Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Words from His Holiness Dalai Lama

1- Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.

2- If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.

3- If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

4- My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

5- Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

6- The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.

7- We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

8- We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

9- Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

10- If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.

11- If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not able of developing compassion for others.

12- Human potential is the same for all. Your feeling, “I am of no value”, is wrong. Absolutely wrong. You are deceiving yourself. We all have the power of thought – so what are you lacking? If you have willpower, then you can change anything. It is usually said that you are your own master.

13- We must recognize that the suffering of one person or one nation is the suffering of humanity. That the happiness of one person or nation is the happiness of humanity.

14- Through violence, you may ‘solve’ one problem, but you sow the seeds for another.

15- As people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it.

16- To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle.

17- There is a saying in Tibetan, “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.”
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.

18- The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.

19- A spoon cannot taste of the food it carries. Likewise, a foolish man cannot understand the wise man´s wisdom even if he associates with a sage.

20- In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

Danger stay away from the Kashmere Men!

My local Tibetan buddy tells me that I should watch out for the “Kashmere Men” because they are trouble.  Without his words of advice, I have already experienced that they are “trouble.” The two Kashmere boys in their shop who were really cute, but making sexual advances towards me in an aggressive manner.  But they are not all bad apples, there was the nice angel from Trivinamalai.  I have no interest in Indian men, but the Bollywood Mumbai type, Shimla(Punjab), and Kashmere.  I have not been to Kashmere, but Kashmere wins over everyone.  Kashmere have a Turkish, Moroccan, Israeli look and it is totally my type. 

Looking for hotels in McLeod(Dharmasala), I come across Café Akash across the street. On a royal bed sitting in front of a TV sits the owner smoking a cigarette.  He has curly dark hair, dark eyes, just enough facial hair, tanned complexion, and perfect smile.  I feel my heart stop for just a second as it is refreshing to actually see my type in India! He walks me up to the room and not saying much, he just opens the room and stands in the middle smoking a cigarette and looking hot.  I drink some water quickly and tell him that I am going to have to pass.  The room is like Kashmere decorated with their amazing fabrics, prints, and colors. It looks like true royalty, but it is not in my price range and I think it is best for me to stay away from the trouble.  I am here to focus in on writing and reading not flirt with Kashmere men.  When I leave he tells me, “ The door is always open for you so feel free to come back.” He gives me THE LOOK and I know I need to stay away from him.  Keeping a distance from the trouble a step in the right direction of my new ways=)

Materialism on An All time Low

I am approaching my five month mark of traveling and reflecting back on what I have spent.  I am incredibly proud of myself for the self-discipline I have exhibited over my travel time.  Traveling through places with dresses, shirts, and pants averaging $2-$4, I could have easily bought new outfits for each day or even week.  This would have defeated the purpose of getting rid of my clothes in NYC and picking up a backpack. 

From Thailand to Cambodia to Singapore to India, I have seen beautiful skirts, dresses, and traditional wear that I absolutely love.  There has been times where I have sit and negociated on a skirt or dress and then put it down because I knew I did not need it.  In India, the saris are one of my favorite things to wear and I could have bought many, but I kept my discipline.  The saris I have seen are just like the nice dresses I would buy back at home-glamorous and fabulous.  

Being around constant shopping, I have  adopted a look but do not touch philosophy with shopping.  I can stroll by a market and stare at a dress, but I can not go into the shop, pick it up, and attempt to try it on.  It is like an alcoholic driving down the road passing a liquor store.  They see it from a distance, but they can not, stop, park the car, get out, and go into the store.  The alcoholic needs to keep his distance and the shopaholic need to keep her distance. 

When I first moved to New York from LA, I had significantly reduced the amount of clothing I had leaving myself with a few purses, a few pairs of shoes, a few dresses, and a few jeans etc, but I was still shopping and buying new outfits as usual.  Now I have been carrying the same purse for 5 months, the same pair of gym shoes, the same pair of pants, two bras, a few t-shirts, etc.  There has been very little shopping and I have calculated what I have spent in the past 5 months and I am shocked at my self-discipline and will power. 

Excluding $2-3 sunglasses that I have to replace every month because they break or I lose them.
Here is the shopping breakdown:

1 top $20(my big purchase for a quality Indian top)

2 leggings $4

1 black shoulder cover $2

Cambodia pants $3

Fab India 2 tops $13(another big purchase for quality)

Sun hat ($2)

1 Dress from Thailand $3(one dress purchase in 5 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Cambodia scarf ($4)

Dress for NYE ($3)

Aerosole comfort sandals and blue sandals $30(was walking around with $2 sandals from Conway for three months!!!) 

