Namaste!
Internet connections are scarce and cut in and out when we do find them. Plus, brown-outs are frequent here due to the heat and amount of electricity people use to escape it, so it’s usually the hottest times of day that the fans stop turning. (We haven’t found much in ways of AC). I’m not sure how hot it’s been but probably upper 90’s. Will doesn’t think it’s broken 100 since we’ve been here, but I find that hard to believe. I’ve showered only twice since my arrival, and that was two days in a row. Sounds gross, but I’m loving it! (I deodorize often, don't worry.)
Anyway, we are having an absolutely wonderful time. We have traveled up north toward the Himalayan foothills. It is very easy to see why this region is one of the religious centers of the world: it is beyond words. Last night, we spend the night at 3600 meters—cold, but the view of the snowy monstrous peaks in the distance made it all worth it. Hiking at that altitude means we walk 50 feet and take a break. It’s much harder than I expected. We think temperatures got down to the 20’s where we were last night, but we had layers and heavy blankets. The night before we were at 2500 meters--also cold. Neither place had electricity so the meals prepared by the locals were done in clay stoves. It took a while but was very much worth the wait. Pretty much all the food here is vegetarian! I’m in heaven.
We spent 3 hours this morning at the top of a grassy peak (4000 meters and a little chilly) watching the sun rise and highlight the surrounding ranges. It was just the three of us! We had a small mountain top and small stone temple all to ourselves. We enjoyed the silence and let the sun warm us as the air tried to cool us. It was… don’t know what to say other than this was probably the most memorable Shabbat of my life.
Will is going to head back to Delhi to catch a flight home. Joel and I are going to continue on and hopefully climb a glacier—after a few days rest. My poor knees. They’re ok, but the climbs down can be tough.
My camera broke. It’s pretty unbelievable, but Joel and Will both have digital cameras; so it will be easy for them to send me pictures of the trip. They’ve also been really great about handing me the camera when I feel the need to take a shot, so it’s not as tragic as the China-camera situation.
I have so much more to say, of course, but I should go try and find some dinner. I’m also looking very much forward to a shower. Mmmmm, yes, shower.
Hopefully, I’ll post again soon, but I'll try to keep the next one shorter.
