Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe be BLUE.

Anne is amazing and fearless and when she invites you to experience part of her world, you best go!

Renee and I drove to Lake Tahoe to meet her while she was completing her three month journey on the PCT. During her short 2 day break from the trail we soaked in the sun, ate sushi till we popped, and got full body massages.  Then we actually hiked part of the PCT with her, which absolutely kicked my butt.  And Anne does this all day, every day!

A beautiful weekend... always something extra ordinary when your around extraordinary people!

Dillinger's Birthday

For Dillinger's 2nd birthday the extended family and myself went to Raging Waters, a water park that I had been going to since I was a child. I think I'm starting to get used to this getting-older-and- watching-the-next-generation-move-in sort of thing...

The wave pool at Raging Waters

Happy Birthday, Little Man.

The Chapel of Chimes

Back in Oakland, like I never left. I am instantly inundated with past memories of the vividly mundane and a feeling of belonging. This must be what home feels like.

Oakland hasn't changed too much, and I feel like I haven't changed too much either.

On a break from apartment hunting, John took us to a little date to The Chapel of the Chimes. It was the brightest and most uplifting cemetery I've ever seen.

And lastly, we went to eat the best chicken sandwich in the whole world.

Been thinking about you Bakesale Betty.

Maidu historical museum

My feet around a corn hole.

I got to spend the afternoon with Joie and Dilly at the Maidu Indian Museum. Living in Sacramento most of my life, I had never known that there were nationally recognized historic parks right around the corner.

This museum was built on the edge of an ancient village site, where Maidu Native Americans lived over 3,000 years ago.  There is a short trail that takes you around the area where you can see hundreds of bedrock mortar holes and petroglyphs.  

Too cool for a stroller, Dilly get's around in his little red car.

Dilly and Joie

Wherever you go. Look up.

Endings and Beginnings

I collected a bracelet from each of the countries that I traveled to.

Though I'm leaving this time and place, it will forever be a part of this existence.

I can't be sad. This experience is something that can never be taken away from me. 

And for everything that I've learned, I am grateful.

On to the new adventure-- recreating a life in California and beginning my journey as a teacher. Hopefully I can give back to the world, as much as I've received.

What I learned at RYP

Post-it Notes of Inspiration

On a room in my wall I kept post-its with words and phrases I heard throughout the training. I looked at it every morning and evening, just for a bit of reassurance that I was going in the right direction. 

Acroplay with Ethan

Ethan and I doing acro my last day in India.

Last Day with RYP Family

After graduation, spending the last day with everyone.

AH! Too much beauty in one picture!!!

We enjoyed our last cups of chai from The Office. The entire back patio was open just to us, and trust, WE TOOK OVER.

I am still trying to recreate this cup of tea, with no success.

Saying goodbye to Ramesh. He was the first one to leave and it was so sad.

Then we all took a dip in the Ganges. Sitting in the water, reminded my of the ephemeral quality of life. We are all just being swept in a powerful current.

We walked back to Laxman Jhula to get some of our favorite treats. First, we stopped by a yogurt and drink shop.

Lassie

This cow wanted this cucumber so bad.

The last stop of the day was at The German Bakery for dessert.

MA -YA ;D

Glorious muesli with fruit and yogurt.

Pie and the Ganges. Was this place for real?

Graduation at RYP

I couldn't believe this day actually came! Graduation was quite a fitting culmination to the end of a very long journey away from home. Just see for yourself, the pure joy on everyone's face. We all came a very long way.

My teachers <3

Straight from a Bollywood film.