Week of 9/22

9/22 Ride from Kim to Stony Ground School. Walked to Adult Education unit for class.
Helen from St. Lucia was there. Had discussion on potential sources of project
funding with Andrew Simmons. Avocado sandwich for lunch. After PACA session, we met with the cell phone salesperson. I talked to Helen for a while about my assignment
at LLBTC. Saw Lovie and Kim outside; we went grocery shopping together. I cooked up
some chunks with peas and rice for dinner. We watched Batman: Dark Night.
9/23 - Internship at Liberty Lodge BTC. Mrs. Wilson asked me to teach Raja and
Harris about angles. Jeffrey and Helen from Peace Corps stopped by and I showed
Helen around. We sat down to speak to Mr. Akers. After Helen left, Mr. Akers and I
went to the Ministry of Sports in town to meet with Nelson Hillocks. We discussed
many possibilities for sports at LLBTC. Mr. AKers introduced me to the people in
some of the other divisions (Gender Affairs, Community Development.) I grabbed a
double (wheat wraps with crushed chick peas and various sauces - pepper, golden
apple, and mango), and took a van back up to LLBTC. After lunch, I spent more time
with Raja and Harris to teach them angles. I then updated the antivirus software on
the computers. I watched the boys warming up to play the pan drums.
Kerene and I walked down towards Kim's parents house (Stephanie and Ben), and Anna
gave us a ride there in her car. Saw Kimberli, Shanelle and Janelle. Had some cherry/ginger juice.
9/24 Anna gave me a ride halfway to town. Did laundry, had roti for dinner (made by Lovie), went by Todd’s to use internet. Hung out with Chesley on the porch while I called Dad to say happy birthday. Also talked to Deborah and Billy.
9/25 Had sugar apple (like an apple with small green dreadlocks) with breakfast. Shadowing: Met with Faustina Lewis at the Youth Department. Discussed the upcoming Youth Month activities. Ann and Shawn were both there. Shawn and I went up to the Peace Corps office to talk to Mr. Cool. We then walked over to the Rasta Ranch for their “cook-up” lunch. Talked to Latoya. On my way to the Post Office, Shawn got harassed by some random guy, I ran into Vicky, then I ran into Sharon. Van back up to GH. Hung out w/Kerene and took some of my laundry off of the line. Had chunks and potatoes with rice and black-eyed peas for dinner.
-Went to Andrew Simmons’ lecture about Doc Earl Kirby at the National Trust Museum. Ann was also there. Walked most of the way back up to GH, when a van brought me up to the Plan. Said hi to Chesley before heading home.
9/26 Stopped by Liberty Lodge. During workout, did 65 pushups. Interview w/Cool. Got a Cell phone. Lovie's Dad's (Bobby) Bday – party delayed. Climbed coconut tree. Blackwine.

9/27 Vans to Chateaubelair. Richmond. Cliff diving and swimming. Party at Bobby’s house. Winding. A lady asked me for $20 after she had showed me some dance moves. It seemed very inappropriate.
9/28 Watched an adult baptism at Golden Age Center in the river. It was a great experience. Church in Byrea. Lunch at the Haynes’ house (macaroni pie, breadfruit salad, okra, zaboca, etc) Did 75 pushups.

Week of 9/15

9/15 Class. Got a double at lunch. After working out, had some nice potato, pasta,
and black-eyed peas with all-sorts of Caribbean seasoning.
9/16 LLBTC, Tried a golden apple. Went to Benjamin's 54th birthday party. Had
Mackeson, mango, listened to the girls sing gospel music by the road and had a icy-
pop. dinner-rice, beans, roasted veggies, roasted breadfruit, breadfruit salad (like
potato salad), salad, Smalta, Apple Ju-c.
9/17 Class in K-town. Had some bread pudding from Steve and Shannon. Took Veira's van up from town. Wrote my 1st letter to Mrs. Harris' 6th Grade Class. I did 50 push-
ups, my new personal record. Lovie made pizza w/bread slices and some veggies.
9/18 Saw Leigh, Ann, Vicky, and Laura at the Peace Corps office. Mollie arrived, and
Leigh and I walked with her to the Special Needs School on the Back Street. We held
an art class for the kids. We used our shoes to trace an outline of a fish, then
used finger paints to color them in. The kids there have various disabilities,
including Down Syndrome and hearing impairment. I saw Bev from the Ministry of
Education (I think), who'll be helping get more resources at the LLBTC (Liberty
Lodge Boys Training Center). We then walked to Dulces near Heritage Square for
soursop smoothies. Soursop is a large green fruit, with dark bumps on it, and tastes
great. Mollie showed us where Geary's grocery store is. I looked for the Venezuelan
Embassy, where they hold Spanish courses, but I couldn't find it. Since it was cool
and rainy, I walked back up to Green Hill. Talked to Chesley and Moses. Stopped by
Todd's place for a quick visit, as his dog was sick. At home, watched a beautiful
sunset with Kerene.
9/19 Field Trip to Georgetown. Left PC Office late, picked up most of other PCVs
along the way in the rain (in the Scorpio van.) Had to take some backroads to avoid
some rockslides. Stopped at a Seniors home at black point in Georgetown, but no one
was there. We then went to marion house, which was under construction. 3 Volunteers
were waiting for us at St. Benedict's home for children with special needs. The kids
played pan for us, which was excellent. We ate our lunches at Blackpoint beach. On
the windy drive home, we drove through Mesopotamia. The trip ended back at the PC
Office. A few of us went to DLime at Heritage Sq. for an hour or 2. Went back up
Green Hill.

