Luggage Report:
Baggage AA 81 01 32 and AA 81 01 33 are in Delhi ready to go through customs :)  Yeah, I know those numbers by heart now... its been a long journey for these bags, but in this case its not about the journey, its all about the destination.   Looks like I'll go down to Delhi to pick them up in person within a week or so. 

 
Hostel Life:

Nov 1: Morning 

I was walking to the mess hall for breakfast when I heard a glorious sound.  "The losers and I will be later to win, for the times they are a changing."  It was cutting through some silly teenage emo-punk band oozing out of some loser's stereo.  Upon further investigation, I confirmed that it was Dylan's own voice too, not some stupid cover.  Welcome to the Hostel! 

Nov 6: Evening

I have my first weekend shift Saturday evening.  There is no study hall, planned hike, or compulsory activity.  Which leave a strong potential for bored boys and girls.  Thankfully I only broke up one make-out session.

Mussoorie

Nov 3: Afternoon 

Tim, the Hostel dorm director, and I hiked up to the top of the hill today.  We started from the back gate of the Quad and zig zagged our way up the walking paths to the top.  We passed many locals, some in transit, some repairing a retaining wall.  Last monsoon was the wettest and longest, I assume the wall was damaged by a mudslide on the steep slopes.  I assume this doesn't happen too often, the entire hillside has dense stands of trees and other shrubbery with roots digging deep into the ground.  Tim told me about coaching the boys soccer team, Woodstock's youth and the responsibilities of a Dorm Parent. 

Upon reaching the top, we were both breathing faster than normal. Even at the leisurely pace its approximately a 500ft climb.  Tim pointed to many of the peaks, naming them and describing how long it might take to hike to each.  He also pointed out the route he and other Hostel dorm parents took on their motorcycle trip last week.

 

Then we walked over to a tiny shop on Sister's Hill which has a lot of imports and everyday goods.  After purchasing a few basic items I could not pack in my carry-on - a razor, shampoo, lotion, etc. - we moved further down the road across the hill's ridge.  Tim introduced me to the director of the language school, then we stopped at a vista.  He pointed out Dehra Dun down in the Dun Valley, as well as the other near by prep schools.  Mussoorie is the educational center in all of India. 

Nov 4th: Afternoon

I Walked around the Bazzar for the first time.  It was the day before Diwali, the Hindu celebration of light.  My tour guides/fellow dorm parents were pointing out the best shops and groceries; important information to take in.  However, I was busy taking in the swarms of excited people and avoiding noisy scooters, motorcycles and cars.  Wow, an hour in the bazaar is like running up to the quad and back 4 times - It was draining.  Later I learned Diwali is one of the busiest times there - think Black Friday in the states.

We returned from the Bazaar right as all the students were getting done with their half day of school.  There were at least 50 cars there to drive kids back home for the short holiday.  The roads around campus navigate the steep hillside, often no wider than a single lane on a road back in the States.  I'm pleased to get off the busy street and on duty at the Hostel.  However I find its just as hectic inside the dorms.  Carpenters are busy fixing closets, banging away, students are running around with their drivers and luggage flooding the office to sign out and get on their way.  I realize its just a busy day everywhere.

Following dinner Thursday evening, I joined 10 others from the dorm on a hike up to Witch's Hill for a bonfire, snacks and camaraderie.  Although more physical activity in an already busy day, it was refreshing to get out of the dorms and explore some of the countryside.  The stars were bright and we had a fantastic view of Dehra Dun and all colorful fireworks.