Total=$82

$82 is what I would normally spend at Macys on 1(ONE) DKNY, Guess, Or BCBG top, dress, a pair of jeans, or half the price of a pair of boots.   Also, I would have spent half the amount if I only bought from the market and did not purchase from retail stores. 

From the age of 16, I have always been into fashion and buying excessive amounts of clothing.  When I was living in California at age 17 is when I began to shop and get into the one outfit one time motto.  I was working at Forever 21 so naturally I became addicted to fashion and I loved dressing up in cute skirts and dresses all the time.  When age 19, I worked at Nissan as a receptionist where I would always wear a new skirt or dress. People would comment on my wardrobe and I guess I loved being the fashion princess. 

From age seventeen to age twenty seven, I have come a long way shopping and shopping and shopping my life away. I could have traveled around the world five times with all the money I have spent.  It was all materialistic things that made me happy and now I have entered into a simplistic life that makes me just as happy.
I do miss the glitz and the glamour and I will still buy and wear beautiful dresses, but it is all about self-discipline, will power, and MODERATION=)

FREE TIBET!!!!

In the city of Dharmsala at a time of crisis with Tibet, there are many protests and organizations fighting for justice against the ruling of the Chinese government. 
Around McLeod, the streets are filled each day with Tibetan freedom parades.  They walk down the street shouting, “We want justice.” “We want freedom.” “We want justice" "We want freedom." 
Local organizations are asking for support to help Tibets learn English.  I went into a class to teach English for adult Tibetans. Now is the time to help Tibet.  They are working hard to make their voice heard and are taking action on the embassies-fasting in New York City, marching the Chinese embassy in Delhi, and a boy just yesterday lighting himself on fire.  

From Phayel.com
In Tibet, 30 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire since 2009 demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.

Thousands of Tibetans have carried out massive street protests against China's continued occupation of Tibet in recent months. The Chinese government has responded with indiscriminate firings, arbitrary arrests, and continue to clamp down on dissent with an unprecedented climate of fear and repression.


                                     HOW CAN YOU HELP?

WWW.VOLUNTEERTIBET.ORG

WWW.FREETIBET.ORG

MAKING A FREE ONE TIME DONATION:

http://www.freetibet.org/support/make-donation-free-tibet-campaign

JUST $3 A MONTH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP TIBET!!!!!


Urgent Action Campaigns



Urgent Action Campaigns
YOU can help make a difference for a free Tibet by taking part in our Urgent Action Campaigns.

Urgent Action Campaigns is a system by which supporters are contacted about cases as they happen in Tibet, and advised about how to speak up about the detention of political prisoners, the decisions of political figures and new policies which damage the Tibetan people and culture. We will let you know what is happening, who to write to and what to say to urge for action on issues which affect Tibet. WEBSITE
 


SELF DETERMINATION, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND AN END TO CHINESE OCCUPATION(WEBSITE)

A Day with My Tibetan Monk

Originally staying in a nice room overlooking the mountains, I decided I could find something even better for less the price.   Walking up the dirt road with my all my stuff, I approach a monk wearing his traditional, long maroon colored robe with his mala beads in his hand and a small, black knapsack around his neck.  He asks me if I need help finding a room and I tell him I have some places already in mind.  I impulsively ask him about the Dalai Lama.  Dharmasala is a common place for Daila Lama teachings at the Kalachacara temple.  He responds that he is unsure about these teachings, but he can check for me.  
Being eager to check again, I already spoke with another local who said the Daila Lama was at the temple yesterday at 11:30am.  What does this mean? THIS MEANS I MISSED SEEING THE DALAI LAMA BY ONE DAY=( Although, he is not the Dailai Lama, my monk makes me feel content and I enjoy talking with him.  We decide to go have some Chai together.  Akash sees me with my backpack and is telling me he has a room for 300 rupees and I decline his offer and keep walking with my monk.  We share some Chai at the Tibetan café with everyone from Tibet except for me and a fellow New York photographer.  He is here to shoot Tibetan monks in exile. 