9/20 Watched Hot Fuzz. Went to Daika and Sueann's wedding in Questelles. Was held at
an Evangelical Church. The pastor talked about how he was against gay and lesbian
marriages, moments after talking about how important unity is in today's world. Went
to the Reception down the road. They had several toasts, and then let many people
say a few words to the Bride and Groom. The MC was a relative of Daika. The DJ
played some soft music and then some fun music during dinner. I had rolls, potato
salad, macaroni pie, veggies, potatoes, etc
Stopped by KFC, Kim's parents house to pick up Kerene. Went home, and I had some
black cake from the wedding.
9/21 Had some horse mango for breakfast. Played Kerene at dominoes, with a horse
mango as the prize. Met up with Todd. We had lunch at his homestay w/Eileen, Mr. &
Mrs. Wynn, and Courtney (Big Daddy Kane). Courtney told us about his troubles
getting home the night before, due to a rock slide across the road near Green Hill.
We sat on the porch discussing Organic vs. Chemical farming while it poured. Went to
Todd's place to watch the Red Sox and check my email. Went home for dinner after
stopping by Chesley's place. Went down to the bar to play pool w/Todd+Samantha, but
it was closed. We went by Keith's shop and had some Hairoun, then some Carib.

St. Vincent - Week 2

9/8 Had corn flakes with strawberry soy milk for breakfast. Made 2 avocado
sandwiches to take for lunch. Kim dropped me off in town, I then walked to Adult
Educ. Unit. The Institutional/NGO group met with Andrew Simmons to discuss St.
Vincent's Politics, Economics, Social, Technological, and Enviromental issues, then
a SWOT analysis. Had my sandwich javascript:void(0)and some homemade local cherry juice. We presented our community maps and learned about interviewing community members. Took Vera's van back up to GH. Stopped at Todd's to discuss the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup day, and our plan to head to Chateaubelair for a weekend. Walked home, did my homework, and read some of the EC Lonely Planet. Helped prepare dinner. Had a stew of local sweet potato, pasta shells, and chunks. It was delicious.
9/9 After meditation and exercise, had corn flakes, crackers (biscuits) with butter
or peanut butter plus some avocado. Internship at Liberty Lodge. Spoke to Mr. Akers.
Observed Mrs. Ralph talk to the kids about using the bathrooms and not destroying
electrical outlets. Talked to Mr. Joseph at the woodshop. Talked to Mr. Browne. Had
avocado sandwich for lunch. Went to computer lab, where Alex and Iona were. Worked
on updating the software on the computers. Talked to Mrs. Brown-Arrindell, the
counselor for the kids and parents. Met the volunteer from Hungary. Then walked over
to the GHSCC Library, but Todd wasnt there. Went to Keith's shop to buy some snacks.
Saw Keon and Chesley at the GHSCC. Went back to the house. Helped Kerene w/her
homework. We walked down to Todd's and the shop, but couldn't find Todd. Saw Chesley after he had played futball. Zoe was there too. Walked back, and had leftover sweet potato, chunks, and shells. Read guide to playing harmonica and practiced a little
bit.
9/10 Class in town. Had training on lecture vs. group discussion styles of teaching.
1st Aid training and Mental Health/Stress Reduction training. Went to Keith's Shop
with Kerene to buy stuff for Lovie's bday.
9/11 House of Hope. Rose Hall Primary School - Gave presentation to 4th + 5th
Graders in the Town Hall about HIV/AIDS prevention. Took bus to Chateaubelair, and
then back to Peace Corps Office.
For Lovies Birthday, we went to her dad's house in Largo Heights. I cut open a
coconut with a cutlass. They made a vodka and coconut water drink. We had a "lime"
on the porch for most of the evening, Lovie's dad talked about how he has kids with
12 different women. Renica, Lovie, Kerene, Kim, Kim's dad + girlfriend. Dinner took
a long time, but was good (breadfruit and chunks.) Benjamin came by to help Kim
w/the car due to a dead battery.
9/12 Class in town. We learned more Vincy Dialect. "Par ay yo go?" which means,
"Where are you going?" Went to Heritage Sq. for some lunch w/the other volunteers.
The cart that sells double wasn't there, so we got veggie roti from the Spicy Roti
truck. We saw Mrs. Olivier, and she showed us good places for roti and doubles.
After class, Leigh, Shawn, Stephanie, and I walked to the bus terminal in the rain.
We went to Questelles to go to Mollie's bday party. The bus conductor pointed us in
the wrong direction. We finally got to Mollie's place. We played flip cup with
jungle juice. There were chips, guacamole, and chex mix. We went down to the beach
for a moonlight swim. Some of the group swam out to a moored boat. Todd just swam
off. Back at Mollie's house, I played my 1st game of beer pong (using jungle juice).
Mollie made fresh quesadillas, while Molly made fresh guacamole. I Walked down to
the beach to tell Todd that there was food at the house. As the group started
playing dominoes, I walked to the main road through Camden Park to catch one of the
last buses. The bus terminal in town was closed for the night, so I started walking
up to Green Hill. After 10 minutes, the last van of the night brought me home. Got
home at about 10:30 PM. Fell asleep around 11:30. At 4AM, Lovie knocked on my door
to see if I was home. She had called Todd earlier wondering where I was (when I was
home all along).
9/13 Bread w/grapefruit marmalade for breakfast. Helped Kim replace the battery
terminals in his car. Exercised, helped Kerene with her homework. Shaved. Lentils,
chunks, potatoes, and dumplings for lunch. Nap. Kim drove me to town. Took a van
towards Arnos Vale Sports Field, but got off at Joshua airport by accident. Had to
walk around to get to the field. Saw Leigh, Stephanie, Gary and Molly there. Molly
looked at me as if she had just seen a ghost. She told me the story of how everyone
thought I was lost the night before.
We did an aerobics demonstration out on the field during the Wellness Revolution. We
walked around the info booths, and got a variety of samples of local breads. I tried
5-finger (star fruit) and lime juice. I saw Kim, who later played the national
anthem before the speeches started. Before the speeches, they had demonstrations for
Tae Kwon Do, Soccer, Tennis, Rugby, and boxing. Tried the ginger "beer," and had
some plum rose, banana/cinnamon sort of cake. I saw the 3 European volunteers from
Liberty Lodge Training Center. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves gave a speech about
health in St. Vincent. Mr. Akers was there, and he gave me a ride back to Green
Hill.
Went to Todd's to use the internet. Tried Lovie's homemade Ginger "beer". Watched
Kung Fu with Lovie.
9/14 Did Laundry. Went by Todd's in the afternoon. Watched them play a dodge game
with an American football.

