Temptation
I have yet to write very much about the planning we have been doing for our upcoming travel to Portugal, but with departure now less than a month away, Cyndie and I are daily making decisions related to preparations for that adventure. With the majority of my attention being funneled toward that trip, I was entirely unprepared for the email I received yesterday from the conductor of my favorite travel club.
In April of 2011, he will be guiding another trek in Nepal. I cannot describe how tempting that is to me. As I read his description of the trip, memories of my adventures there in 2009 came flooding back. Knowing what I now know about the whole experience feeds my thinking about how much more I might be able to get out of such a trip, the second time around.
I am remembering the Sherpa people who I came to know so well. They are a major part of the draw I feel to return. It feels uncomfortable to know that another group will be going over without me. It doesn’t feel right. I belong on that trip. I remember meeting Rosemary on the long plane flight out of Los Angeles, and her descriptions of having trekked in Nepal before. At the time, it seemed a little extreme to me. Now I understand it entirely.
I am so tempted to return.
For now, I have a whole ‘nother trip to distract me. We leave for Portugal near the middle of September. I will need to save temptations of the Himalayas until I return. But for a few hours yesterday, my mind was all Nepal, baby. All Nepal.
It is tempting.
Relative Something 
Rosemary! How great to read you here. I just returned from Portugal and am catching up. I will keep your book suggestions in mind. Thanks!
johnwhays
October 3, 2010 at 9:17 am
I just caught up on your blog, and my heart leaped when I saw this post. I remember that you questioned whether or not your leader would be able to return; how wonderful that another trip is in the works for him. I planned to return this year but life got in the way; maybe 2012. Still, when I saw your post I rethought trying to stumble over the stumbling blocks. I share your thoughts on the people and hope you have found time to read Tigers of the White Snow.
On another note, I just finished Lou Whittacker’s book, Memoirs of a Mountain Guide. It’s a fun read to add to your list. I supplement my time away from Nepal by withdrawing into the lives and adventures of others. Have fun in Portugal.
Rosemary Jeffrey
September 18, 2010 at 4:24 am