Yak, Yeti, and Yoga

About this blog

Hello Dear Friends,

Thank you for checking into my adventures! Traveling for me is so much more than just a holiday away from work. It is an opportunity to see life with fresh eyes, to be in the moment, and to challenge my current views and beliefs. As most of you know, I began dreaming of Nepal after a climbing event in Aspen Colorado put on by Outside Magazine. A panel of extreme athletes spoke of their accomplishments and struggles with the sports they loved, and several of them were Everest climbers. They came across as down to earth, driven individuals who radiated their passion for living. I was inspired and a desire to know more about the Nepal area was triggered. My yoga practice and study of Eastern religions fueled this dream and I knew that a land of phantasmic mountains and deep rooted spirituality was a place I had to go to. So how do you save enough money on a teacher's salary to travel to the other side of the world? Step 1: I figured who needs a place with heat in Arizona and moved into a crappy little shoebox to save money. Only you ABSOLUTELY need heat in Arizona, as we had a ridiculously cold winter and I woke up for weeks seeing my breath and having a frozen glass of water next to my bed (I guess this was preparing me for the temps in the mountains?) Step 2: I got rid of the crappy little shoebox, moved what little I needed into my car and began bummig off of all my generous and hospitable friends and family for 6 months in multiple states. If you are one of those individuals, then I dedicate this trip to you. You put up with my messes, my loudness, my mooching off of your electricity and food. If it hadn't been for you, Nepal could never have happened. Kisses to you! Lucky for me I also have an incredible job that supports me and gave me the time time to venture out. Step 3: Gear and Training! If it wasn't something I needed for the trip I couldn't buy it. If it wasn't an activity that prepared me for the adventure. I didn't do it. I apologize for all of the brithday parties, baby showers, weddings, and graduations I missed. Step 4: Just Go!

The following entries are the journal passages before and during my trip and the photos that I, or a fellow traveler took. Enjoy exploring!

-Jennifer