Monday, camp whirled into a surprise magic carpet ride, sweeping us to Bukhara alongside storytellers, Robert and Kelly. Accompanied by a trusty guide and Bactrian camel, Pistachio, we traveled ancient trade routes making up the heart of The Silk Road.

For thousands of years these trade routes aided in the eventual global exchange of material goods, spices, foods, stories, religion, architecture, language, and all other forms of creative endeavors.  Many elements found in Central Asian cultures from language, religion, food, and art are from other parts of the world, and vice versa – in much the way that peoples’ lives in the United  States are infused with elements from cultures all over the world. . . . and vice versa.

Monday, color groups joined a caravan through camp to sample studios – Dance & Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Fibre Arts, Glass, and Ceramics, as well as getting to know each other.

Today, campers heard the first of four days of Zarina’s Orchard, a tale from Tajikistan, retold by local storyteller, Rick Huddle. Today, Zarina and her 38 sisters met 39 brothers. Meanwhile, we continue to learn the Persian song we all learned Monday that translates as “I’m happy and I’m laughing and I’m grateful for the life . . .!” 

We also found about how we can all help contribute to Art Camp in Haiti!