Ladies Venture Guesthouse Dharamsala

On my last day in Dharamsala I finally decided to see something outside of the town. So get up early and went for a walk up to the church. It was a fab walk, walking under the pine trees in the dappled light looking at the views of the mountains. It was only a couple of k's to the church. On the way bumped into an Aussie guy who was walking up to the top of the mountain so he decided to take a small diversion to the church as well. Rather ...

Himachal Pradesh is a showcase of some of the most panoramic Dhauladhar peaks of the Himalayas. Hotel Valley View Crest in Dharamshala-at the foothills of the Strawberry the White Mountains'-nestles snugly amidst natures bounty. The hotel promises to cater, who comes to savour the majestic hill station and rejuvenate his mind and body. Situated viewing Kangra valley hotel surely forms high label of hospitality.<br><br>Excellent pieceful Hotel.<br><br>How to ...

Ok, it has been a while. My days have been filled with sickness, recovery, saris, spicy food, bland food, dancing and fireworks. The staff had a wonderful fourth of July celebration, which included french fries, barbecue chicken, ice cream and cake. They also lit fireworks for us. Himachali evening was very special. The ladies got all glamified with makeup ...

... frustrated, frazzled, and totally exhausted. He went on to tell us his adventure and we listened with our mouths wide open and hand over our eyes. It went a little something like this: Jon made it from the cottage to McLeodGanj in no time and after asking some men for directions, proceeded up the streets toward the forest paths. Unfortunately, even with the map, he was misguided and ended up taking a route that led him down, instead of up, and into a ...

... we are learning Tibetan very quickly, although it is a rather difficult language to learn with 30 letters and all sorts of super and sup scripts. Yesterday we had our first language exam and after wards we did something I had expected to do in my German classes but not in Tibetan, we sang a traditional drinking song and everyone drank Chang, the traditional Tibetan beer, in class! They have very interesting drinking rituals. They put three dabs of ...

... all of the volunteers are OBAMA!Today (wednesday) we just had a CHILL day. We woke up late, made banana pancakes, and then the staff took us to the Norbulingka Institue of Tibetan Art. The museum is meant to preserve the Tibetan culture and art. It was really beautiful, but sad that such an interesting, creative, amazing culture is being so oppressed and was so sadly taking over by the Chinese government. The Tibetans have really created a new home ...

... where we caught a bus to Sidhibari. The monsoon rains started pouring heavily before we found the right bus and when it dropped us right in front of the monastery, the rocky road seemed more like a creek as my feet were completely submerged with flowing water. We made our way into the complex, towards the beautiful temple. The temple stood atop a high flight of stairs that looked like a fountain with the rain water flowing down. We removed our shoes and ...

... Many walk around barefoot keeping us continually amused. You'll be pleased to know though Helen and i haven't yet succumbed to the 'Travelers/ Hippies' dress code and still look pretty much normal, but if we spend much more time here you never know.... maybe we need to leave soon before wearing pink and yellow stripy pooh catcher trousers and leather waistcoats start taking our fancy!! Well i must go i have students waiting to be taught..................... ha!

... the wind burning my face so that it will be red when i get home, when i return to my castle, my haven, my retreat, my "norbulingka" my "jewel park" where I've found art and peace and friends this past month... how do you leave? how do you leave what you love, even when you return to other things you love deeply? the funny surprised face that Meawo gives me when i run into him in the Thangka painting studio, the dorky "oh wow ...

... shops. We thought this might go on for a couple of days, or until Nancy Pelosi had left, but it's lasted the whole time we've been here, and shows no sign of letting up. In fact we've heard stories of restaurants being open, but then being told it would be a 'good idea' for them to close. To begin with, and while all the media were in town (and there were lots of them - including the BBC!) it really put the message across. After 5 days, and with the media all gone, we ...