Sept. 24-Oct. 2008. Reflections.

First, to conclude the narrative of time in India. I was up to 4:30 AM to pack for our 5:30 AM pickup. We were due to depart on the 7:20 Kingfisher flight to Delhi. According to Joel, JetAir, which I flew in 2006, has now become ridiculously expensive. In any case, we were worried about weight surcharges at the airport, but some creative accounting took care of that. Joel re-identified all the luggage for us, and we were off and away with a smattering up window seats amongst the group. It was pretty much clear and I had some spectacular views from my middle seat (737, 3 + 3 seating). Prince and drivers met us in Delhi and we whisked away in 3 vehicles in a death race to the Imperial Hotel. We made it there with 20 minutes to spare...an ocean of time for efficient eaters on a mission.

One is immediately put at ease by the liveried valets, gorgeous door-women, and wafting aromatherapy as one enters the grounds. After a false start in the (hot) outdoor garden, we were given a private little zone in the bar. Then, off to the buffet. Glass after glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, smoked salmon, almond croissants, fresh fruit, omlettes to order, well-done tea. Heaven! Then we drove to the Cottage Yes Please. A few bags originally planned for transport from Manali to Leh were brought to Delhi instead (personally, arranged by L.C.) due to the weather-related road closure. So we regained this gear, and also claimed a few bags left a month before at the Cottage Yes Please storeroom. Everything was in good order.

At this point, the group began to fragment and goodbyes began. M. took off for a 2-3 day "Golden Triangle" trip to Agra and Jaipur. The Kiwis and W. absconded to higher class digs at a nearby hotel although we met later at the Metropolis. L., P.S., and myself rented a triple day room for kinky shower fun. Joel went to sleep. The afternoon really marked my re-entry to ordinary life. I went to an internet cafe with all the modern conveniences and "worked" for a few hours. After a shower I spent my last few hours in India wandering in Paharganj. In contrast to some past time in this neighborhood, I felt completely at ease. It was not intolerably hot, and no one bothered me in the slightest. Once you get off the main drag, it is just typical India.

The trekking crew minus M. re-assembled at the Metropolis, and then at 6 PM, Joel, P.S. and myself left for the airport and home. The international terminal at Delhi is now quite tolerable with food service and clean bathrooms. The Continental flight was not full and left absolutely on time. My neighbor was an interesting young French Canadian woman who makes her living importing jewelry from Rajasthan and generally hangs out in India about half the year. Clearance of US customs in Newark was a snap, a joke really, and the last flight to Seattle was just long but no problem. Susan was right outside the door at the baggage claim area. Home...goodies brought out...superficial unpacking and gear cleaning...the beginning of the re-entry process.

My first "U.S." activity Friday morning was to go to second year Hindi at the University of Washington. A subset of the smart and cool young people from my first year class were there, all enthusiastic and embarking on another year of langauge study. Ah, how I wanted to join them. However, class is at a bad time of day, and it just didn't feel right to flake off from my regular adult life, again. It was an incredible privilige to attend a first-class Hindi program last year as part of the University of Washington's tuition exemption program for faculty and staff. As Krishna said to Arjuna, accept your dharma. I am not a young college student anymore. Maybe next year...शायद अगला साल। I am already forgetting my Hindi.

It is now about a week later as I finish this blog. The good memories from this trek and group will last for a lifetime. There were maybe 10 times during the course of the trek that I said to myself, to paraphrase, this is too hard, I can't make it, and if I survive I will never do this again. And there were an even greater number of timess that I thought, this is wonderful, and as soon as I recover I want to come back and do another trip. Everyone stepped up to the plate in more ways than one. Highs and lows were endured. Most people "let it all hang out" and were accepted with compassion and understanding. We got incredibly lucky with the weather. A tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes planning and accumulated Himalaya experience on the part of Joel, L.C., and all of our Indian staff were absolutely key to pulling off this long and difficult trip. Thank you all. And remember what happens on vacation stays on vacation. David