Shortly after chai my monk asks to accompany to the Kalachacara temple.  I accept his invitation and off we go to the temple through the amazing McLeod. There are many Tibetan crafts, restaurants, bakeries, wine shops, and nuts/dry fruits are quite popular.  I did not realize how high the elevation was until our stroll through the town.  People on the street are of course looking at the monk walking the tourist because supposedly real monks are not suppose to be spending time with women. 

The Tibetan temple grounds are outside with high ceilings and benches to sit and enjoy.  It is such a peaceful place with , great spots to mediate, custom library, and two temples to visit.  My monk introduces me to his friend inside and I sit with them.  The Monk is having lunch sipping on what looks like curds milk.  He looks like a child with a milk mustache.   I tell him I am from America and he says with “San Facisco” or “New York.” I respond with “New York.” He is so cute sitting there I just love the Monks.  Both monks (Raka and Nwonang) are both from the same village in Tibet.  They both speak of their dislike of the Chinese government and what they are doing to Tibet-lack of freedom for Tibetans and control by the Chinese.  They tell me the Chinese language has become the language that is taught in Tibet and many people are forced to comply with the Chinese demands.  The Chinese language has been taught in Tibet since 1949.  They both say that they can not go back to Tibet otherwise they will be imprisoned.  I ask about how this could be that the government would imprison monks and they do not have a specific answer.  He says that Tibetan people are slowly trying to regain their freedom.   I discover that I have to do my research and reading on Tibet because there is a lot of history I do not know about and would like to learn. 

N and I walk towards the other temple where the Dalai lama does his teachings.  There sat his golden chair with a small area for this followers to sit.  It was such a spiritual energy coming from the temple and especially this specific part.  His presence is sitting inside the temple-his spirit in the chair-and his heart present in the red rug. 

N, my monk, has to then go for a photo shoot-yes a photo shoot for the exile pictures.  He sits and makes wise jokes with the NY photographer and poses with his serious monk face ha.  He is given an orange and he gives it to me.  I open it up and share it with him as we walk along the townside together. 

At the Tibetan kitchen, we order lunch.  He orders vegetarian pizza and I order a vegetarian Tibetan dish.  We speak of his childhood and upbringing.  He has been a monk since 1983 and previously he was studying to become a monk.  I shared with him the book I just finished, “The Monk who Sold his Ferrari.” He started laughing and said, “I do not know what a ferrari is.” I thought to myself, “This is a real monk.” He had never heard of the holy Sivana village in the Himalayas and this made me wonder if this was even a real village-I had not checked it out.  While I am talking he is picking the green peppers off his pizza and sipping on a peach tea ha. I ask him about positive and negative thinking and how he controls his mind, his meditation routine, and his words of advice.  Like most spiritual figures, he wakes up at 5:30 and does his meditation early in the morning.  When he speaks, I have to really focus in because he is English is a bit difficult to understand. We leave and he asks me if I would like to come over for dinner. I immediately ask him if this is okay and he says it is fine. Thinking of my own things I have to do, I postpone it until tomorrow. I ask if we can do some talking about the exile as I would like to learn more about it.  He says he can try to explain, but it is hard to do in English. 



Some facts on temple:

Kalachakra means the Wheel of Time

Important apects of Varayana Buddhism correlation between inner and outer elements

4 traditions of Tibetan Buddhism

1950 communist Chinese invention of Tibet

722 deities embodying the body, speech, and mind of the Kalachakra

Dharmasala Home of the Dalai Lama

The powerful city of the Dalai Lama and a place for Tibetans to exercise their right for justice and freedom. The meaning of Dharmasala means "Inn attached to the temple."
Here is the website that tells everything that is going on in the city from news headlines to community centers to teachings.  The city is supportive of the Tibetan community and offers new, innovative organizations for change.