Week of 9/1 - PST Begins

9/1 Walked w/ Kim to get bus to 1st day of PST training. Received bug net and
medical kit. After training, Kim picked me up. I took a nap, then we talked on the
porch. I showed them photos. We made callaloo with chunks, green sauce, ketchup,
veggies, garlic, onion, and rice. We watched Enemy of the state together.
9/2 Shaved, showered, and headed down to town on van. Opened bank account at RBTT,
and saw many other PCV's there. We walked around the shops, and then to the waterfront. A few went to lunch, and the rest of us walked down to the ferry/cruise liner port. We saw Cheslie from Green Hill. We got maps and brochures from the Ministry of Tourism.
Took a van back up to Green Hill Plan. Had leftover callaloo. Kerene came home while I was playing some harmonica. We went down to Todd's to pump up the football. We all
went down to the football (soccer) field to play some American football. Many of the
local kids joined us. Afterwards, by the small library, Lovie came up in a van very
worried about Kerene and I, since I did not answer my US cell phone. We assured her
that we were fine all along, and she headed back to work. Keon showed me a little
bit about cricket batting. We walked back up to the house. I started a load of
laundry. I went by Todd's place to use the internet, then back up to the house. I
had chips (french fries) then a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. I then hung all
my wet clothes out on the line in the dark, with Angel barking at me.
9/3 PST at the Adult Education Unit on Middle St. After class, several of us went to
an internet cafe. I then shopped around for hangers, tissues, a sharpie, and some q
-tips. I ran into Kim at the bus terminal. I took the van back up. I played dominoes
with Kerene. I had some spicy chunks w/rice for a late lunch. I exercised as Kerene
tried to imitate me. I shaved, while Kerene was enthralled by my laptop. I had cup
of instant rice for dinner with a glass of sugary fruit drink. Read my Dalai Lama
book as I waited for Todd's radio show. His show never came on...perhaps I had the
wrong station on.
9/4 Lovie walked me to the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Center. Met Mr. Othniel
Browne, who introduced me to the other staff members and gave me a tour of the
campus. I spent a couple of hours in the computer lab, getting the interned up and
running, and getting a couple of the computers to work. Walked back home. Had
avocado (zaboca) and veggie sandwich. Made "Callaloo Cook-Up" with Lovie and Auntie Katy. Asked about the vans and taxis. Walked around Green Hill to do community mapping. Went to Kim's parents' house and had some 5-finger juice (starfruit). They picked some passion fruit for us, and gave us a breadfruit. Stopped at Todd's and saw Cheslie and Jaron. Walked home, met Renica (Lovie's sister). Jaron followed us. Went back to Todd's to skype the family. Back home to eat the callaloo. Played cards with Kerene.
9/5 Walked to Kingstown after not being able to find a van. Had some great bread
pudding made by Steve and Shannon. Learned some Vincy Dialect. Had a panel
discussion with the EC77 volunteers. Went to Lime Bar in Heritage Sq. w/many other
volunteers (EC78, Todd, Molly, Molly, Katie, Kate, Dane, Marco, Amy, Lara, Laura,
Brendon. ) Met Laird from Canada. We took part in the Lime in Heritage Sq. Had some
Richie's Fries, saw Kim, listened to Soca and Reggae blasting through the speakers.
Went back up to GH w/Todd. I heated up some callaloo and watched Office Space and
some Simpsons.
9/6 Went to PC Office for EAP meeting. Took van back up to GH. Todd, Kim, Kerene,
Kerry, and I drove up towards Mt. St. Andrews. we hiked to the top. On the way back
down, we had some plum rose. When we got home, we had some some chunks with
breadfruit and dumpling (wheat flour). Did some exercising. Watched The Matrix.
9/7 Watched The Matrix Reloaded. Finished drawing my community map. Had lunch -
blackeyed peas with rice, carrot, and baked beans. Walked to Todd's to see if the
Pat's game was on, but only the Texans v. Steelers was on. Chesley came by, and we
jogged down to the catholic church. Todd and Chesley kept jogging, while I rested my
knees. A drunk guy accused me of being from the CIA. We hiked back up to GH, as Kim
drove by us. Watched highlights of the Patriots victory, checked my email. Todd gave
me some freshly picked avocado to bring home. Had some leftovers from lunch for
dinner.

St. Vincent - 1st day of Pre-Service Training.

