WE MADE IT HOME!

Hello!

After about 3 days of traveling, we made it back to Lexington! We spent the majority of last week in Manali on a 4 day "trek". (We call it backpacking) It was however the fanciest backpacking trip we've ever been on. We had to hire a guide because we didn't bring all of our gear, and there are not any well marked long trails in the area. It was basically a fully supported, luxurious expedition. We had our guide Tenzing, our cook from Nepal, a horseman, and 3 horses lugging gear! Adam just carried our clothes in a pack. The tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and food were all carried by the horses! We only hiked about 4 hours a day, and they fed us constantly! Normally we're tired and starving on backpacking trips. This trip we were well-rested and stuffed with fabulous Indian and Tibetan food and of course chai.

(Our guide, Tenzing)

(Prayer flags at Hampta Pass)

We did get to see some beautiful scenery. We were hiking in the foothills and low Himalayan mountains. We hiked in parts of the Kullu and Spitti Valleys. It looked very similar to Alaska, with the edition of some monkeys, sheep/goat herds with shepherds and dogs, and of course cows. The cows from a nearby village would spend their days roaming throughout the countryside, and everyday villagers would hike several kilometers to milk the cows, and then carry the milk back on their heads.

(Tenzing and our cook at work)

We hiked up to about 4,300 meters to Hampta Pass, which allowed us to cross from the Kullu Valley to Spitti Valley. Saw Indrasan Peak and Deo Tibba (2 large peaks in the area). It was wonderful to get outside for a little while. We were craving fresh, clean air. We did however miss the dogs badly. Whenever we hike it is with the dogs, and they were sorely missed.

(Tibetan woman near the chai stands after finishing the trek)

After the trek, we hung out in Manali for another day and a half. Did some shopping and eating. Tibetan momos are incredible! On Sunday evening we took the overnight bus back to New Delhi. About 15 hours. About 4 am, Adam started throwing up and feeling awful. We still had several hours left on the bus, cruising at high speeds around tight corners and over bumps. (India's driving is an incredible experience). We finally got to Delhi that morning, and took a hot, stinky cab through traffic for an hour to the airport. Adam was still sick.... We had about 12 hours until our flight that evening and they wouldn't let us in the airport, so we sat in a hot/humid lounge that cost 60 rupees. Adam felt terrible and I was starting to feel sick in the heat, so I lambasted the guards and a manager to let us into the airport about 6 hours before our flight rather than the typical 3 hour rule. It worked. I didn't have to punch anyone. I felt much better once in the airport, although Adam was still feeling rough. Finally, midway through out 14 hour flight to Newark, he woke up feeling chipper, and is fine now.

We got into Newark early morning eastern time on Tuesday, and barely made our flight to Nashville. Racing through the airport was a must to make the flight. We got into Nashville Tuesday and finally drove back to Lexington Wednesday. What a whirlwind. I am now home, feeling a new appreciation for hot showers, air conditioning, and American drivers. It was however a wonderful trip, and I have many more humorous stories to share!