Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Leaving for the true unknown
I know I'm in to suffer. I fly out in the morning for Lukla, 9 days of trekking will bring me into Everest Base Camp. I'm tired now, but more nervous than anything. Its going to be intense. Keep me in your prayers... no matter what I'm going out with my boots on. Life is either an epic adventure or nothing at all. I'm going to attempt to live a dream I've long harbored in my heart. Wish me well... I now walk into adventure in its truest form.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Reverting to the backpacker lifestyle
Since leaving the States, I've realized I've become a bit rusty in my travel ways. Upon my arrival in Europe, I discovered my French sucked so badly that the locals wanted to use English with me instead of French. Ireland was a breeze because I was with friends the whole time, but once back in Belgium my map and train skills were put to the test once again and I made it, just. I also almost missed my flight to India because I was 10 gates off. What was I thinking?
It gets worse though. I fell for the classic "Cant find your hotel" late at night from the Taxi guys who hooked me up with another hotel claiming to be the sister hotel of my original. I know that scam! Why did I get suckered? After that I started getting into the groove, although noticed a few oppses that could have been far worse. Not planning backpack laundry, not checking for TP before going #2. All things the tried and true traveler knows to do by instinct. I am rusty. Then again... getting back into the groove has been fun, after all travel is like riding a bike, you never really forget.
I'm in India now. Saw the Taj Mahal today. This country is bewildering, humbling, harrowing, mystifying, and exotically fun all at the same time. One moment I'm flabbergasted, the next I'm charmed beyond belief. The country is all one could hope for in the vibrancy of its people, so colorful, so lively. (Although I could do without all the touts and taxi-wallas) Nonetheless its a charming place that I've wanted to see for years. I'm glad I'm here, my only regret is that I dont have anyone to share it with. Perhaps I'll meet a new travel companion here, but in reality I do wish I had someone from home of this jaunt of it. Visiting friends across the globe on my way here softened me, made things easy, too easy perhaps. No bother. I simply realize how much I care for those back home and when the time comes for me to journey back that way, I'll gladly oblige.
Until then, the Himilayas await...
It gets worse though. I fell for the classic "Cant find your hotel" late at night from the Taxi guys who hooked me up with another hotel claiming to be the sister hotel of my original. I know that scam! Why did I get suckered? After that I started getting into the groove, although noticed a few oppses that could have been far worse. Not planning backpack laundry, not checking for TP before going #2. All things the tried and true traveler knows to do by instinct. I am rusty. Then again... getting back into the groove has been fun, after all travel is like riding a bike, you never really forget.
I'm in India now. Saw the Taj Mahal today. This country is bewildering, humbling, harrowing, mystifying, and exotically fun all at the same time. One moment I'm flabbergasted, the next I'm charmed beyond belief. The country is all one could hope for in the vibrancy of its people, so colorful, so lively. (Although I could do without all the touts and taxi-wallas) Nonetheless its a charming place that I've wanted to see for years. I'm glad I'm here, my only regret is that I dont have anyone to share it with. Perhaps I'll meet a new travel companion here, but in reality I do wish I had someone from home of this jaunt of it. Visiting friends across the globe on my way here softened me, made things easy, too easy perhaps. No bother. I simply realize how much I care for those back home and when the time comes for me to journey back that way, I'll gladly oblige.
Until then, the Himilayas await...
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