-Walked w/ Kim to get bus to 1st day of PST training.
-Received bug net and medical kit. After training, Kim picked me up.
-I took a nap, then we talked on the porch. I showed them photos. We made callaloo with chunks, green sauce, ketchup, veggies, garlic, onion, and rice.
-We watched Enemy of the State.

-Meditated and exercised w/Kerene.
-Watched Pirates of Caribbean 3. Nap, then blowing bubbles on the deck.
-Went to Cheslie's house w/Todd. Then went to basketball court to play with the kids. Went to meet some of the locals. Checked email at Todd's place w/Cheslie.
-Fresh baked bread, chunks w/lentils and macaroni pie for dinner. Played pool w/Todd and some of the locals (Dwight, Moses) at the local bar. Listened to plenty of reggae.

Arrival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fly to St. Vincent. After warm welcome from current PCVs, including Todd in a cape, drove to Police Band Building with host family (Kim, Lovie, and Kerene). Went to my new house in Green Hill. We went to Foodcity to get groceries. They bought me soy milk, peanut butter and chunks. St. Vincent is a beautiful island, with lush, green mountains. Kingstown is full of interesting streets and beautiful churches.
For dinner, I had rice and a Caribbean curry w/soy chunks. Then we watched Dancehall Queen (Jamaica) and Why I Got Married.

Day 3 of Peace Corps Orientation/Training

Last day of orientation. Local music and dancing at dinner. Went to Stress Off Bar near the Pastoral Centre.

St. Lucia Peace Corps Training

Peace Corps training all day. Got to try the star fruit, guava, and breadfruit.

Arrival in St. Lucia

-Group Leader for bus ride. Checked into flight. Lunch w/Desmond, Shawn, and Rachel. Last phone calls home.
-Flight to St. Lucia. Sat next to Alisa. Good view of Piton mountains.
-Bus ride to Pastoral Retreat Center. Told jokes and used mic as tour guide.
-Dinner w/noodles, salad, and fruit-like potato-like (green fig) salad. Ice cream w/watermelon slices in it.
-Played a fun game of Texas Hold 'Em w/Jim, Alisa, and Kelly.

Miami Day 2

-PC orientation, Lunch at Subway w/Shawn, Ashley, and Melaney. Story telling w/sponge bob,
volunteered as group leader (to get everyone to the airport).
-Pizza + Presidente outside by pool. Hot tub. A few phone calls before leaving the country.

Peace Corps Staging in Miami, Florida

-Early flight from Logan to Miami. Hotel shuttle w/Jason.
-Lunch in hotel, then Peace Corps orientation - Bingo; draw our fears; and things looking forward to.
-Dinner at Cafe Versailles (Cuban).
-Cribbage and Presidente in 6th Floor Lobby with Haley, Leigh, Jason, Shelby, and Desmond.

Last day at home before Peace Corps

Lunch w/Grandpa, Lisa at Uncle Artie's.
-Grasshopper w/Lisa, Billy, Jason.
-Harmonica from Daddy's junky music. Books from Barnes + Noble.
-Packed and said goodbye to Lisa, Billy, Bryan, and Joelle.

Party at Lisa's Place

-A combined housewarming and farewell party at Billy and Lisa's house. Got to say goodbye to most of my family, and many of my friends. Played wiffleball, the ring toss game, and plenty of Nintendo Wii.

Saturday Fun

-Hiked up Blue Hill and then along the Skyline Trail w/Jason, Paul, and Mandy.
-Lunch at Emma's Pub.
-Dinner at My Thai in Brookline w/Martha and Paul.
-Shantel and Jared's (Jack's) House Party in Cambridge.

Tim's Bday at the Charlie Horse

G. Love and Special Sauce

-Went to the G. Love and Special Sauce show with Lisa, Billy, Deborah, and Jason at the B.O.A. Pavillion. John Butler Trio opened and rocked the house. Jason danced with some older girls.

Camping Trip in Vermont

-Drove up in the rain with Billy, Lisa, Deborah, and Mike. When we arrived at Coolidge State Park, Luke, Sarah, and Martha had the campfire raging for us.
-Overly-strict park rangers made us move our tents.
-Went hiking in Quechee Gorge.
-Visited the Long Trail Brewery.
-Hiked in the State Park, and had to deal with the overly strict rangers. (Is it wrong to walk on to an empty campsite to take a photo of the mountains?)
-Relaxed by the campfire, while listening to campfire appropriate music.
-Went to Burlington. Dinner at Vermont Pub & Brewery. Went to the Vermont Lake Monsters minor league baseball game. I ran into Brian from Trek America while at the game. He had been working at some resort near Burlington all summer.
-Went to the waterfront of Lake Champlain. Drove back to Malden. Took the T to the Sox game. Met up with Tim. We watched the Sox beat the Rangers 19 to 17. It was probably the craziest baseball game I have ever been to.

Back to Biotech!

-Started 3+ weeks of consulting for Lonza Biologics in Hopkinton. I was able to work with many former co-workers from Amgen.

Plymouth, MA

-Hanging out at the beach and the cottage with the family.

Karla's 30th Bday Party

Painting

-Spent 4 days painting my step-sister's house, since I hadn't had a job in 11 months.

Stan + Gigi's going away party for Greg

Stayed up till 2 AM talking about music with Stan!

July 4th Weekend

-Golf with the family.
-Party at Luke and Sarah's in Connecticut. Texas Hold 'Em.
-Party at Steve & Paige's place. Wiffleball and fireworks.
-Red Sox game w/Dad. Dice-K beat the Twins.

