Author Archives: admin

I had the honor of being Harvard’s guest speaker in India this fall. What a joy to lecture on the Taj Mahal–and then explore the Taj Mahal together in person!

Fortunately we entered the Taj Mahal complex at an early hour to avoid the crowds–so we could whirl around this architectural treasure without any hindrance. It was so lovely to be back at the Taj Mahal and see it again with fresh eyes. I have been very busy traveling (China, India, Algeria, and beyond), but when I get some time, I will post more photos from our grand adventure through “Mystic India.”

Here’s an interview I was invited to do to explain my summer field-research on the steppe in very remote regions of Mongolia (with a fantastic crew of Mongolian colleagues). It was a total honor and joy to be a Field Research Fellow for the American Center of Mongolian Studies in Ulaanbaatar–looking forward to sharing my published research soon (and returning to Mongolia, my summer home)!

I have come to Sichuan to study tai chi with Taoist/Daoist masters in the mountains of western China on the Silk Road — the birthplace of Taoism. Here are some photographs from my epic journey to this mountain monastery that requires a boat and cable car (along with many stairs) to reach it. I have shut down my social media as I immerse myself in this retreat of mind, body, and spirit to move more in synch with the Tao and not be distracted by the noise and temptations of the material world. Enjoy these photos as I make my way on the Way.

Recently, I had the total joy of volunteering with pandas in the People’s Republic of China–a truly unique experience!

I woke up very early to get to the panda center by 8:30 am–I made sure to wear my panda headband and panda cub pin to get in the spirit!

At the panda base, we signed some liability papers (watch those fingers in case a panda takes a nibble!) and were asked to suit up in these blue Ghostbusters like jumpsuits.

When we set out to trek to the panda enclosure to do some morning housekeeping, we noticed a panda hiding in the trees–our first panda encounter of the day.

There was barely any time to take a photo of this panda playing peek-a-boo as we had work to do!

In addition to our spiffy suits, we also were given gloves that reeked of the chemical agent used to clean them.

We divided into teams to do different tasks–some of us swept, others picked up dried up bamboo leaves and panda poop.

All of us helped break down the bamboo stalks into more digestible strips. We raised them to the sky and then smashed them on the pavement of the road outside the enclosure.

One or two broke their bamboo in one try–the rest of us needed more tries. Everyone agreed it was a great exercise for anger therapy.

Next, it was time to return to the enclosure and set out the bamboo so the pandas could have breakfast.

We went outside the gate to watch the panda enter and scout out the fresh bamboo.

To our delight, the panda eventually took a seat and began enjoying his breakfast. He lounged back without a care in the world, reclining for most of his morning meal.

Pandas have terrible eyesight, so they tend to pick up a long piece of bamboo and smell it first–trying to locate the spot they’d like to feast on first.

They also like to use their beautiful bellies as a table–loading up the top of their stomach with many bamboo stalks to choose from.

We also got introduced to this panda with a disability–who was found very injured in the wild and rescued.

Unfortunately, his mutilated leg (likely from an attack) could not be saved, so the panda doctors had to amputate. Today he has three legs and like all pandas keeps to himself (they are solitary creatures).

We had the rare chance to watch panda toddlers wrestle for a very long time–they have quite a repertoire of wrestling moves!

Pandas are solitary creatures–mothers leave their cubs when they are two years old. So it is only when they are young that they are in such close physical contact with another panda.

It was so fun to watch these babies play, and we could have watched them play all day–but we had work to do! The time had come to feed the pandas!

On our way to feed the pandas, we passed by this little guy–my new furry guru (total relaxation, what an inspiration).

How cute is this panda? I was elated to have the opportunity to feed this friendly panda–and managed to keep all my fingers intact!

We took a bucket filled with carrots and bamboo into the enclosure to feed our new furry friend who was ready for a snack.

Fortunately, one of the keepers was on hand to guide us as we fed the panda–to be face-to-face with a Giant Panda is a very special thing.

I felt so grateful for the opportunity to commune with a panda in China–was a really unique and moving experience. Afterwards, I just had to buy some stuffed pandas for Anubis and as a reminder of this special day.

The panda center gave me a bag of goodies and a certificate for my panda volunteering. When I went back to our apartment, Anubis was excited to bond with pandas too.

I spent a lovely afternoon at Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a 24 acre museum complex that commemorates Du Fu–a celebrated Chinese poet from the 8th century.

I traveled to Leshan in China for an incredible adventure–exploring every inch of the Giant Buddha (the largest stone carved statue like it in the world!).

The Buddha is surrounded by beautiful landscapes (look at those trees)–and it sits upon the water for a dynamite view of the entire city. My Yale surgeon told me to wear my body brace to help me get up all of the many stairs.

If you like, I can show you how we climbed like ants on each side of the Buddha’s body–so put on some comfortable shoes because this adventure isn’t easy!

Make sure to pause as we go down the narrow and steep staircase to get some glimpses of each inch of the Buddha’s body as we descend down to the water’s edge.

At the feet of the Buddha, many were offering Buddhist prayers with incense–an incredible view to gaze up at the entire body carved with devotion out of the rock.

Congratulations for making it to the bottom–now we have to go up the other side of the Buddha which is no easy feat–not to mention that pathway hovers over the water so hold on tight and no wrong moves!

You’ll find yourself sweating alot if you go in the summer or early fall–so make sure to bring water and hydrate as it’s quite a work-out to climb those stairs (not everyone can be cool like me and have the help of a body brace).

When you get to the top, be sure to take some time (and deep breaths–you’ll need them) to appreciate the fine carving of the head–such detail. Then it’s on to the Buddhist temple which you’ll just have to see for yourself in person as photographs are not allowed (and yes, it’s definitely worth seeing!).

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Summer Palace in Beijing where a friend and I spent several hours walking through its lovely gardens, pavilions, and temples.

Any interest in me taking you to see this giant stone Buddha carved into the side of a mountain in China?