www.dharamsala.net


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Centre for the study and practice of the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, Dharamkot - www.tushita.info
Himachal Vipassana Centre Dhamma Sikhara, Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N.Goenka, course schedule, guidelines and what to bring, Dharamkot - also Vipassana Research Institute - www.sikhara.dhamma.org/
Men-Tsee-Khang Institute Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute general info, also branch site tibetan-medicine.org, Tibetan medical exports, video, audio and e-commerce site - www.mentseekhang.org
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives Website www.ltwa.net
LTWA
About the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives Cultural resource centre promoting research and knowledge exchange - educational programmes in language, philosophy and the arts
Department of Education Tibetan Children's Educational and Welfare Fund, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala - www.tcewf.org
Amnye Machen Institute Independent Tibetan Centre for Advanced Studies, research and publications on contemporary and historical Tibetan culture - www.amnyemachen.org
Institute of Buddhist Dialectics Higher Educational Institute - courses in advanced religious practice, training of religious teachers, comparative studies of western science and Buddhism - www.guchusum.org/
Institute of Tibetan Classics Non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of classical Tibetan thought and culture - www.tibetanclassics.org/
The Bon Religion Menri Gompa, Dolanji, H.P., What is Bon? The Monastery Today, Projects, Aid to Bon Children, Sponsorship - www.tibetanbon.com/
Tibetan Women's Association A Tribute to our Brave Sisters - Reports - Vocational Training (Stitches) - Activities - Publications - www.tibetanwomen.org
Tibetan Children's Village TCV: Dharamsala, Bylakuppe, Ladakh, Bir, Gopalpur - also TCV Cultivate the Buddhahood Within - http://tcv.org.in
TCV Handicraft and Vocational Centres Ritual and utility objects, carpets and clothing - Background, Trade Info, Orders, Payments, Carpet Maintenance etc, Catalogue, Emporium Addresses - www.tcvcraft.com/
The Dogga Adult Education Centre The Dogga School provides the local people of McLeod Ganj and its surrounding area with free adult education - www.dogga.org/
Multi-Education Editing Center The Center's purpose is to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge of Western literature, science and technology to Tibetans - www.meecenter.org/
WorldSmiles Yong Ling School, McLeod Ganj, Adult English Program, Computer Education, Tibetan Music, Photos of His Holiness, Images of Dharamsala, Bringing Smiles Through Education - www.worldsmiles.org
Tibetan Technology Centre Harnessing modern technology to help the Tibetan community in India - www.tibtec.org/
DEVI
Dharamshala Earthville Institute Grassroots, community-based nonprofit educational society promoting cross-cultural appreciation, personal empowerment and community development - www.earthville.net/devi/

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

This book was verryyy difficult for me to read.  I am not referring to the difficulty of the content, but the principles and ideas that I am already thinking about,  theorize about, and my logo Believe in your purpose.  It was just time I could have invested in my own book.   
1.)  This book is very generic and commercial- he is just copying and pasting a bunch of basic theories and principles into one book with a lot of editors help

2.)  The set up is annoying with every single statement sounding perfectly cookie cut into place

3.)  I understand he was trying to convey the socially constructed life conforming into the spiritual/religious path, but it was superficially constructed

4.)   The main thing that I did take home from this book was learning to say “No” and the importance of time management.  I am always giving my time to others, but I need to make sure to focus in on my commitment-writing.  Each time I choose to interact with others it takes away from my own time.  Each hour counts. 

Here are the Sages of Sivana (The fable created with life Principle to Internal Happiness)

1.)  Master your mind

2.)  Follow your purpose

3.)  Practice Kaizen-connection between mind, body, and soul

4.)  Live with Discipline

5.)  Respect your time

6.)  Serve others Selflessly

7.)  Embrace the Present

From Amritsar to Himachal Pradesh(Dharmasala)

Real life, real religious ceremonies, real domestic tasks- the beautiful bus rides are back!
Himachal Pradesh – Lush greens, rivers, small hidden temples in waterfalls and on hill tops, locals on the bus putting hands in alms after passing temples, monkeys sitting on the side of the road, kids playing outside and parents looking at them like they are the best thing that ever happened to them, variety of facial features and changes, kids smiling so bright it makes up for the lack of sun in the sky, fish fry sold on the side roads, huts of various shapes and houses of bright colors, mountains fading into the skyline creating a portrait in the sky, lights shining like stars from homes in the hills.

The faces of people are so different from the Indian familiar faces.  People are way fairer complected with Asian features or Turkish, Israeli, Middle East. Many working and living in the city are from Kashmere, Tibet, Nepal, and Northern areas surrounding the borders of Bengal and Nepal.  It was fascinating for me to look around at everyone.  India has such variety of features, especially when it comes to traveling around the North.  One bus to Godren and another bus to Dharmasala(sitting on the floor on my bag)with locals cheering clapping about something-so happy) and another bus to McLeod-three buses one day.  I notice that everyone is dressed in corduroys and wool jackets.  I am a bit concerned with my spring attire of a long top, leggings, and my shower flip flops ha. 

