Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan

Rating:
Summary: A Magical Escape
Review: Perhaps I am influenced by a period of childhood spent in the Himalayas, but this book took me out of a life that is filled with stress and the feeling of never having done enough. Jamie Zeppa showed such love and appreciation for a culture so different to her own, and had the courage to go alone into this new world, where she had the sensitivity to understand rather than to criticize. she brought this world to me, and having been an immigrant myself I know how hard a new culture is. More people in this country should read it and understand about a different culture and the delight it can inspire.

Rating:
Summary: life changing venture........terrific book
Review: Jamie Zeppa tells the story of her journey to Bhutan. She was born and raised in Canada, is highly educated,has excellent career prospects, an accomplised,promising fiance and yet her life feels like it is missing something critical. Out of the blue, an opportunity for a teaching position in the far away land of Bhutan presents itself and Jamie accepts the challenge to the surprise of friends and family. Her description of the land and the people of Bhutan, of her love/hate relationship with her experience and her life changing venture is beautifully told. The challenges she faces in everyday living and the transformation that occur are engaging. Her romantic vision of life in Bhutan is contrasted by her descriptions of the conditions the children grow up in. Accompanied by the harsh realities of the poverty that prevails it was amazing to see her hang on to her "rose colored glasses".
Jamie Zeppa examines and experiences a life where the excesses of material goods in the "developed" world makes a sharp contrast to life in Bhutan and asks the question when is enough more than enough. It truly makes you take a look at life and "things" and opens the window for a shifting of priorities.
Her view of Buddism, and the knowledge she shares was also a fascinating aspect to this book.
I loved this book and would love to hear a follow up on her life.