Author: A Showalter
Reach Out
March 17 By Duke Cowart. Clap, clap, clap: The sound the chapati flour makes as it is tossed carefully and flawlessly between Myah’s hands. Smoke begins to billow in the attic and I can’t even pry my eyelids open without my eyes tearing up. Looking through the hazy attic it is hard to not notice … Continue reading Reach Out
By popular demand…more photos
Descent to the plains
March 16 We awoke early yesterday morning in Agora and watched the sun light up the snow-capped peaks. After saying tearful farewells to Suman’s mother, grandmother, and sister/ our fellow traveler, Madhu, we hiked down to the trailhead. We ate a delicious breakfast in Uttarkashi and then wound our way through the mountains to Mussoorie, … Continue reading Descent to the plains
Agora photos
Novice to Experienced
By Jack Barker My first year in India was a life-changing experience for the good. But I made many mistakes and many fast judgments of people and missed opportunities that I would now take back. In all honesty I was scared, which is hard for me to admit. This year the tables have turned; I’ve … Continue reading Novice to Experienced
Ikra
By Beliz Yilmaz (From March 3) After visiting two completely different temples of different religions in Delhi, we were on our way to Akbar’s house in rickshaws. Akbar is the owner of the rickshaw company we used to get around old Delhi; he is Muslim. After going to a Bahá’i and a Hindu temple, it … Continue reading Ikra
Agora Welcome
by Angela Showalter We reached Agora yesterday in time for our first meal with host families after a long drive through the mountains, an overnight stay in Uttarkashi, and a sunny two-hour hike from the trailhead. Splitting into groups of 4 and 5, we followed our hosts to their homes and enjoyed our first tastes … Continue reading Agora Welcome
Rishikesh and Mountains
by Colin Mulherin We started the day by driving to Rishikesh, the city where the Beatles wrote The White Album. This was probably the strangest city I have ever visited. Rishikesh wasn’t chaotic like New Delhi, but it was a strange mix of Indian and western cultures, all in one small city. This was the … Continue reading Rishikesh and Mountains
Daring Adventure
By Sophie Scott Throughout our trip, a good rule of thumb is to use your phone as little as possible. You don’t want to miss the perplexing pace of the city street (or get hit by a motorbike carrying a woman nursing her baby in the process) nor the beauty of the plains outside the … Continue reading Daring Adventure