Here I am

Always growing up and comparing myself to others, I am learning to grow comfortable in my own skin.  The shoulds are what always get in the way of ones life. I should have a Doctorate degree by 30, I should have traveled more in a real way, I should have more success, and I always can be doing more. 
As human beings, we can always do more and have many varying potentials.  Exploring these potentials is important otherwise they waste away with time and you sit and wonder why you waited or disregarded life's passions. 

Even though, I have not accomplished everything perfectly or timely.  I have had life experiences that are precious leaving me with theories and writing to last a lifetime.  The experiences I had negatively or positively shaped my being leading me to be able to theorize and write about it.  The 10 years of studying psychology, behavior analysis, exposure to various populations, endless education, the field experience, the traveling, and most importantly the real life experience-contributed to me blossoming into not only a psychoanalyst, but a writer.   

Life has thrown its curve balls, but those curve balls are what truly made me grow.   Having a perfect “cookie cutter” life does not help test ones character  and response. With extraordinary moments, moments of struggle, and my higher power always on my side I have learned a tremendous amount about LIFE and myself to improve my action and own behavior. 
Many of my life experiences are meaningless without the influence of my higher power. It is my higher power that has created me and made me alive and dedicated to service of others. Sometimes it takes people a negative event, a death, an accident, or a lifetime to find their spirituality and have an ephiphany of truly living, breathing, and experiencing the beauty of this life. This relationship has been solid for a long time and it will continue to grow with time and my dedication and commitment.

At the end of the day my life is 100 percent real.  I had my life and experiences on facebook, I live to tell about it on a blog, I verbalize my experiences with others, and educate them.  I do not have a PhD in education, but I am developing a PhD in life and that is truly meaningful.   I am just an imperfect human being who are you?

Some people go through their life staying in one room.  They open the door to realize there home is full of rooms.  Rooms with sunlight and some rooms with darkness, but it takes going through the door to find out what lies beyond. PRIS

Authentic Armitsar with a Golden Touch

What I loved so much about Amritsar was the authenticity and the lack of tourists. Many people just skip over this world wonder and I was contemplating skipping it as well, but I decided to make a stop and I am thankful for my experience.  Amritsar has the most wonderful people- they are so genuinely sweet it melted my heart.
Overall, the Punjab culture has proved to be smart, well dressed, more hygienic, jolly, sophisticated, and just pleasant. I was not sure what to expect, but I just knew I would love the turbins and the jolly bellies because I get such enjoyment from these kind of people. They make me feel like a child staring at Santa Claus ha. Their jolly smiles, big bellies, Turbins, and sweater vests with loafers-adorable!

On the street, the vendor gives me a traditional silver bracelet. Sieks wear a silver bracelet on their right wrist. It is not fancy at all-very simple, but a tradition for the culture. The streets are packed with many colors of turbins, children carrying ice cream cones with their family, street vendors selling traditional crafts like swords, feather brooms, gold portraits of Gods, and medieval pieces. Dry fruits, papaya, oranges, and kulfi are their specialities as well.

Stopping at the Jallianwala Bagh-the site of April 13, 1919 massacre of hundreds of British troops.  It sits in close proximity to the Golden temple.  While I stroll around I am not very impressed with the place, but understand the history is quite powerful. I just stroll around and stare deeply into the Martyr well. It reminds me of Silence of the lambs where the girl is stuck deep down in this well being tortured-creepy. 

About to leave, I am approached by a man named Singh. He tells me that Amritsar is full of great people, but also it is full of romance. Priscilla to herself, “Oh here we go again.” He asks if I would like to go to dinner with him in a kind way and I decline because I am going to have dinner with my couch surfer(boy I wish I accepted after hanging out with my couch surfer who was just interested in drinking and I am not).


Leaving off to the Golden Temple- From a distance, the Golden temple did not look like much, but walking inside was a very different experience.  The Golden Temple is the religious center for the Siek Religion.  When you first walk in you give your shoes over to a line full of Punjab’s who lock them up for you. You then walk barefoot into the holy water, down the red carpet stairs, and off into a wonderland of white pillars and Gold.  The red carpet continues along the large body of holy water(the Holy pool of Nectar) where the Golden temple sits in the middle. The cue to go in the Golden temple is filled with what looks to be about a thousand people. 90 percent of the time I make sure to get the full experience and I would wait in line, but this time I decided to skip it and just enjoy things peacefully and slowly.

