Dharmsala

dharmsala is really nice. i like it alot better then amritsar and delhi. it is very beautiful. everywhere you look there are mountains, trees, and cute houses. the air is alot more fresh here and although there is still pollution ( i am lucky enough to live right next to the place people dump their garbage! ) it seems alot cleaner. The animals are actually fed, most people dont stare at you like you are a mixture between an alien and god, and there are a lot less beggars. it is also alot quieter and peaceful. it radiates a holy, compassionate energy that i love. It is very different then any other place that we have been in india so far..it feels like we arent even in india! the tibetan government has set up refugee here so mostly the town is filled with tibetans. the food is different, culture, everythign. Right now I am sitting in an internet cafe in my host moms traditional tibetan dress because today is Losare (spelling?) the tibetan new year. usually there is alot of dancing and celebration but after all of the tibetan lives lost last year during the olympics tibetans have decided to boycott it as a sign of respect. I am going to meet up shortly with my global lab group and then go to temple with my homestay family. I really like my homestay family. My house is all the way at the edge of town so it is a far walk to anywhere (but at least ill get in shape!) the view is amazing though. I have my own room even thoguh everyone else in the family shares rooms. I have a mom, dad, grandma, 3 sisters, and a brother. My mom is one of the most caring women I have ever met, my father was in the military for 32 years and now works to protect his holiness the dali lamas temple. It is kinda awkward with the sisters beause they are around my age and dont seem that interestign in getting to know me. the younger brother is terribly ill but is still the best. He is full of energy and is very naughty always climbing on things and jumping out at you. the dog is really cute...very fluffy and energetic. she reminds me alot of my dog boo. Her name is Cindu which i think is funny because my stuffed animal that i always sleep with (shut up i know im a loser) is named cinders.