Author: pinkbuddha.org
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Techno Club in a Songthaew
In order to prepare for my upcoming English teaching volunteer service, I enrolled in a TEFL (teach English as a foreign language) course in Chiang Mai. For four weeks, 8am-5pm, I brushed up on grammar rules, learned how to make lesson plans, and taught classes as a teacher-in-training. At the end of one day, I
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Lessons Learned: Never Put Your Hand in an Indian Toilet
Having spent a year and three months abroad, I have not come away unscathed. Although the majority of my experiences have been filled with the kindness of strangers, adorable dogs, inspiring art, and otherwise drama-free days of applying balm to my mosquito bites, I did have to learn some lessons the hard way. Case in
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Chiang Mai, Thailand: Soi Culture
Photo Essay In a previous post, I stated that Georgetown, Penang was one of the most photogenic cities I’ve ever visited. Chiang Mai, Thailand not only matches or surpasses that photogenic quality, but additionally, I found the locals and animals utterly charming. The aesthetics reflect the creativity of Chiang Mai-ers in blending their traditional Lanna
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What it Takes to be Real
Published in Zafigo.com I was not looking forward to going to Delhi. In preparation for the trip I had memorized an entire sheet of scams: I really did not want feces on my shoes and get ripped off at the same time! But these are minor annoyances compared to the daily, horrific violence that happens
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Georgetown, Penang Malaysia: An Artist’s Haven
Photo Essay Due to its well-preserved heritage buildings, Penang’s capital, Georgetown, has been accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. In my opinion, Penang is one of the most photogenic cities I’ve ever visited. There was never a bad shot, and the beauty and mood of the city translate from the real
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Ahjumma goes to a Tibetan Wedding
I went to tell my landlady that my bulb had burned out. It was 7:00am and she was in the kitchen cooking, while one of the Indian domestic helpers—a teenage girl—stirred several large pots on a roiling boil. My landlady, Da, is petite and wears her dark hair parted in the center and clasped in
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Temple Scenes: Tsuglagkang Temple
I was fortunate to be in McLeodganj to witness and participate in several special celebrations—including teachings by the Dalai Lama himself. The Dalai Lama’s temple, Tsuglagkang Temple, is a busy hub of activity. Daily there are devotees spinning prayer wheels, chanting, and performing full-body prostrations. Monks debate and foreigners watch. Domestic Indian tourists throng the
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Dogs of McLeodganj, India
Photo essay Cutest police on earth! This dog is sunning himself in a parking space dedicated for police on duty! Napping on a meditation cushion at the Dalai Lama’s Temple. Women perform full-body prostrations while this dog naps at the Dalai Lama’s Temple. “Three amigos” hanging out in front of a Tibetan home. These guys
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Temple Town in the Himalayas: McLeodganj, India
McLeodganj is a Himalayan Hill Station which the British used as an escape from oppressive summer heat waves. McLeodganj is now mainly known for being the home of the Dalai Lama’s temple—Tsuglagkang Temple—and the exiled Tibetan Parliament. It is also home to many NGO’S and charitable organizations. I am here to volunteer with Lha Charitable Trust as
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Arunachala: Notes from a Devotee
Full Moon Giri Pradakshana My phone lit up at 4:00am with a message: I’m here. I hustled down the cement stairs of the two-story guest house run by a loving and protective Indian couple. The husband was already awake and waiting by the front gate. Using a heavy silver key, he unlocked the massive chain