AM | Permalink

Fire.
The eldest son of the deceased lights the funeral pyre.
Earth.
The ashes from the cremating corpse fall to the ground.
Air.
Smoke circles up towards the heavens.
Water.

Whatever remains unburnt is resurrected from the pile of ashes at the end of the cremation and is cast into the River Ganges. The ashes are collected and also scattered across the sacred waters.

Thus does human flesh relinquished to death return to the four elements. Thus is, according to the hundreds of Hindus that flock to Varanasi daily for the funerals and cremations of their family members, the soul of the deceased guaranteed release from the cycle of rebirth.

Continue reading "Melissa: The Burning Ghats of Varanasi" »

Posted by Global LAB at 05:16 PM | Permalink

After going through security at the Taj Mahal we were told we could only bring in cameras and wallets. I brought my camera, wallet and the two Stanleys and was told they were not allowed and had to go to the security room. This is a picture of the "detention" space where they had to stay with no view of the Taj!

Everyone else got to see the gorgeous Taj Mahal

Hello Everyone-

We are now beginning our second week together in India, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect back on our first week together.

Our time in New and Old Delhi was busy but interesting. We visited a couple of marketplaces, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), the New Delhi Sikh Gurdwara, the Jain temple and bird hospital of Old Delhi, school for Blind Children in Gurgaon (a Delhi suburb), and in small groups a variety of other places as well.

Continue reading "Update from Michelle" »

Posted by Global LAB at 11:48 AM | Permalink

~"Little People" and Children~

Is it not true that these "little people"
whose prescience precedes their inhibitions
might just be children too.

~the story behind the embarrassingly brief poem~

The age of innocence and fantasy has decreased to near nonexistence for many children. I recently formed an unexpected attachment to one such, "little person," and I am frustrated with the rational I used to justify my actions during the brief time we knew one another.

It began as it always does with these poor souls forced to forgo their childhoods, "please sir, some moneys."

Continue reading "Chris: 2/16/2006" »

Posted by Global LAB at 04:28 PM | Permalink

~"Little People" and Children~

Is it not true that these "little people"
whose prescience precedes their inhibitions
might just be children too.

~the story behind the embarrassingly brief poem~

The age of innocence and fantasy has decreased to near nonexistence for many children. I recently formed an unexpected attachment to one such, "little person," and I am frustrated with the rational I used to justify my actions during the brief time we knew one another.

It began as it always does with these poor souls forced to forgo their childhoods, "please sir, some moneys."

Continue reading "Chris: 2/16/2006" »

Posted by Global LAB at 04:28 PM | Permalink

Photo: Hannah Ginder

Posted by Global LAB at 10:46 PM | Permalink

After going through security at the Taj Mahalwe were told we could only bring in cameras and wallets. I brought my camera, wallet and the two Stanleys and was told they were not allowed and had to go to the security room. This is a picture of the "detention" space where they had to stay with no view of the Taj!

Posted by Global LAB at 11:46 PM | Permalink

Namaste!

It's not easy to get something done in India. Yesterday, both Hannahs, Melissa, Knight, Chris and I set out towards the market in the early afternoon to pick up some sweets for our homestay families. But as we were walking down the street we stopped to look at a painted elephant and began talking to an eleven year old girl standing nearby. After a minute or two the girl offered to show us a nearby temple. We followed her and she led us to two tiny temples with giant statues of Hindu gods that we never would have known existed otherwise.

Then she invited us to her house and we followed her to through a fabric curtain hanging over a low doorway into a tiny one room shanty that was only big enough for a bed and a narrow place to stand by the door. We all sat on the bed and they served us tea and food from their 'kitchen' outside. We talked to them for a long time and they told us that the father was a bicycle rickshaw driver and that it was very hard work. That year the mother had turned 30 and it was their 15 year anniversary. They had 3 children, one boy and two girls. The boy went to school but the girls did not. They also told us that the son had epilepsy and had been on medication for 5 years. They said it was very hard and that they often had to choose between food and medication. It was unbelievable that they were so poor but yet so welcoming and generous with what they had.

Continue reading "Katie: Errands in Varanasi" »

Posted by Global LAB at 07:47 AM | Permalink

One of our assignments was to take half an hour or so by ourselves and observe someone or something during that time and either write or draw about them. I decided to go to one of the ghats along the Ganges and watched a man praying by the river. Often I was distracted by people staring at me or asking me questions or trying to read my journal entry. But anyways here is what I saw:

He rocks gently back and forth, his legs curled tightly beneath him. He slips his wrinkled palm in the pocket of his white linen shirt and pulls out a folded piece of newspaper. A skinny black dog stands next to him, waiting expectantly for a treat. He opens the square of paper and places something in his left palm. He rubs his right thumb methodically along the object, still slightly swaying. He watches a boat motor up stream and begins to tap his walking stick against the concrete.

Continue reading "Liz: Local Observations" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:46 AM | Permalink

We are settling in well to life in Varanasi. Yesterday all students moved into homestays except for one. Katie was all set to move into her homestay this afternoon but due to the tummy bug catching up with her in an unpleasant
way last night she may delay her homestay move by another day.

All others appear to be really enjoying their families. While the arrangement
is for students to be fed supper and breakfast in the homes, a number returned for lunch as well as their families were eager to have them as much as possible. Homestay hosts range from doctors and pharmacists, to owners of phone-stands, to seamstresses and farming/landlords.

Every home has at least one English speaking family member although the levels of fluency vary a lot.

Last night Knight and Melissa had the opportunity to go to a local wedding
celebration with plenty of food, dancing and fun with their families.

Continue reading "Michelle: Group Update" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:03 AM | Permalink

Hello there!

It is Saturday afternoon here in Banaras and all is well! This past week has been filled with new sights, smells, words, emotions, friendships and experiences here in this amazing place we are for the moment calling 'home.'

Students are now settled into life with their host families, ISP's are underway and the learning curve for all of us here in this new and un-definable place has been enormous. -I am so proud of everyone. With what open-arms the group has embraced the experience thus far!

Prior to a morning discussion yesterday (facilitated by an inspirational Dalit activist here in Banaras), we compiled a list of "Thoughts thus far in regards to our homestay experiences." Here it is! Enjoy!

Erin

Comments after the first two days of our homestay (2/24):

" 'Think of this home as your home, my family as your family,' my host mom told me within minutes of first arriving. Initially, I took this to be probably one of those statements said to welcome a guest but not necessarily sincere. But, I was pleasantly suprised to see how in the course of my first day with this family- after following along as my host sister did her hour-long puja (which at one point involved some interestingly intimate rituals involving a Shiva lingam, a statue symbolizing Lord Shiva's masculinity), learning how to cook some tasty Indian dishes, being decked-out in a sari to accompany my family to a wild wedding party, and just sitting around talking in a meld of Hindi and English, -I was genuinely welcomed as one of them." - Melissa

Continue reading "Homestays" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:26 PM | Permalink

My host family had invited me for Siva Rudava Puja. I happily agreed to attend and I feel extremely grateful to be able to attend such an amazing ritual. I woke up at 4:00 am and had some chai with my host Father, Mother, and Sister. We headed upstairs from their house and met with my host Father's older brother, wife and two daughters. This is an annual ritual and is in honor of the marriage of Śiva and Parvati. This day also commemorates the 18th anniversary of the marriage of my host mother and father.

Continue reading "Frank: Marriage Rituals" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:06 AM | Permalink