In different areas, they offer you holy waters in bowls. There are elderly ladies sitting on the floor hand cleaning bowl by bowl.  Above the prayer center in the balcony, they have a royal ceremony with spiritual leaders flashing their swords and a man dusting them over with white feathers. There is a sparkling pink ceiling with a royal red couch where they are seated. People are kneeling on the floor beneath them with such dedication and love for their religion. To give a clearer picture, it reminds me of the balcony in Romeo and Juliet with the followers all lined up beneath the balcony. 

I meet a nice family at the lake who keep speaking Hindi to me and I try my best to respond with the little bit of Hindi I know. I pass my many men bathing in the water in just their underwear dipping their head under one, two, and three times. My couch surfing friend comes to meet me and we have dinner in the upstairs dining area with hundreds lined up being served chapatti, dal makani, rice curd, and subji. A mentally challenged lady sees me sitting and starts shouting at me in Hindi and then hits me really hard on the back. I am mindful of her illness and pay no attention because I know she is ill. But I must say she hit my back pretty hard-of course right near my spine injury-ouch!

We go downstairs where it is a 15 minute prayer time. In front of the water, the Golden temple is glowing with followers on their knees and then standing up at their specific cues. The water is glistening and the air is blowing around a special breeze. This breeze was not your average breeze rather it was a breeze from way up above. I felt it and I think many of his followers felt it too. I decided walking around that I love this temple way more than the Taj mahal because of the holiness that comes from the people, the rituals, the religious leaders, the library, and the overall atmosphere.
After we left, I found out that you can sleep at the Golden Temple.  Something I would have loved to do-oh well maybe next time, but we never know if there will be a next time for things so seize it now. PRIS

Lazy with Languages

I really could have learned basic Hindi by now, but I have become side tracked with people and sightseeing.  Not to mention, I have put very little effort into learning.  I was originally looking for a Hindi book way back in Goa and then became sidetracked with other books along the way.  Knowing Hindi would get me local discounts because everyone says I look Indian, beneficial for improved communication, and signficantly important for volunteer work.  Still I am not writing down phrases and words like I was with Kannada language-Bangalore. 

I have met many people who speak 5-20 languages and I am barely speaking two.  Languages are just not my thing.  Some people are very talented at picking up the language quickly, and I am not, but I also do not put in the effort.  Start learning Priscilla come on!

Pris Loves the Sieks

Heading to Chandigargh was an absolute pleasure due to the nice locals that I met on the bus and my crazy bus driver friend.  I just love the Siek bus drivers wearing the ray ban sunglasses and turbins-it is so cute. 
 
My one friend on the bus worked on a ship as an engineer so he was discussing all his amazing world travels-traveling the world on a ship and making good money-smart way to do it.  He is traveling with his mother back to his village near Amritsar

Like many people that sat next to me on the bus, the nice man sitting directly next to me was Siek.  I was just going to read my book, but we began to chat and it was the perfect learning opportunity to learn about the Siek religion.

Siek(a man learning throughout their lifetime) 

The reading is the Guru Granth

They follow the teaching of ten different gurus and different worships

No physical being following and 500 years old

Sing(is a name of the Siek)

4 rounds script vs. Hinduism which has 7

Four devotional Siek signs:

The silver bracelet on right wrist

No cutting hair or beard

Specific underwear

Turbin and special comb inside the hair

Siek women have similar characteristics and it is common for Sieks to marry Sieks, but with times changing many of these rules are changing.  I saw many Sieks who had their beard cut with cleaned facial hair.  It is the older generation holding on to traditional ways. 
My friend was heading to the temple with his wife for his mother in law’s 100 year old birthday.  The way he peels his orange so softly and speaks in such a kind manner.  He extends a warm offer to come to his home if I visit Chandigarh again.   We agreed to take a photo with one another at the bus stop.  But unfortunately my crazy bus driver did not give me a chance to get my bag and just kept moving.  He moved me all the way to the other side of the bus station. I told him, “Wait, wait, my friend.” There I went jumping off the bus to see if I could find him to say a formal “Goodbye”, but he was gone into the crowds of people. 

