Backtrack to the beginning...

This was an email that I sent out yesterday. Hmmm...yesterday? No, our first full day was Friday. I think. I can't keep my days straight. In any case, consider this the first email in the time line of events. I appologize if the writing seems disjointed. Long days here in Dharmsala and I have a limited amount of time at the internet cafes. So, it begins...

It is in the middle of the day here in Dharmsala...our first full day. It took us 12 hours to get here yesterday, 5am to 5:30pm in jeeps, the last half winding through the mountain roads. The drive didn't seem that long as there was so much to look at and take in. There was a Pakistan tourist bus being escorted by Indian police. That was the only time where I felt a little uncomfortable on the road. It is hard to describe over email everything that I saw, so I'll have to do it later. I got car sick and was sick last night pretty bad with a stomach thing. Taking it really slow with food today. Robyn, after traveling with you last year I'm pretty sure you would have lost your cookies on this trip. ;)

This place is incredible. I've never seen anywhere like it in the world. We are so high in the Himalaya's that eagles and hawks are flying BELOW us. People are here from all over the world. You can see why this place is considered one of the most spiritual places on earth. You can literally feel the energy. It smells wonderful and is a very happy place.

Today after breakfast we went to visit the Tibetan Children's Village. The Tibetan people send their children over the Him Mts for safety from the Chinese government so they will not be tortured or killed. After the children are sent, most of the parents are beaten, tortured, imprisoned or killed, but the parents just want their children to be safe. There are 1800 children housed, fed and taught there, the head facility in India and one of five in the country. Over 16,000 parentless Tibetan children are in India. We each brought an extra suitcase full of children's clothing and medical supplies. We officially donated them today, were given a tour of the facility (which is HUGE and absolutely beautiful) and then played with the children. It was quite emotional. These kids will most likely never see their parents again. Many of them come with frost bite and major trauma as it takes over a month to get here. I totally lost it while singing songs with 3 and 4 year olds. Just tragic and beautiful all at the same time. They seem very happy, loved and well taken care of. I won't be posting any pictures online as if the faces of these children are broadcast, the Chinese government has traced the faces back to the parents in the past.

Tomorrow is our all day course in yoga with a yoga master that teaches here...can't wait. Then we officially start our coursework on Sunday.