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This morning I woke up at 5:20 am to walk down to the village center with the rest of our Dragons group. Upon arriving, we sat just outside of a village home, waiting and watching for something to happen. At 7:00 am, we saw as the villagers brought......Read More
The group is doing well on trek, and is incredibly grateful for everyone who makes this all possible!
On Understanding: A Reflection on the Azrou Homestay By: Lauren I’m not sure what I expected my homestay to be like, but nothing could have prepared me for the first question out of my homestay sister’s mouth: “Have you heard of BTS?”.......Read More
Last night, we arrived at the town of Langa, nestled deep in the forested hills of the beautiful island of Flores. In honor of our arrival here, and in anticipation of all the new experiences our second homestay is bound to bring, I want to reflect......Read More
Yesterday afternoon, I went for a walk and found myself at a breathtaking hilltop garden overlooking the city of Panauti. A shady spot surrounded by bright orange flowers was begging me to sit, so I stopped at the patch of grass to journal. As I......Read More
I am truly in love with Peru. As much as I miss the comforts of having parents to come home to that understand without me having to explain, being able to take a car to the grocery store, coming home to my own bed at night, and getting to see my......Read More
Hello all! If you have been keeping up with the Yak board, I’m sure some of you will recognize my name and remember my aforementioned foot injury. An awkward landing on my right foot after coming down some stairs led me to the Azrou clinic, where......Read More
Wikipedia describes thukpa as a type of Tibetan noodle soup, or rather a “generic Tibetan word for any soup or stew combined with noodles.” I am unsure as to the specifics of the egg thukpa served at the Thrangu Cafe at the Thrangu Tashi......Read More
Carolina/Isa/Faith Yak (Carolina) My first homestay mother was called Zhouma. When she first welcomed us into her home she seemed beautiful in a quiet, unobtrusive type of way. It wasn’t until the next morning, when she dragged us out of bed......Read More
After leaving Bangdong village and transitioning into urban life in Kunming, Bridge Year China participants reflected on their two-week rural homestay experience through writing prompts. We shared these reflections gallery-style upon arrival in......Read More
On Wednesday night this last week, I tagged along with my homestay brother to the Patan Durbar square to meet some friends and celebrate the Dashain times, for many a religious holiday steeped in tradition and meaning, for my homestay brother who......Read More
Network has been sparse on the group’s trekking trail in the Rolwaling Valley, but they have been in touch with us when possible and they report that the group is safe and healthy, and students are in great spirits. It sounds like their trek has been adventuresome thus far, with some rain and overgrown trails that have made for more challenging walking, but they are doing great nonetheless.
Here are some photos from the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development Knowledge Park! It was so nice to get outdoors and learn about sustainable rural development!
October has come and we have finished our stay in China. Over the past week we have spent time in major cities and on majorly long bus rides. We have become more vulnerable with one another, felt more comfortable exploring areas we do not know, and......Read More
Sketches from weeks 1 & 2 By: Michelle Unable to find the charger for my camera the night before departure for Morocco, it was decided that I should just leave the trusty device at home. I owe many thanks to this mishap because I’ve since......Read More
I bow my head. to your spirit of learning to the burning light of adventure to the humble beginnings of new friendships to the starry eyes of newness. to those moments of sheer joy to the discomfort of uncertainty to those magical bursts in your......Read More
