Leaving Tomorrow

Excuse me for changing the name of my blog, but I am leaving Japan tomorrow for India and Bhutan. I just checked the weather and it is around 100F (38C) in Calcutta where I will be landing, but a pleasant 50F (10C) in Darjeeling where I will be headed first. I've packed, said goodbye to my friends and fellow classmates, had a goodbye dinner with my wonderful hostfamily, and now I'm off. Here's the quick rundown:

Calcutta to Darjeeling by the Darjeeling Mail express
Few days in Darjeeling tasting teas and perhaps a 5-6 day hike starting outside Darjeeling which hugs the Nepalese border.
Then into Sikkim via Namchi where I will probably stay.
7 day hike into the Kachenjunga National Forest for a closer look at Kanchenjunga and the surrounding giants.
By bus to the border crossing with Bhutan at Phuntsoling where I will meet by Bhutanese guide
1 night in Phuntsoling, 1 night in Paro
15-16 day hike along the Chinese border-mountains to the northeast and then circling south.
one night in paro then flight to Calcutta and finally an 18 hour lay-over in Bangkok where I will attempt to learn Thai Kickboxing.
then to tokyo for my flight to Seattle.

I apologize in advance for me not posting on this blog during the next 5 weeks. I had a wonderful time in Japan, filled with mistakes, errors and embarrassing moments, and a brilliant blinding light that shone from many a heart. Times abroad open the heart the mind, make one stand straighter, bending down to hear what has to be said. I regret not sitting in front of a monastery for three days, not moving, just concentrating. I miss the freedom of Shikoku, and the happiness of Shigakogen. I have decided to think more seriously about devoting some time after graduation to really studying the violin and the noises it makes.