Almost off

The packing for Bhutan is about 99% done so I'm breathing a sigh of relief and starting to feel like its coming together. Unless there is something minor I've missed but it'll be more of an annoyance than anything. I'm always amazed at the amount of logistics needed to go away for a big trip and that its always more expensive that I think it will be. Like I've said before I plan for and accept the cost but still there are  the incidentals I don't always think about. Oh well, I know this trip will be worth it and there's always Kraft Dinner when I return.

I picked up some canadian T-shirts and some things to give away to schools and such. I also bring postcards and family photos as I've found that they go over really well when I travel. I think it helps for others to see you in a family context as that helps to take you out of the box of "tourist" even if its only for a few minutes. I have a journal and will be keeping track of the days. I've reread my journals from other trips and have been amazed at the nuances that I've written about that I tend to forget when the fresh memory fades.

I am feeling slightly more stress about Kathmandu right now since I will be on my own there. I'm excited about the sense of adventure there but I'll be in a big bustling third world city alone for some of it. I am planning on catching up with my friend Monique. It seems quite jet-set to be meeting in Kathmandu, but Monique and I always have had the flair for the dramatic!

While I'm away an article I wrote will be published in the climbing magazine Gripped. The story is about my climbing relationship with Colin. It is something that feels like it happened quite magically in many ways. The article is based on my first blog I wrote after Colin's death. Over the course of dealing with his death I would tweak the article. It is crazy to admit, but after Colin died I knew I would write about it and I new that Gripped would publish it. Now I have no good reason for feeling this way, I'm not a writer per say, beyond the meanderings I subject all you readers to. And my logical brain insisted it was hubris to imagine that I would have something to say that may be of relevance to other climbers. But my insecurities aside, what fueled me was the desire to honour Colin in a bigger way. I wanted to stand up and tell other climbers how great he was as a person and as a climber. To leave a lasting imprint that he mattered to me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to put myself out there in such a personal way to the climbing community at large but that seemed worth it. So one night I drank too much wine, got some liquid courage and emailed my story to the publisher. Once I hit the send button I had this deep conviction that the article would be accepted. Then my rational brain would pipe up and explain why there was no chance in hell it would get published. But this deep knowing would patiently explain that it was a done deal. The next working day Gripped responded that they wanted to run the story. I asked Catherine if she was all right with this and she gave her approval. Gripped asked for photos so I sent my favorites that I think show Colin in his element, as I remember him, smiling, competent and accomplished. I have such fond memories of all the pictures which are of some of our funnest times together. Colin was loath to admit it, but he adored his photo being taken. I always found this amusing as it didn't really fit with his hardcore image. I would have fun teasing him about it every now and then. His inconsistencies is what could make him both lovable and insufferable! He was always deeply engaged with any photos that him and I took. After our trips we would often compare images and decide on which were "the money" shots and why; colour, composition, lighting etc. I think he would agree that readers of Gripped will get a bag of Gold this April. At least I think so.

Well, I'm super tired and ready to appreciate the last sleep in my bed for awhile.

If I can sneak in a blog or two I will but if not then we'll catch up when I return. Bye happy readers may you have your own journeys and adventures in April.

Lise

PS: after a couple abysmal attempts to master the "whiz" I got tired of peeing on myself and decided it was best that the whiz stay at home!