Road Trip to Maryland

-Josh Ritter's Concert w/the Boston Pops at the Boston Symphony Hall.
-Overnight drive to MD, then visited Christina in the hospital.
-Greg's graduation party, then out for Mexican food.
-Cade's christening, then a clean shave from Aunt Mary. She put on an African dress and hat for the occasion.
-Dinner at the Inner Harbor.
-Liberty State Park to see the Statue of Liberty w/Lisa and Billy.
-Rock Bottom Brewery in Braintree for my Birthday (answered Judd's 101 questions about Mt. Everest Base Camp.)

Chatta Box in B'water

Thai food w/Joel, Carla, Lisa, Billy.

Trivia Night at the Nutty Irishman

PawSox

2 Pawtucket Red Sox games in one weekend. Plus Emma's Pub.

Cairo to Boston

-Took bus to Cairo Airport. A traffic police officer tried to get me to pay 20 pounds to get to Terminal 2, instead of waiting a few minutes for the FREE shuttle.
-Arrived back in USA at JFK Airport. Took flight back to Boston (1st time watching tv in weeks).
-Mom and Jason picked me up at Logan, and we headed straight to the Grasshopper in Allston to meet up with Lisa, Billy, and Bryan. I ordered the Happy Family special.

Alexandria and Cairo

Last full day on the road - 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days after going from CT to Boston, back to CT. -Woke up w/beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
-Athineos Cafe for breakfast. Saw Khartoum Column. Graeco-Roman Museum was closed.
-Went to Bibliotheca Alexandria, w/"Death Star" Planetarium. Amazing library and museum.
-Train back to Cairo. Visited Old Cairo/Coptic Cairo. Saw the Hanging Church, built on top of Roman Towers in the 7th Century. After paying some baksheesh, walked outside to see the Roman Towers.
-Walked down alley w/St. George Convent, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and St. Barbara's Church. Supposedly, Moses, Jesus, and Mary have all visited this place.
-Back to Lialy Hostel.
-Dinner at Estoril - hummus, pita, eggplant.
-Ran into Yosra at internet cafe. Went to Zahnet al-Bustan for Karkadeh and Sheesha(which never came).
-Went to El-Abd Bakery for baklava.
-Midan Orabi for apple sheesha and karkadeh.

Cairo and Alexandria

Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 970 AD. Mr. Muhammed gave me a great summary of Islam, plus some informative booklets.
-Walked to Midan Hussein. Bought a papyrus painting in Khan Al-Khalili. Stopped at Fishawi's Coffeehouse (Ahwa) for the famous mint shai.
-Walked through Islamic Cairo.
-Train to Alexandria. Roman Amphitheater. Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea along the Corniche near Fort Quitbey (former site of the Pharos Tower, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders Of The World.)
-Checked into Hotel Crillon w/beautiful views of the sea.
-China House for dinner on top of the famous Cecil Hotel (Sofitel). Met Eman and Manar there.
-Jumped off a moving bus, then saw the Mohammed Ali Statue (not the boxer). Many little kids playing in the square after 11 PM!
-Watched Italy beat France in the EuroCup match while at the Cap d'Or bar.

Dahab, Egypt

Dahab, Egypt

-Coloured Canyon Jeep and Hiking trip. Lunch at a Bedouin desert oasis. Hikes some more and ended with some rock climbing.
-Got a really sick stomach again, so I skipped the overnight trip to Mt. Sinai + St. Katherine's Monastery.

Dahab, Egypt

-Swam along coral reef in Red Sea, then walked along the boardwalk. Had views of Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
-Back to Penguin for some Bedouin Tea.
-Nirvana India for some Punjab Chole. Then tried the peach sheesha.

Dahab, Egypt

Bus stopped many times during the night. Brief stop at Sharm-El-Sheikh.
-Arrived in Dahab w/Luciano, Flavio, and Yosra. Rode in back of pick up truck to Penguin Village.
-Koshari for dinner, and watched the European Cup match while sitting by the Red Sea.

Luxor

-Medinat Habu Temple
-The Ramesseum
-Last lunch w/Neil+Kerry at Amoun Restaurant
-Overnight bus to Dahab.

Luxor

-Karnak Temple
-Felucca sailboat trip on the Nile at sunset.
-Bombay Restaurant for British/Indian curry. They gave us a free bottle of Egyptian wine!
-Oum Koulsoum Coffee Shop for some apple sheesha (Egyptian water pipe).

Luxor - Valley of the Kings!

-West Bank Tour w/Kerry and Neil - Colossi of Memnon; Temple of Hatshepsut; Valley of the Kings - King Tut's Tomb, plus Ramses III, IV, and Seti I; Alabaster Statue Shop; Valley of the Queens - Tomb of Queen Titi and tomb of Amunherkhepshef.
-Motorboat ride back to East Bank.
-King's Head Pub with Karen and Neil.
-Luxor Temple - lost my glasses!
-Jamboree for a dinner. Ran back to Luxor Temple to get my glasses, but they could not find them.

Aswan to Luxor, Egypt

-Kom Ombo Temple
-Edfu - Temple of Horus
-Luxor Temple

Aswan and Temples of Abu Simbel

3:00 AM bus ride to Abu Simbel, near Sudan border.
-Amazing temples - Ramses II and Hathor, right along Lake Nasser.
-Sunset felucca (sailboat) ride along Elephantine Island and the Old Cataract Hotel (site of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile".) Almost crashed into concrete steps along the dock. I got to steer the boat for a while.

