Intentions for EBC

Planning is guessing. Expectations present an opportunity for disappointment. But intentions...those are personal choices. The magic of travel, the lasting transformation, begins in your mind, right where you are. Thank you to Katie, from Wanderwell, for these pre-travel journal prompts. We depart tomorrow to begin the journey to Everest Base Camp.

• Why do you want to take this trip?
• ¿Por qué quieres hacer este viaje?

C: I want to bear witness to the highest peak on earth. I want to do it holding Angel's hand. I absolutely loved Nepal on my first visit and I hope to return again and again. 
A:  Contribuir a otra cultura, aprender sobre la cultura, descubrir nuevos límites. To contribute to another culture, to learn about the culture, to discover new limits.

• What do you want to learn?
• ¿Que quieres aprender?

C: I want to learn about the people in the villages. I want to talk to the women who feed us and learn how they prepare our meals. I want to hear the stories of men and women who climbed higher and of those who are on their way to the top.
A: Quiero aprender sobre la cultura de Nepal y al día a día de la vida local. También quiero aprender nuevas habilidades de supervivencia. I want to learn about the Nepalese culture and every day local life. I also want to learn new survival skills.

• What personal habits, preconceptions or self-care do you want to focus on during your trip?
• ¿En qué hábitos personales, ideas preconcebidas o autocuidado deseas enfocarte durante tu viaje?

C: Stretching. And slowing down. On my first trip to Nepal, I had some time constraints and trekked downhill too fast, causing incredible long-term pain to my left knee. I look forward to being forced to slow down due to the higher altitude on this trek, spending afternoons sipping tea and stretching hip flexors. I am bringing a pair of flip flops and sneakers, so that my feet can heal, free from hours laced inside boots, though of course bundled up in warm fuzzy socks.
A: Relajacion y conciencia. Relaxation and mindfulness. 

• How will you immerse yourself in the culture?
• ¿Cómo te sumergirás en la cultura?

C: Two words: Dal Baht. Oh, and tea. I will eat what the locals eat. Just like each American family has its own chili recipe and each \ member of a Spanish family adapts their own cocido, each teahouse has a unique dal baht. The rice is the same, but the lentils and vegetables are fresh from the garden outside. It's delicious. I hope to be able to spend some time in the kitchen, observing and even learning how to make the meal that will fuel our days and warm our nights.
A: Aprendiendo y probando nuevos hábitos, costumbres; comidas compartidas con los lugareños; aprendiendo palabras en un nuevo idioma. Learning and trying new habits; shared meals with locals; learning words in a new language.

• How will you challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone (while being safe of course!)?
• ¿Cómo te desafiarás a ti mismo a salir de tu zona de confort (manteniendo una seguridad, por supuesto)?

C: 5643 meters/18,513 feet. That's the highest we expect (and hope) to trek! It's the highest I'll have ever been.
A: Sin alcohol, sin teléfono celular, dejando las comodidades del hogar. No alcohol, no cell phone, leaving the comforts of home.

• Where, when and for how long will you journal and reflect each day?
• ¿Dónde, cuándo y por cuánto tiempo publicará y reflejará el día a día?

C: I'll journal every day, usually in the evenings, though perhaps over a pot of tea with breakfast as well. 
A: Video diario. Daily video journal.

• What are some ways to connect with yourself, your travel mates and the locals?
• ¿Cuáles serán algunas formas de conectar consigo mismo, tus compañeros de viaje y los lugareños?

C: I usually travel with a few printed photos, to tell stories of people and places at home and to avoid introducing electronics into a meaningful conversation. I'll also pack playing cards and will be sure to pick up a map along the way. The tables are communal and, due to the altitude, we will likely be crossing paths with many of the same folks throughout our journey.
A: Conversaciones, observaciones, juegos. Conversation, observation, games.
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• What’s something active you can do on your trip to get your adrenaline pumping?
• ¿Qué es algo activo que puedes hacer en tu viaje para obtener tu adrenalina?

C: See the question, "How will you challenge yourself." We will get our adrenaline pumping by flying into the world's most dangerous airport, Lukla. And we will relax by bookending our trip with massages as Seeing Hands. 
A: Trekking a mas de 5000m de altitud. Trekking above 5000m of altitude.

NEW: We're back! Read about our experience here.

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