Trekking the Gama Valley Plus Perspectives on Tibet – Susan Holcombe

Event Information

Inspired by the Himalayas throughout her childhood, Susan was fortunate to be able to visit Tibet more than 12 times between 1992 and 2007. In 1995, she joined a trek up the Gama Valley to the East face of Mount Everest, the traditional route before Nepal opened to the outside in the early 1950s. Some explorers call it the most beautiful valley in the world. In addition to the multiple varieties of flowers and trees and the incredible serenity of the valley, the salient feature is the continuing view west up the valley toward the Kangsheng Glacier and Everest. Susan’s talk will focus on trekking in this beautiful place but will also explore the issues facing Tibet today:  the tensions between traditional culture and identity and the allure of modernity imposed by China and by the consequence of globalization.

We will have bouillon and a light snack after the presentation. To carpool, contact Gaby Whitehouse at 617-212-0419 or <gabygeo@tiac.net>. RSVP online or to Sandra Lovell at <sgl711@yahoo.com> or  617-547-4554.

Directions

11 Brown St, Cambridge, MA 

Google Maps Directions

Directions to Home of Pat Pratt at 11 Brown Street, Cambridge 

Brown is a one-block street about half a mile West of Harvard Square.  It is a one-way street, accessible from Brattle Street, parallel to Sparks and Willard Streets.  When you turn onto Brown off Brattle, there are two houses on the right, followed by a driveway in front of two other houses.  #11 is the second house with the driveway in front, a two-story, light grey, 

stucco Colonial (between #7 and #9). 

From the East via Harvard Square:  Drive West on Brattle Street from Harvard.  After you pass the Longfellow House on your right, take the second left onto Brown Street.  See 

first paragraph above.

From the West via Fresh Pond Parkway:  From points West, take the Fresh Pond Parkway to Brattle Street.  Turn left on Brattle and drive 0.7 miles to Brown Street.  Turn right onto Brown Street.  See first paragraph above.

Parking consideration from the City of Cambridge will be requested, so you may park in spaces labeled for residential parking on Brattle, Brown, and Foster (at the end of Brown) without getting ticketed.  In the driveway in front of 11 Brown Street, there is parking for about 10 vehicles.  

Public Transportation:  Take the Red Line to Harvard Square.  It is 0.7 miles and about a 15-minute walk along  Brattle Street to 11 Brown Street.  After you reach the Longfellow House on the right-hand side of Brattle, you will pass Willard Street on the left.  Brown is the next street, also on your left.  See first paragraph above.