As I write this post, we are winding through the precipitous mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in a car artfully commanded by our driver Pema. Himachal Pradesh is poised at the foothills of the Himalayas, and the terrain allows for stunning snapshots as well as potential carsickness.

We’ve spent the past two days learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture by exploring Dharamsala/Mcleod Ganj (home of the Dalai Lama) and staying at the Sherabling Monastery. When we were wandering around Mcleod Ganj, we realized that the hippie shopkeepers in Berkeley are making a pretty penny marking up hemp ponchos and “Free Tibet” swag. Up here a “Free Tibet” hat goes for about 50 Rupees, or a dollar.

Sherabling is located about four hours from the nearest major train station (Pathankot) and the fresh, clean air there was a welcome reprieve from the smoky, smoggy city. As we meandered through the monastic buildings and surrounding trails, I was struck by the variety of intense colors — the green and brown of the tiered rice paddies, the slate of the rocks in the dried riverbed, the deep red and saffron of the monks’ robes, the electric lime of Jamie’s fleece, the rainbow of Tibetan prayer flags billowing in the breeze. I was glad that we were able to take day to sit back and enjoy the beauty in our surroundings.

Sadly, amidst all of that beauty, I must confirm that my worst fear has come true — Crocs have completely permeated global society. I saw a monk sporting a pair with his robes at the monastery this morning. Thankfully, there have been no Ugg sightings yet so there is still hope for mankind.