Aswan, Egypt

-Train ride along the Nile.
-Sharia as-Souq Market.
-Fatimid Cemetery, via local, Muslim neighborhood.
-Nubian museum, next to the Coptic Cathedral.
-Walked along Nile to Aswan Moon for Pizza. Met w/Felucca Captain Ahmed.

Cairo - Overnight Train

Cairo

-Sick the whole day

Cairo and Giza

Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, Step Pyramid, Great Pyramids....and the Sphinx!

Cairo, Egypt

Egyptian Museum and Sheesha (hukka)

Doha, Qatar and Cairo, Egypt

Delhi

Iskon Temple - Vedic Expo

Delhi

City Bus Tour

Delhi, India

-Rikhi Ram Music Shop - met Ajay Dass and talked about the Beatles and the visit by Jeremy Pivens.
-Jama Masjid Mosque
-Mohatma Ghandi Museum
-I drove a cycle rickshaw to give the driver a break

Tushita Meditation Center - Mantras, Monks, Meditation, and Monkeys!

Spent May 20th to 29th at a 10-day Intro to Buddhism Course. Possibly the best thing I have ever done in my life!
http://tushita.info/
It was a great experience to learn about and practice meditation and yoga. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, India

Agra to Dharamsala

Agra and Taj Mahal and Fatehpuri Sikri

Varanasi to Agra

NJP to Varanasi

Gangtok to NJP

Yuksom to Gangtok

-Kathog Choling Monastery - huge Guru Rimboche statue, with many smaller statues connected by a string.
-Walked down to Kathog Lake w/Ran.
-Norbugang Throne...birthplace of Sikkim
-Roof of Choling/monastery
-Yak Restaurant - Zak (UK dude w/braids) and Simone (Swiss).
-Jeep Taxi to Tashiding, Rangit River, Rabangla, Tarku (met the locals while enjoying masala chai). Met a guy named Budha.
-Gangtok - called the Peace Corps to accept IT position in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
-Metro Veg for dosa and chel puri.

Khecheopari to Yuksom

-Met Pala's brother at restaurant near the lake.
-Hiked with Rani from Korea, past Kangchenjunga Falls, then up to Yuksom. Found hotel with great view. Checked email and got an invite to join the Peace Corps!
-At Yak Restaurant, a group of traveler's from Pala's place showed up. We all drank tomba out of big bamboo cups.

Khecheoperi Lake

-Watched the kids riding down the hill on a wooden cart with wheels, near the old Monastery.
-Hiked down to lake and back. Yakov and Janet from Malta showed up. Met Sophia from Portugal.
-Got a tour of the old Gompa, which was amazing, but falling apart.
-We all played Monopoly after dinner.

Pelling to Khecheopalri Lake

-Hiked down steep path to Rimbi River.
-After about 20 km of hiking, and a rainstorm, I arrived at Pala's Place at the top of the hill, above the lake. Stayed in Pala's son's guesthouse (Sonam). During dinner, had some rackshe with Sonam.

Pelling

-Woke up at sunrise with view of Khangchendzonga (8586m, 3rd highest mountain in world).
-Went to Shangka-Choling monastery, with great views of the mountain range. One young monk-in-training showed me around the prayer hall. Spoke to owner of the guesthouse up there over some masala chai. Went upstairs to see the Puja (prayer) w/an old monk hitting a drum, playing cymbals, chanting, and turning the pages of his Tibetan book.
-Hiked to Pemayangtse Monastery and then the ruins of Rabdentshe.
-Back at hotel, saw amazing sunset.

Gangtok to Pelling

-Veg Roll for breakfast, then took Jeep to Pelling. Met Yakov and Janet from Malta. Checked into the Kabur Hotel. The staff drew maps of how to hike to local areas.
-Dinner w/Noa (Israel) and Evelyn(Germany).

Gangtok + Rumtek

-During jeep ride, met Jake from UK. He gave me lots of good info on West Sikkim. After metal detector at entrance, we walked into the beautiful prayer hall of the Rumtek Monastery, with paintings and covered statues (Guru Rinboche?). Saw the golden stupa, with photos of the Dalai Lama and the 17th Karmapa, who is not being allowed to go to Rumtek Monastery by the Indian Government.
-Finally got a jeep back to Gangtok. Randomly saw Warren in an internet cafe. Went to Masala's for dinner with Warren, Paul, Allison.

Gangtok

-Baker's Cafe for breakfast - Ran into Megan and Emily and 2 American guys. The American guys had an Indian friend who pointed me towards a dentist. The dentist put my acrylic tooth back on for 300 Rupees (about $7.50).
-Walked to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Saw 1,000 year-old texts on Buddha's wisdom teachings. Also saw many Thangka paintings. Saw Allison and Paul there. We walked together to the Deorali Chorten Monastery, with a big stupa w/gold top, and monks chanting. The monks-in-training were not paying attention.

Darjeeling to Gangtok

-Bought some BBQ corn on the cob, and my plastic tooth/veneer from Thailand fell out while eating.
-Took Jeep taxi to Gangtok. Amazing views of the Teesta River along the way.
-After arriving in MG Marg, I ran into Warren, who I met in Darjeeling. Met his friends Allison and Paul from the Dragamon tour. Had dinner at the Golden Pagoda.

Darjeeling

-Bhutia Basty Monastery
-Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center - great photo exhibit on history of Tibet and of the refugees. Also very graphic images of the monks killed during the March protests in Tibet.
-Happy Valley Tea Plantation
-Ran into Lina and John along the Mall - we went for tea with a guy from Turkey at a small restaurant.

