Celebrating all the mountains and peaks of my life. The places where all my best dreams have come true, the cathedrals where I practice my religion. Going to the mountains is going home. Happy International Mountain Day. Go climb a rock.
It’s been 20 days since completing Te Araroa and it feels so unreal reflecting upon the journey and the determination it took to finish. I am traveling now, meeting people who helped me along the way, cooking some Indian meals, sharing stories and laughter. A little something I could do to thank them for their love and generosity.
Climbed Mt Doom (Mordor) in Middle-earth to witness the first sunrise of the New Year. Literally! I get to see the first sunrise before the rest of the world. Though one does not simply walk into Mordor. Freezing cold rain, mist and gusts tried to stop me from getting to the summit. In the end, I had no precious to throw into the fire, only to sit back at the summit, enjoy this precious view and welcome the New Year with much gratitude and in anticipation of what’s ahead. Happy New Year, everyone!
First sunrise of the year 2015 from the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe aka Mt Doom aka Mordor. It’s hard to put into words the emotion I was going through witnessing this sunrise. I was filled with doubts, yet I continued following my dreams, which eventually brought me to this place. A very special moment, and I’ll carry this with me as a gift from God and in anticipation of what is to come this year.
I can now say that I went all the way to the end of Middle-earth.
Watched The Hobbit like a hobbit. OK, I may be a bit tall to be one :)
I just didn’t want the movie to end. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies was simply stunning. Even more stunning to watch the Middle-earth saga in Middle-earth after tramping the length of Middle-earth.
Feel so bloody lucky and blessed.
San Francisco bound.
My plane is painted as Smaug. It reminds me that “anyone can be courageous.”
Craving some cheeseburgers and Dr Pepper.