EJ's Travels

I’ve been away from home 9 months to the day.  I’ve managed (thanks to a layover in Madrid from Argentina to Namibia) to step foot on all 7 continents in that time.  And in that time, a life’s worth of memories have been created.

It’s time for me to come home.

Originally India was going to be my first destination.  It was the hope and dream of exploring this vast country along with neighboring Nepal and Tibet that found me saving dollars for the last 4 years in order to spend roughly 12 months traveling through this region of the world.  But, as it has turned out, daydreaming about India was instead a catalyst for an entirely different adventure that I otherwise would not have dared to imagine… driving Ivan the Terra in Antarctica; backpacking in Patagonia; camping in the bush in Africa; reuniting with the best of friends from past travels; and creating new frienships to last a lifetime.

I am ready to come home.

Trekking through the Himalayas, visiting the monasteries and temples of this spiritual land, watching the colors and customs change across the miles… are all things I am certain I would still like to do some day, but in this moment, joining my family for the 2nd Almlie reunion and celebrating my 33rd birthday in their company is frankly far more enticing.  I’ve come to realize more than ever how much “home” (yep, the good ole USofA) is where my heart is.

Hope to see you soon.

Although my time in India was short, I did manage one memorable trip with a local guide and his family. Hiralal was selected from many to guide myself and 3 Israeli friends on a 3 week trek across the Himalayas beginning in Himachal Pradesh and ending in Ladakh. I never did embark on that journey, but prior to its departure Hiralal invited the 4 of us to join him and his family on an overnight trip to Chandra Tal Lake high in the Mulkilla & Lahaul Range. After a rather exasperating start to my stay in India, this journey warmed my heart. Himala’s family was charming and generous. The long dirt road to Chandra Tal was equally alarming and alluring. And the lake itself was magical. I won’t soon forget these people who shared this precious time with me and whom kept watch over me in the days to follow as I lay ill. I hope to return to Manali some day to greet them all with a warm embrace and to make the trek that eluded me this stay.

The drive was absolutely terrifying. One lane dirt roads with no barriers.
Cars racing & passing at full speed. But the scenery was breathtaking.

A truck stop if you will.

Busy road

The line of cars leading to this patch of snow was bumper to bumper for at
least a mile. This small patch entertained skiers, sledders & more!

Nine adults & 2 children piled in to this small jeep for the journey!

Our ‘convenience store’ stop for food & chai tea.

Mulkilla & Lahaul Range

Falave, Munu & Gudi

Me & Mayaan at Chandra Tal

Hiralal & friend

Roe, Khakeram, Raj, Me, Hiralal, Mayaan, Gudi, Falave, Munu, Pankeg

Reflections of Chandra Tal…

• "India is a country full of people from varying backgrounds and belief systems who live together harmoniously and love one another." - my taxi driver leaving the airport
• "In India, you can trust no one... you just told me ... [Continue reading this entry]