Our time in McLeod has been a whirlwind taste of independence and Tibetan culture!
We decided to individually do activities specific to our interests and all of us participated in volunteering and an internship. Activities included a cooking internship (mo’ momos please), mala making/dream catchers, and flute lessons. All of us taught English to Tibetans (many of them monks) and found that looking at your own language from a new perspective is trippy (how do you explain the words ‘also’ or ‘actually’? think about it.) I had a stroke of brilliance as I roamed the streets of McLeod at dusk. My Spanish teacher always taught me to learn language like a child, so what could be better than a child’s picture dictionary? The monks loved it and Dinah and I had a blast laughing at the funny – sometimes politically incorrect – pictures and definitions. Being able to use creative methods to teach was extremely rewarding.
Another defining aspect of this week was the Tibetan homestays which allowed us to connect with families individually. Our experiences were all very unique – some of us slept in one bed with the entire family and no proper shower (Dinah smells… just kidding) while others enjoyed their own room and hot showers. But no matter the family, we all connected in a deep and meaningful way with the Tibetan Buddhist culture and history. You don’t get that staying in hostels!
In our spare time, we ate many legendary Tibetan Specials.. What is this magical treat, you say? There are no words to describe the multitude of emotions that bubble up when your tastebuds are graced by the chocolaty, coconut brilliance. Truly speechless. We also spent copious amounts of money on delicious cappuccinos and keepsakes that we pretended to buy as gifts. Absolutely shameless.
Needless to say, our time in McLeod was the perfect treat to end our scheduled Carpe Diem travel – on to Free Travel and fourteen hour train rides abound!
Signing off – Snarky and Contrary.
p.s. Momos are a delicious Tibetan treat that are much like pot stickers. Yum.
p.p.s. All of the peer group has discovered our inner 7 Dwarves: Snarky, Contrary, Feisty, Angsty, Scaredy, Daizy (Dazed) and Lazy. We love each other, don’t worry.