Lessons I learnt from the mountains
- 1. The two peaks in quick succession knocked the wind out of me but left behind a lot more than I expected Kang Yatze II and Dzo Jongo (6000+ m), Ladakh Region
- 2. Dont need to be the first to be the best! Life is not meant to be a race He also took the best pictures & shared tales of a life well lived Most times he would be sauntering far back enjoying & soaking in the views Meet Jiri (pronounced Rrriri) the undisputed strongest man in the group! And, by far the best climber. Never once would anyone find him clamoring to be first in the line
- 3. In the end what matters is how one chooses to spend ones time Meet Sanjivour guide & leader for this expedition He left a job that promised him more money & a slicker city life, but he chose to be with the mountains For him, this isnt a job, but a passion that pays him enough, gives respect, recognition & above all the contentment of a fulfilled life
- 4. One step at a time will get you there. Assured! This is Vipin also, my better half..literality! For him getting there is not enough, its how you get there even if it means one slow step at a time. Vips has never been the one to hurry or rush any experience Im yet to meet a more self assured person, who is so comfortable in his own skin! Sometimes we rush through life, without living it Vips has taught me to find my own pace & enjoy the journey
- 5. The journey is as important as the destination... Meet Jim & Susan.. The golden couple of our group.. Retired from work, and living life full time! J&S were to summit both the peaks with us, but post the first one, Susan wanted to take it easy Just as we were about to start, Jim (all geared up & ready) decided not to do the second peak without her they had been together through all their treks & had many more planned together sharing the experience of the journey was more important than doing the summit alone
- 6. Sometimes in life, we can all do with some help and wisdom Yeah thats me someone who is fiercely independent & likes to be in control of situations The mighty mountains taught me a lesson or two, that I will stay with me First, it made me realize that I cant always be ahead in the game, cant always be the strongest or fastest as long as I make peace with that & dont give up, I will be fine Second, asking for help doesnt make you any lesser I practically held Nimas hand (one of the guides) all the way up on my second summit & when I told him how dependent I felt, he said- you may have held my hand, but it was you, your grit & your legs that carried you up!
- 7. Sharing some clicks while they dont capture the entire essence, will still manage to stir an emotion or two
- 8. TOP ROW (L-R) Vitthal Jim Ravi Colonel Manoj Doug Jiri Vipin BOTTOM ROW (L-R) Susan Vandana Rajeshwari Sunmbul Me Sanjiv (Chief guide) Thakur (Photo bomber) Tony Tenzing ( Snr guide) Our Expedition Gang (not including the 15+ staff)
- 13. Many evenings were spent sharing experiences, ambitions, desires, meaning of life
- 14. Here are a bunch of crazy people who share the same idea of having fun!
- 17. More than one reason to look forward to our next one together!
- 18. Have left a piece of myself back in the mountains cant wait to go back until thensomething to look forward to Singing Off!