To commemorate the anniversary of my trip, I pulled out my journal and decided to share some of the personal details. It was not simply a trek in the Himalayas. It was the start of a more spiritual type of trek for me.
September 30, 2011
I can't really say this is the beginning because this trip has been in the works for years. For years it was just a dream, and then, literally, for the last two years I've been making the real, solid plans: settling on an itinerary, choosing an outfitter, accumulating the necessary gear, conditioning my body--not to mention my mind--and working out care for my beloved cats and my house for the month that I will be gone. All of this has taken so much time, so much energy, and immeasurable emotion.At about 9:45 this morning, Debbie arrived at my house to take me to the airport. She gave me this journal...and the pen, too! Debbie is a true blessing in my life. Over the last few months, during the buildup to today, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the many blessings in my life. There are some truly incredible people in my life.
Something I'm also coming to realize and accept is that I am a truly incredible person in my own right.
It's 1:16 pm and I'm on a plane to Houston. Waiting to take off.
It begins. Here come the tears...
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On the flight to Houston--
It embarrasses me that I cry so easily and so often. On the other hand, I see it as proof that I am a good person. I feel things. I go deeper than I think many people do and I value that. I wish I could control it sometimes. I wish I didn't feel like it makes me appear weak--I actually think I am one of the strongest people I know!
And here I am on my way to Khatmandu.
How strange it is to say that! Those words are coming out of ME! I keep hearing that Bob Seger song running through my head--I think that's where I first heard the word "Khatmandu." I never thought, way back when I first heard it, that it would be a place I would go.
I first heard of Nepal while watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" many, many years ago. Again, never associated it with me. Just thought of it as some faraway, exotic, fantastical place out of my reality.
And Mt Everest? Ha! I wonder when it hit me that I could see and experience these places? How did I arrive here--on this plane, on this adventure? How is it possible that my small world has become so large and I am stretching my limits and pushing past boundaries that I never realized were there? When did they disappear?
I suppose they were never there, not really. Or that was a different reality. What is reality?
Wow, that's a whole other direction I may go in at another time. For now, I'm just amazed that I am here on this plane, beginning a journey that actually began a long time ago.
What will happen to me on this trip? What will I see? Who will I meet? I expect to meet myself, if that makes any sense. I'm thinking I will have some interactions with God. I will face fear. I've already faced fear just by booking the trip and getting on the plane. How will my body handle the altitude? How will my psyche handle the discomforts, the physical challenges, the emotional challenges of traveling alone?
We're landing in Houston.
Houston International Airport
It truly is international, but I think the Doha airport is going to seem much more exotic to me. I had to walk quite a ways to an area of the airport that I imagine most people I know never see. I walked past Emirates Air, which I've seen advertised at pro tennis tournaments. I even have a "Fly Emirates" cap. And then there's Qatar Air.
Quite a variety of people. Mostly they look Indian or Sri Lankan to me. But my experience with that part of the world is limited, so maybe they were Pakistani or Afghani(?) or some other nationality.
Backtracking a bit...
I met a woman on the flight to Houston who is traveling to meet up with her husband for their 35th wedding anniversary celebration. He lives in Oklahoma temporarily because of his job. She was impressed by what I'm doing. I think 35 years of marriage--especially happy marriage--is impressive.
I spoke with my friend, Lesley, while waiting for my flight in Phoenix. Lesley was so excited about this trip and asking a million questions. "I get to live vicariously through you," she said. Lesley has an awesome husband and is raising an amazing little boy. I think what she's doing--raising a child--is a pretty impressive undertaking. I think it takes more courage to live her life.
Back in Phoenix I lost a jacket I was carrying. I had to walk back to where I left it and as I got there I saw a bright, shiny, heads-up penny on the floor. It was right there in the middle of the walkway just waiting for me. In the past few weeks no pennies had shown themselves until the last few days. They were all tails-up, though, so I flipped them for the next person. Today--at the airport--was the perfect time for MY penny to show up!
We are backing away from Gate D7 in Houston. I'm in the window seat, 24K, looking at the bright crescent moon. Cute guy in 24I. Lots of military on this flight. I see one other solo white girl. Here we go. All the middle seats are open. Cool! We can spread out some.
Ok, I'll be back. Got 14+ hours in 24K.
