PNW Hikes

A Wild Ride

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We left Agra (home of the beautiful Taj Mahal) at 10pm for a 15 hours train ride to Gorakpur. A long journey with the indian railways, we were glad we chose the 3rd class instead of the sleeper class. Arrived in Gorakpur, we transfer to a local bus (budget option) to make our way to the Nepalese border. A horrible sweaty, packed and absolutely annoying honking 4 hour ride. Exhausted from our 20 hour trip to the border, we arrived in Sunauli where we clear customs and enter Nepal. Not quite there yet. We jump on an other local bus, a 9 hour drive to final destination, Katmandu. We had no idea that we were about to step in the most memorable ride of our lives. Everything was supposed to go smoothly until the engine broke. Being the only english speaking in the bus, we had no idea of the next steps. We followed people outside, jumped on the roof of the bus to get our bags, then wait. And wait. And wait. We waited for about 2 hours in the darkest night of Nepal, with 40 Nepalis, in the middle of an empty road. Few buses drove by, but all full. Finally, one stopped and seemed like our fellows were rushing to it. Riot in front of the entrance. People climbing in the windows. We were the last one to get in, with our bags, stucked in the stairs of the bus. No more room. Really: no more room. We squeezed ourselves on the floor of the bus, tight between others stucked on the ground, amongst pee and sweat running down the alley… for 10 hours! On top of that, music playing all night! Definitely the worst ride of my life. We arrived slowly but surely and safely in Kathmandu. What a ride!

 

Holy Cow: India!

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I’ve been trotting the roads of India for a week now, and it’s an experience that defies description. India is a land of unique wonders, richly different from anywhere else. While the exploration is endlessly captivating, there are moments that bring about a mix of emotions… the constant hum of honking on the streets, a driving experience that’s vibrant yet chaotic, an occasional scent that fills the air, and scenes of individuals, including children, navigating the challenges of life. It’s a stark reminder of the socioeconomic disparities that exist. However, amidst these challenges, there’s an extraordinary historical richness, with remarkable constructions dating back to the 17th century, a harmonious coexistence of animals—camels, elephants, sacred cows, dogs, and monkeys—in the streets, vibrant colors and aromatic spices in the bustling bazaars, incredible culinary delights, and, above all, encounters with warm and gracious people. Hospitality extends to offering a cup of tea, a gesture that exemplifies the kindness ingrained in the culture.

Having explored the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra), I’m now on my way to Kathmandu, Nepal.

An Asian Journey

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India: an exhilarating blend of adventure, spirituality, and self-discovery that will represent the zenith of my youthful explorations. Amidst the company of 1.1 billion vibrant souls, I will embark on a voyage across the subcontinent in pursuit of my most profound philosophical question: the essence of self. My journey will lead me to the southernmost tip of the nation, where the convergence of three seas will signify not only geographic unity but also a profound encounter with one’s innermost being. In these remote places where roads will fade away and solitude will prevail, the path to self-realization will unfurl. Join me as I traverse India and extend my journey to the enchanting landscapes of Nepal, the mystical heights of Tibet, and the serene shores of Sri Lanka. This odyssey will promise fulfillment, cultural riches, and a profound voyage of self-discovery.

Capucine ♡

 

Whistler Exposed

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Whistler is a four-season resort destination located in the Southern Pacific Ranges of The Coast Mountains, and only a short drive from one of Canada’s largest cities, Vancouver. Its two adjacent mountains surrounded by ancient glaciers offer the greatest vertical rise and best terrain variety for skiing and snowboarding in all of North America. This young century-old town is a not only ‘a place of scenic wonders’,but also a region with a rich history and cultural background.

Originally known as London Mountain, Whistler was found by British explorers in the 1880’s. Its convenient location became a trading route attracting trappers and prospectors, such as John Millar and Henry ‘Harry’ Horstman. In the early 20th century, during a trip to the city to sell fur, Millar influenced Alex Philips to come experience fishing up north. With his wife Myrtle, the Phillips made the three-day trip to the valley. Inspired by their surroundings, they fell in love with the place and decided it would be the perfect location to realize their dream: To open a fishing lodge. They bought 10 acres of land and started to build cabins. With the help of the Tapley’s family, the Rainbow Lodge was completed in 1914. The Pacific Great Easter Railway also reached Alta Lake that year, making the area more accessible, with only one day travelling time from the city. With easier access, renowned hospitality, perfect setting, andexcellent fishing, the Rainbow Lodge became the most popular tourist resort of the 1920’s. Their work inspired others and new lodges opened throughout the valley in the 1950’s.

In 1965, Whistler officially found its name from the sound of Hoary Marmots. The village of Creekside was built that same year with a narrow gravel road and a few hydro lines. Then came the first lifts. In 1966, a new era in Canadian skiing was born in with the opening of Whistler Mountain.

An emerging ski-bum culture arose throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s attracting youthful, fun-seekers and free-spirited individuals. With nowhere else to stay, ski bums occupied empty buildings, or squatted on crown land.

The iconic picture of Toad Hall reminds us of this era, showing bare-bummed Whistler skiers posing outside the squat from which they were getting evicted. toad-hall Whistler Village became a municipality in 1976 when the garbage dump was changed into a tourist village. And when Intrawest bought and merged Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, also operating a mountain bike park during the summer, the resort of Whistler/Blackcomb became a year-round global attraction. mtb In 2003, when the resort won the bid of hosting the 2010 Olympic Games, a 50 year dream was realized.