Backstreets boys and Pris Pull A Punjabi Wedding Crash

Finishing up a bunch of writing at the local internet cafe(yes I still do not have an Internet connection after hours of hassle-India).  It is around 9pm and I am waiting for my friend Jary to come pick me up.  He gets tied up with work and it ends up that he can not make it.  I do not like inconvencing people, especially my CS hosts so I decide to just hang out around the area of a bit.
At the juice bar, I meet a nice group of local students.  Being close to Punjabi University, there are many students hanging around the area.  I order a carrot juice and say very loudly, "No sugar, no ice-just carrots." I waive my hand in the air obnoxiously so he clearly gets the message.  The local group of boys are laughing, which leads to them initiating conversation with me. It turns out they are not so young-25 and 26 years old working on Masters in Peace and Gandhi studies(This is a degree you can only get in India-it instantly cetches my attention). He begins to speak about how he is almost finished and he will be going to work in South Africa.  It is refreshing seeing young Indian making a difference. 
All five of the boys are from the same village in  Shimla(mountain station 110 kilometers away).  None of them look Indian and I actually go around telling each person where I think they come from 1.) Saudi Arabia 2.) Israel 3.)Poland 4.) American 5.) One actually looked Indian.  They laugh at my identity game and tell me I look like I am from Spain.  

With all our talking, they offer to give me a ride back to my host's house, which I am more than comfortable with.  In the car, they are listening to a variety of Backstreet boys and old love songs from the 90s-oh India. 

On the way, there is a local wedding.  Getting all excited, I say, "Look, Look." We all stop the car in THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY- India! And we get out to take pictures and dance.  The one guy is so sweet.  It is refreshing to meet such sweet, innocent Indian boys.  He says, "Don't worry Pris, just go dance-this is India." We both dance the traditional Punjabi dance near a bunch of drunk men in front of trumpets and loud instruments.  The Punjabi's are very welcoming to the tourist dancing like a fool.  The traditional Punjabi dance involves extending out your left arm right leg, right arm left leg.  In the middle of the highway stands a random Indian guy dancing his heart away to the band.  The groom sits on his white horse covered in money laughing at his friends making fools of themselves.  Everyone is dancing and ALIVE. The faces of the Punjabi are jolly, lively, and full of real expression. 

I tell them that their new name is the Backstreet boys since they are playing their music.  My favorite friend tells me to stay an extra day and he can take me around to the mountains.  He says he has another friend visiting from Ireland and he would love for us to go trekking.  I decline because it is time for me to keep moving, but perhaps I should have stayed one more day.  We agreed to keep in touch and be emailing pen pals-such a nice person. 

And this is India.....

Would you like sugar with your coffee or a side of mouse?

In Chandigargh at the central market area, I was walking by a stand with samosas and speaking to a man with little English.  I was trying to ask if they were Fresh from today because they did not look fresh. I do not know why I bother using the word fresh in India-it is a word that noone understands.  An older man dressed very nicely in suit pants and a business shirt asks if I need any assistance.  He told me I should not eat street food, but my sarcastic self says it is part of the restaurant inside.  He says he is a healthcare associate from London and talks about his niece and other friends who are into psychology.  This is interesting to me and I really cannot find what I am looking for-an internet café where I can plug in my netbook therefore I agree to go to Indian coffee house with him. 
Chandigargh is clean and so is this market area, but this Indian coffee house is not clean.  My London friend says he has been coming there for the past 30 years and they have never renovated the place.  He says the owners were given money probably ten times, but they pocketed it instead-India. 

He orders me a coffee and a masala dosa and I really do not want either of them.  I go to drink my coffee and there goes a mouse right past my cup foot on the ground.  I quickly pull my feet up onto the top rim of the chair.  He does not have any reaction the mouse, but I do.  I do not want to eat place where I can visibally see mice.  He says he was just at a posh restaurant the other day and saw one.  This does not make me feel any better. No mice in my restaurants!  He jokes that this is why he stays in India for a couple weeks and then heads back to London.  Indian Coffee house speciality- coffee and mice.

Chandigarh-Capital of Haryana and Punjab

Being in Chandigargh, I have observed a few different things.


1.)  Most do not look at me like I am a tourist


2.)  Many people look completely different than I expected.  There are Hindus, Christian, Siek, people from the mountain areas of Manali and Shimla


3.)   I have not seen any tourists. Nice being in a real city with    few tourists 


4.)  It makes me feel like I am in the Buffalo Grove of India meaning it is quite suburban-quite, less people, many plazas with commercial stores, and flat land with many green trees 
5.) The Punjabi people are very friendly, nice, and helpful.