I went to a native sweat this past thursday. Please note that don't have native ancestry. It was a wicked awesome experience and different than how I imagined.

Basically this lodge is a dome built with a pit in the middle. The pit is made of stone and packed dirt to hold the red hot rocks ('grandfathers') that heat up the lodge. Around floor of the lodge are branches of pine with needles (it almost looks like a Christmas wreath looking from the outside in). It's actually surprisingly comfortable to sit on not to mention it releases a pleasant aroma when warmed up.

There is a certain ritual for setting up, each of the four sessions, going in, bringing the 'grandfathers' in, what you do when you're in, when breaks occur, etc... It varies depending on traditions of the lodge. In this one there were songs sung and prayers said (it doesn't matter what faith you follow, if any).

The semester is coming to an end and exams are almost here. We're having sunny spring weather and it's too nice outside to stay indoors.

I went with a couple of friends to play 21 on the basketball court. It's been a long time since I've practiced shooting [frankly, I need lots of practice] but we were having too much fun to really care. It almost felt like being in high school again.