After the pandemonium of Paharganj, Delhi, the serenity of Sikkim came as a breath of fresh air (literally). We are currently at a homestay, and staying with a fantastic family, the Lepcha’s. They have been more than amazing to us, accommodating our every need and opening their house to us in every way. They also have a beautiful 14 month old boy, who is terrified of Drew (a leader). Its quite hilarious. For the past few days we have been going to volunteer at a local primary school called Phensong. The students there are absolutely incredible; not only do they speak remarkably good English, but they have bright, vibrant attitudes and are great to be around. We’ve been “teaching” them, but basically all that consists of is a couple from our group hanging out in the classroom as we watch them do traditional dances or sing us various local songs. In return, they request some of our traditional dances and songs. What do we do? We botch the national anthem and teach them Soulja Boy (if you dont know what it is, dont look it up). It has been an absolute blast working with these kids during this past week, and all of us have made connections with the students that we will not likely forget. One student from class ten, Lakmi, has become particularly attached to us. She insisted, quite adamantly, that the two of us accompany her to her local monastery. It was one of the most beautiful works of art I have ever seen, and it was great to see an example of a traditional, local monastery. We also were able to contrast that rural monastery with the equally beautiful but definitely different environment of a monastery open to and frequented by tourists.
Our Sikkimese cultural education has been supplemented by lectures from Pema, editor of the largest newspaper in Sikkim, and an astoundingly knowledgeable botanist who welcomed us into his beautiful home and garden, showing us a side of this place one has to dig slightly deeper to find.
Besides the fulfilling activities of our days, we have been experiencing a couple forms of turbulence: bodily and vehicular. Luckily, our group can still find humor in the bold maneuvering of our driver Sashin, a.k.a. Snoop as well as the interesting rumblings of our bellies.
One of our favorite places to chill out and absorb the wonders and trials of the day is on the roof of our homestay house where we have a brilliant view of the mountains speckled with homes. I know that many members of the group have made a connection to this region and feel compelled to return at some point in their lives. It has been a stimulating stay, intellectually, physically, and spiritually, one that we are not going to forget. As we look off the balcony/roof (which happens to be right outside my bedroom- Anna) on a particularly cloudy or foggy day, we cant help but feel as though we’re living in heaven, amongst the clouds. If this is what heaven is, I’ll see you there.
Wish us luck on our week-long trek through the Himalayas!
Anna & Kelley