Darjeeling, India

-Joyride on the Himalayan Toy Train, after failing to exchange my Nepali Rupees for Indian Rupees. The toy train stopped at Batasia Loop/War Memorial/Eco Garden; then at Ghoom. The conductor said I didn't have enough time to walk to the Yiga-Choling Monastery and back, but I made it easily! But it was closed!
-On the ride back, the train de-railed near a gas station, next to some potentially unauthorized road construction. The workers used 2 old railroad ties and a rusted piece of old train track to slowly pry the train car back on to the tracks!
-Went to the Post Office, which was closed for parcels, but open for other business I guess. Ended up at a clothes shop to have them box up my stuff, cover it in cloth, sew it shut, and seal it in wax. The shop also had a full Mate set from Argentina. They exchanged my Nepali Rupees for me. I went back to the India Post Office, but they wouldn't send my package till the next day.
-Watched beautiful sunset at Glenary's while sipping Tea Darjeeling.
-Met up with Iftekhar and his Bangledesh friends. Shopped around the Mall Streets.
-Called Peace Corps to discuss vegetarianism and an IT opportunity instead of the Water Sanitization opportunity. The call cost me over 600 Rupees!

Lumbini to Indian Border (and Darjeeling)

-Bus arrived in Kakarvitta around 9 AM. Went thru border back into India.
-Bus to Siliguri (1 hr). Got permit for Sikkim state entry.
-Food for the 1st time in 26 hrs...dosa and dal curry.
-Jeep bus/taxi up to Darjeeling for 80 rupees. Along winding road, stopped halfway, and an Indian man bought us a round of chai tea.
-Arrived in Darjeeling, and hiked up to Andy's Guesthouse...33 hours after leaving Lumbini!
-Tried to exchange Nepali Rupees for Indian Rupees, but no one would do it for a reasonable rate.
-Met a couple of Americans (Megan and Emily) at the Guesthouse.
-Later, stopped at Glenary's to check the selection of sweets, and ran into the Americans. Then I went to Hasty Tasty for dinner. Then I ran into Iftekhar (Bangledesh), who I had met in the morning in Siliguri. Later on, the power went out while I was at an internet cafe during a thunder and lightning storm.

Lumbini to the Indian Border

Up at 5:30 AM for another early bus.
-Bus to Bheirawa (1 hr)
-Bus to Butwal (1 hr)
-Bus to Narayan Garh (3 hr). 5 hr wait...internet and traveler's sicknes.
-Bus to Kakarvitta (18.5 hr), stopping about 8 times during the night.

Lumbini, Nepal

-Rented bike. Rode into Secret Garden. Saw the Asokan Pillar (249 BC), which is next to the Maya Devi Temple, the exact spot where Buddha (Siddhartha Guatam0) was born. Inside the temple are the remains of the original temple (2,300 years old). There is a Nativity Sculpture, which is 1,600 years old.
-Visited many temples and monasteries within the Secret Garden- Nepali, Chinese, German, Vietnam, Indian, Thai, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Rode back to the Guatam Buddha Lodge in the village (Padariya Bazar).
-Dal Baht w/some Indians on the roof top. A guy who spoke no English said I was a "good man" though an interpreter.

Kathmandu to Lumbini

-Up at 5:30 to get bus to Lumbini. Bus stopped several times. Arrived in Bheirawa in the afternoon.
-A madman climbed on top of the bus with the luggage on the bus from Bheirawa to Lumbini. He rode up top for about 1 hour, dodging tree branches. That man was me!
-After checking into a small guesthouse, took a walk in the Secret Garden and then around the village.
-Dinner on the roof after a nice sunset, with Czechs, Indians, and French.

Kathmandu

-Breakfast at Buddhist Meditation Center - tofu scramble, potatoes, toast, and milk tea!
-Met up with Shamsher from the orphanage. He showed me many places, starting with the temples and courtyards of Patan Durbar Sq. Then we walked to Mahabuddha Temple, with thousands of small Buddha carvings. Next was Pashupati Temple, where there were many weddings. This is also the place where most people in the Kathmandu are cremated. We saw 4 cremations by the river in progress. We also saw some spotted deer nearby.

-We stopped by his cousins house, and went to Bodhnath Stupa, which is massive and surrounded by Tibetan shops.

-Met up with the Everest Trek crew and went to OR2K for dinner - amazing sizzling veggie patty.

After dinner, we went to the Reggae Bar fro some live music and watched wasted people trying to outdance each other. Stopped at the late-nite bakery for a chocolate rum ball.

Kathmandu

-Met w/Raju and went to the grocery place to buy food for the SOF Orphanage w/the $560 I raised from my sponsors. We purchased thousands of pounds of food and supplies! Delivered food to orphanage. Made signs w/amounts of the food items, and took photos with the kids around and on the food piles.

-While waiting for a falafel piat, met a random Nepali lady who works for US Aid. We went to a jazz bar, but they kicked us out, since we had our falafel pitas. Ended up at some upscale place, and had some Gorka Beer. I went to pick up my laundry, but the place was closed. So, went to the internet to upload Everest pics. I ran into Jasmine from the Everest trek there.

