NIILM (by Jessica)

It has been a while since we have had time to write!
Things have been very crazy lately as we are all getting used to life in Indian Standard Time. I don't have enough time to write about everything, but off the top of my head right now...
Holi- Holi was SO MUCH FUN! We have some great pictures to post when we get home. It was a lot of fun to dance in the streets with everyone while people threw colored water down onto us from their apartments above. It was very different from how Americans celebrate holidays; the communal aspect of Holi with everyone joining together in the streets was reflective of the culture here in India. I still have spots of paint in my hair and on my arms!

Dharmsala- It was so, so incredible to go to the temple where the Dalai Lama was giving his spring teachings. We got to walk through the entire place while the monks were chanting and listening and then we got to walk right next to the Dalai Lama and see him in person. We later learned that NOBODY gets to do that and we had very special treatment during that trip through the temple. I can't even put it into words right now but it was an incredible experience.
The city was also beautiful and I liked being up in the mountains.

Again, it has been great to get to know Indian students and hear more about their lives and experiences. I like how in the classrooms the Indian students call their professors "Sir" and "Ma'm." One of my new friends from EMPI, Ashoo, told me about her family and how she wants to go into the textile business when she gets her Masters degree. After we celebrated Holi, she asked me about the holidays in America and I had to explain Halloween to her. She had never heard of it! I love being in a place that is so different from America and where the culture is not totally Americanized. There are certainly modern/American aspects here and there, but the Indian students are very proud of their culture.

I think it is time to go!
-Jessica