We are doing quite well here, in fact we went on a
strenuous climb last week to a famous Shiva temple
(Tangnath) at an altitude of more than 12,000ft.  We
also climbed to the peak of the mountain at over
4000m.  I will try to attach a photo taken along the
trail.  We're building up strength for another trek
(sort of) into the Himalayas, to Gangotri next week. 
Gangotri is the end of the road, and then there is a
14km walk (up, moderate slope) to the glacier that is
the source of the Ganges, or at least one of the many
sources.  The hike will be in two parts, with a
night's stay in some kind of shelter inbetween.  All
of this is with our guides and friends, Tensing and
Tsering Nema.  We had the interesting experience of
watching "7 years in Tibet" at their house with them
explaining the Tibetan customs shown in the film.
 

   We are getting into a kind of social life here,
with guests at all three meals yesterday.  Two of the
guests were walk-ins - life is more casual here - the
third was invited.  On our walks up and down the hill
we often run into troops of monkeys, both rhesus and
langour (sp?).  So far they keep their distance.  It's
a little like living in a big cage in the Bronx zoo. 
We enjoy occasional shopping in the bazaar, all small,
open, chaotic shops.  I needed a washer for a water
filtering apparatus and the shopkeeper retrieved
several large dusty jars of mixed washers which we
sorted through together.  We now have wired as well as
cellular phone service (wired number: +91 (0)135
633044) which we use mostly for Internet access,
although I'm accessing from the Woodstock school right
now.  [I do not think the "0" in the area code is
dialed when calling from abroad, but I'm not certain.]
 

   We keep tuned to All India Radio whose schedule of
English-language news broadcasts we are just beginning
to learn.  Everything is quiet here.
 

Steve (& Judy)