The construction of the remarkable Peak to Peak gondola connecting both mountains peaks followed in 2008. adv-gondola1 In just a few decades, Whistler has grown from a little sleepy fishing village to a word-class, year-round resort destination attracting over 2 millions visitors each year. Nowadays, many establishments, mountain runs, and parks hold the names of the dreamers that built the town. Places such as the Horstman Hut, Tapley’s Pub, Millar’s Creek, and the Phillips cabins at Rainbow Lake commemorate the work and achievement of such visionary pioneers. The five Olympic rings standing,in the now called Ceremony Plaza in the village,remind us of another dream that came true. Once in a while, a bare-naked skier might be seen running through the cobble-stoned streets of the village, reminiscent of the town’s humble and free spirited beginnings. 59127_l For more information about the beginnings of Whistler, visit:

Note: This post was written for a researching assignment with MatadorU. Images were taken from the Internet.  

Self-Portrait

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Note: I found this old piece I wrote on a scratch paper when I was 19. I thought it would fit well in this blog.

I was born from my mom, a Caucasian lady from the early 50’s. She truly lived the 70’s, the hipped, the love, the zen mode. She got a lot of life on her shoulder though. That’s from where she taught me the real experiences of life. She mostly taught me that the beauty is in the eye of the holder…

I was born from a dad, a certain man who found refuge in our country from a war that wasn’t his. He left a place he called home, running from bombs and guns, leaving family behind. He came here with injustice in his blood, that pushed him away from me and my mom, too much problems I guess,  maybe it was for the best.

I have a brother, we’re from the same woman. I couldn’t see him that much. I was born when he was a bum, then he left for new adventures and trotted the globe. I would look at him as my hero, my mentor. Once a year, if I would be lucky, I would see him coming from an exciting country. He would make me dream about the world, and gave me that thing in your heart that makes you want to know the Whole Wide World.

So I grew up alone with my mom and lots of dogs. My mom was a down-to-earth person. All she wanted was to give me the best of everything. We never got money really. But what is it about money anyway? What more in life do you need, then true values and love from your lady? She taught me to appreciate, to respect, to be honest… She taught me to open my heart, to listen to what people have to say, to share opinions… She taught me to be myself, no matter what… She taught me to always stay beautiful, in the inside… She taught me that life is the most beautiful thing alive, and so appreciate everything that I have…

My first question when I came into this world was: Me, who am I really? It’s not my name, or my age, or where I’m from that really makes who I am. So what is it all about this ME?

Maybe it’s more about what I think, what I believe, what I like and I don’t like…

And what about what I believe? I believe that each human kind is equal. We all have feelings, emotions, different passions and opinions. We all have something to say and something to share. All opinions are good. We just need better arguments to prove our point. I believe that if everyone would respect and listen to what others have to say, maybe we’ll give our world a little more chance to stay…

I also believe that publicity and money push the ”American dream” too far in our society. We don’t need to look perfect, what’s perfect anyway? A Cleopatra, a Marilyn Monroe, La Jocombe? Or just the innocence of a rich princess like Britney? And what is it about that insignificant reality TV? Are we really at the point of considering our lives too boring so we’re excited to watch other people’s impertinent and crappy life? And what about money? Are we really going to be happier with big house chalet in the mountains? Having a sailing boat so we can travel the world? Have enough money so we can enjoy all the craziness in life? Well… maybe… maybe I’d like all those things, I admit. But maybe I can want it so much that I will accomplished enough so I can get myself a little piece of happiness somehow, somewhere…

Some people say we might be doctors, real estates agents, functionaries… Maybe we don’t all need a career to be fully complete. Maybe some of us just need job, where we punch in the morning, catch our paycheck and then go home to the ones we love. Does life really have to be complicated? Maybe we want to experience the outdoors of our life and share new adventures and cozy moments with people that are precious to us.

I believe in love. I think being able to open its heart for someone is the most incredible feeling in the world. I believe in butterflies. I love butterflies! I think that if you got the power to feel every little beat of your heart and your soul, I think you got a real connection with life.  Love isn’t just a four-letter word. It means opening, sharing, trusting, understanding, caring, loving… It’s not a promise to love to death, it’s not a commitment, it’s not about marriage… It’s about loving each other. It is the YOU and the ME connected by a deep feeling that makes ONE. Does true love really exists? Is there someone in this world that would be our perfect fit? I don’t know. But what I know, is when you find someone that makes you laugh, smile, dream… you need to fight for it, maybe that will be this thing in life that would be worth fighting for…

So come to that, what is it that we really want in life? Money? Love? Career? I believe that being happy, just happy every day of your life… that’s probably what I would like… To wake up each and every morning with a smile, for the rest of my life… To wake up to a life that I like, that is mine, full of achievements and completed goals. As long as you are happy with who you are, what you have, and what surrounds you, I think you’re living it up.

So I don’t know what I want to be… I’m thinking about it right now, I am a little confused, a little lost. I want to achieve big goals, project big dreams. I guess I will keep my imagination going and we’ll see where it’ll take me. Maybe I’ll end up living in a perfect paradise that I could call mine. A deserted island far away from politics, bar-bar ideas and war. Maybe the sand will be white, the water turquoise and no richness, no poverty, only people with big hearts and big smiles.  We’ll see what happens… everything is possible… as long as I believe. xo