We have had an amazing few days in Pokhara. We woke up early yesterday morning and saw the sunrise over Annapurna (22,000 ft!). The kids were all ready to go by 4 am...yes...very impressive if you ask me. Our bus could only take us to a certain point in the road and we hiked to Sarankot Village to witness this breathtaking scene. How many kids can say they have seen the sun rise in the Himilayan mountains? For that matter, how many adults that are this fortunate? After a bit of rest, we went canoeing on Lake Phewa and had a blast! The kids spent time in the village, shopping, soaking up the culture and eating incredible food. We also visited an elementary school for kids who live in the local villages, mostly from the untouchable caste and are unable to afford other schooling. They sang songs for us, both in Hindi and English and it was a great experience. In fact, they all sang Happy Birthday to Genevieve! It was pretty awesome to say the least. We also visited a Tibetan refugee village where many orphans live and go to school. We had a chance to see their carpet factory, their Monastery, and shop in their stores. It was a good feeling to know that we were helping a group of people who have been exiled from their land and have nowhere to call home. The kids were very moved by this experience. Although they are all missing the comforts of home, your kids are amazing and have been very flexible and supportive of each other. They read the letters from home and were very happy to have a reminder of home as we approach the middle of this magnificent trip.
Some details about your great kids: Genevieve had a great birthday and chose a great restaurant for dinner!! She looked beautiful, wore a dress AND make-up!! This came about with bribe from Mr. B who promised to shave off his beard if Genevieve dressed up! Needless to say, Mr. B is beardless...and many of the boys followed suit by shaving their heads into mohawks. Sam D. had a very powerful experience in the Himilayas and adds his wisdom and travel experience to our group.
Corey is such a trooper and is up for any challenge, no complaints and a smile ALWAYS on her face.
R. D. is a star on this trip and has such a positive attitude, spends time supporting his friends and incredibly mature. Andrew has been a amazing mentor and role model for all of the students! He has a great ability to hang out with them, have fun and also be a role model. It is like having a fourth chaperone. Sam Singer is having a blast and always has a positive story to tell and a kind word.
Your kids are great. More later....
Cindy Souser
Some details about your great kids: Genevieve had a great birthday and chose a great restaurant for dinner!! She looked beautiful, wore a dress AND make-up!! This came about with bribe from Mr. B who promised to shave off his beard if Genevieve dressed up! Needless to say, Mr. B is beardless...and many of the boys followed suit by shaving their heads into mohawks. Sam D. had a very powerful experience in the Himilayas and adds his wisdom and travel experience to our group.
Corey is such a trooper and is up for any challenge, no complaints and a smile ALWAYS on her face.
R. D. is a star on this trip and has such a positive attitude, spends time supporting his friends and incredibly mature. Andrew has been a amazing mentor and role model for all of the students! He has a great ability to hang out with them, have fun and also be a role model. It is like having a fourth chaperone. Sam Singer is having a blast and always has a positive story to tell and a kind word.
Your kids are great. More later....
Cindy Souser
I still can't get over the fact that you guys have - seen the sunrise over Annapurna, had a beautiful and clear day from which to see Everest, that you have played soccer with Buddhist monks, that both Genevieve and Phillip are wearing dresses, that monkeys enjoy drinking out of cups (while daintily holding the handle with their pinky extended) that you get to "lay down" rather than sit while you are eating a meal at a restaurant, that you have seen one of the most spectacular World Heritage sites on the planet, that you have hiked to Sarangkot Village and that you are very likely rafting the Ganges and seeing incredible things in Rishikesh as I write this entry. Amazing, simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteWe cannot wait to hear every single story that you all have to share. I cannot tell you how many times I have read and reread every single posting and scrolled through the images you have taken. It is just great to hear how everyone of you is helping to keep each other strong, laughing, cared-for, encouraged, and focused on the joy of the journey-even when what comes your way is, no-doubt, challenging and exhilarating all at once. You go guys! And, Mr. B has it right-girls do rock!
Special note to Marco—So glad to see that you are not as skinny as a Walking Stick bug because you could not find nut-free food. Luca and Dad are home from Italy-they both send hugs your way. Buddy and Jet decided not to travel this summer but are talking India and Nepal for next summer, with plans underway for a quick jaunt up the Lhotse face on Everest. Buddy would like that. Jet-maybe not so much.