Lukla to Kathmandu

-Stopped at the bakery to get some apple crumble on way to airport (by foot). At 6 am, all the airport counters were still closed. As it was cloudy, no planes were flying in. Waited w/Jasmine, Val, Chris, Adrian, Irene, Sanders, and Nancy. After a helicopter left + returned, everyone got boarding passes. Luckily I got Yeti Flight #2.
-Lakpa walked passed security into the waiting area/gate area. He spoke to us for a moment, until the military kicked him out (or, pushed him out).
-We were rushed onto the tarmac when the 2nd Yeti flight arrived. As the passengers got off, we were rushed into the plane. It promptly took off down the short runway as soon as the door closed. Talked to Nancy (Malaysia) on the flight.
-Arrived in Kathmandu (1400m). Went to Indian Embassy to wait for hours in a disorganized line.
-Back to embassy to pick up my passport and visa. Missed out on meeting my friends from the trek, because it took so long.
-Pilgrims Restaurant and Book Store for some pakoras and Tibetan Noodle Soup, which you could eat with a fork.
-Checked email and went to bed.

Phakding to Lukla

-Tibetan bread + lemon tea. Said good-bye to the 2 women who work there. Hiked up to Lukla (2840m).
-Checked into Sunny Garden Lodge. Went to the Thursday Market. Tried some chang (homemade beer), and met Lakpa's sister.
-Back to Sunny Garden Lodge for some momos. Jasmine, Irene, Sanders, and Valerie (whose flight got cancelled) showed up.
-Went to Lukla Monastery. There was a painting class there, making Thangka paintings. We went to a restaurant where some monks, including Lakpa's brother, were making small dough statues for some sort of New Years prayer celebration.
-Said bye to Lakpa as he headed back to his town of Surke.
-Took shower, as 1st hotel room w/shower in 2 weeks. Went to Yeti Airline office to check flight status. Stopped by bakery for chocolate cake.
-Checked email - Peace Corps asking for another form.
-Dal baht for dinner. Talked with the ladies about tooth stories.

Namche to Phakding

-Deep-fried Tibetan bread for breakfast w/Peter + Noelle.
-Hiked past Namche Monastery. Had good views of the sacred Khumbi Yul Lha (5761m) and Papchermo. Hiked to Thamo (34493m), past Mani Walls, many rhododendrons, and the Bhote River.
-Went into the Khari Thamo Monastery (nunnery), which was moved from Tibet after the 1959 Chinese crackdown. Had some popcorn. The "anni" gave me holy water for my head. We got to see the construction + painting in progress at the new prayer hall. Then we had Tibetan tea (w/salt).
-Hiked back down to Namche and saw 3 massive eagles along the way. Spring rolls w/salad and french fries for lunch @ Namche Hotel.
-Hiked all the way down to the river from Namche. Listened to the soundtracks from "Into The Wild" and "O Brother Where Art Thou?" while hiking along the Dudh Koshi. Cut my toe on a rock just before getting to the river (due to wearing Chaco sandals).
-Arrived in Phakding (2610m), after "checking out" of Sagarmatha National Park. Stayed at International Trekker's tea house, for 2nd time. Had a glass of Rakshe + some popcorn to celebrate making it back down w/Lakpa.
-Good Dal Baht for dinner. Listened to iPod on speakers before bed.

Tengboche to Namche Bazar

-Woke up to bells from monastery. After toast + jam, headed out on the trail.
-Weather started to get much warmer. There were trees all around for the 1st time in a long time. There were many beautiful rhododendrons (red, pink, + white), and even some purple orchids. At Phunki Tenga (3250m), we saw a bridge that collapsed when a massive boulder had fallen to the Dudeh Koshi River.
-Walked by a water-driven prayer wheel. Stopped at a Buddhist stupa dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, shortly after getting one last good view of Chomolungma/Everest.
-Arrived back in Namche Bazar (3440m). The Kala Pathar Lodge was full (returned "Into The Wild") so we checked into Hotel Namche.
-Had lunch (veggie burger) at Thawa Lodge + Bakery.
-1st shower in 8 days, 1st "real" shower in 12 days.
-Met Derek + Jeff at Bakery. Celebrated/indulged by sharing 4 chocolate treats. Talked about everything from Nepal to OJ to Tyson.
-Mashed potatoes + veg @ Hotel Namche. Spoke to Noelle (Swiss) and Peter (Dutch) from Australia after dinner. They recommend visiting Yemen.

Dingboche to Tengboche

-Lower Altitude = Good night's sleep!
-After Tibetan bread w/peanut butter, hiked up to Bibre alone. Found a great spot to view Lotse (8414m), Peak 38 (7591m), Island Peak (6189m), Amphu Gyabjen (5630m), and the amazing corridor of unnamed mountains, covered in ice, snow, and glaciers. The peak to the East is Kali Himal (7057m). Hiked back down the valley to Peak 38 View Lodge. Climbed a few stone walls to get back there.
-Couldn't find Lakpa; eventually found him drunk, playing cards. We headed for Tengboche over 1 hour late.
-Stopped in Shomare (4010m) for some momos outside.
-Hiked to Pangboche Gompa (3960m) which is a very old monastery.
-Hiked past a massive rock slide, and continued to Tengboche (3860m). Saw Val's guide upon arrival. Saw Val + Derek in the bakery. We went to the 4 PM Buddhist ceremony in the Tengboche Monastery. The monks went back and forth between chanting, playing loud music (w/horns, gongs, + bells) and sipping tea. Lakpa came inside, and we left to check into the Himalayan Lodge.
-We went next door to hang out w/Valerie and her guide. We watched the last few innings of the O's beating the Yankees. I read the last few pages of "Into The Wild" sitting by the fire. It was perfect.
-Headed back to Himalayan Lodge for some Dal Baht. Had a long discussion about Buddhism + Hinduism w/Derek and his porters.