Trekking in Nepal : The Importance of Now

"Suddenly I told myself, 'You could turn around right now. Nobody would stop you.' Standing next to Jeff, my mind churned with fear, self-doubt, and endless self-questioning. Perhaps the way to approach such a monster of a mountain was to break it down into more manageable chunks, to clear my mind so heavy with expectation, and to experience the climb moment by moment, step by step. I would try not to worry about everything that lay ahead but focus on the beauty and friendship that was all around me, and no matter how high I got up the mountain, I would celebrate that as my summit." - Erik Weihenmayer, Touch the Top of the World

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Annapurna Base Camp

Days 1 and 2 of the Supposedly-EBC-Trek

Source: lag66
The airport scene yesterday was worse. People were already sleeping on the floor.

A few weeks ago in India, I met some people who were initially planning to go to Nepal, some to do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. But news on the bad weather in Lukla (take-off point for the trek) have lead them to just stay put in India.

Almost a week ago, during our first dinner (pork chop Pinoy-style!!) in Kathmandu, the wonderful crew there kept on wishing us 'Good luck!'. And on our supposedly last night in Kathmandu pre-trek, their goodbyes were replaced with 'Hope we don't see you tomorrow!'. Same as with the hotel owners and staff.

Varanasi is India's Love-Hate Relationship

Flower Candle in the Ganges River

‘They say that traveling through India is a love-hate relationship. Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Agra were more love than hate. But here in Varanasi, it surely feels like love-hate. As much as I'd rather stay in the whole day. The ghats, the curious stares, the bathing people, the cows, the river - seem to be calling out to me to go out and take a walk again this afternoon. India! :)’ 

Remember when I said that I feel so at home in India? Well, it’s probably because I’ve never been to Varanasi! 

Varanasi : Life and Death

Today I walk alone with a goal to go the other end of the Varanasi river side. I passed by another burning ceremony. I didn't stay long not as much as yesterday. And just a few meters from it, I found a relatively deserted and peaceful place.

I bring out my book and my notebook. And I start writing about what I've been feeling ever since I saw the burning ceremony yesterday.

Four Weeks into the Big Trip and Feeling ‘At Home'

The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Nearing a month into the Big Trip now. We went to see the Fatehpur Sikri yesterday, a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Agra.

While in the bus I somehow felt ‘at home’.