My life is feeling more like a dream every day that passes ... not necessarily in the "utopia" sense of dream, but more in the way that dream scenes shift rapidly from one theme, environment, state of mind to the next. Just two days ago Russell and I came back to civilization (Pokhara, Nepal, that is) after 14 days trekking through the Annapurnas. Days were both predictable in the sense of routine - wake early, hike hike hike, scarf down dal bhat, read or chat with trekkers and locals, then pass out completely exhausted - yet entirely unpredictable in what the mountain, your mind or body would throw at you.
Each day's journey was like an entirely new world full of its own fresh sights and education. Starting from the lush green base up through the rocky climbs, forests and snowy peaks, we witnessed scenery and lifestyles that I didn't realize have survived the chaos of modernity. Often our only companions for hours would be the occasional donkey train or crying goat (their cry is just so absurdly cute!). It seemed that just as I would begin to feel completely drained and uninspired - whether from the altitude, cuts and bruises, or just the damn mountain! - a local Nepali would humbly trek by to put the situation back into perspective. These men (and women) hike the same mountain, but in flipflops with packs filled with - get this - rocks, beers (for us needy tourists), or 10 ft long metal poles ... supported by their head! No kidding! Gee, my comfy job sitting on my tush all day was so taxing ;)
It's certainly been a bit of reverse culture shock to return to a town with roads, consistently running water and even internet! Where are all the yaks?!
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