Into the woods (well, jungle..)

It's 3:28 am. Sleep has been a bit difficult tonight, despite still being quite tired. I got up to try to call my husband and son, unfortunately can't reach either of them. Same thing happened on Aconcagua before the big 5 day summit push, I guess I should get it out if my head that …

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Travel weary and waiting

Preparation day had a couple of surprises. Like the last minute instructions from my organizer in Indonesia to bring two MSR burners and 4 pumps. What?! The day before I set off, I have to run around shopping for more gear?! Luckily I have a relaxed and supportive husband, who shrugged and said, "okay, let's …

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a new adventure begins

“You’re going where?” “Papua.” Blank look. “You know, like Papua New Guinea.” Still blank. “Have you ever played Risk (the board game)? It's that big island down near Australia.” “ooooh. Why’re you going there?” “To climb Carstensz Pyramid.” “climb what? “ aaaand…eyes glass over. This is pretty much the conversation I’ve been having for about …

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The Cannes Film Festival

What were you like as a kid?  Do you remember your struggles, trials and tribulations as you tackled life and the whole arduous growing-up process?  Can you recognize the person you are now, as a response and result of who you were then – shaped and refined and redefined by your experiences and your approach …

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The Kilimanjaro Story

Do you remember the dreams you had as a teenager?  And I don’t mean the steamy, hormone-driven kind that keep you awake at night.  I’m referring to those grand ambitions we each had – the wants and needs that influence your outlook and drive your actions. The obsessions that determine your reading list and which …

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Japan (for beginners)

The chef and the hostess both followed us out to the street – in subzero temperatures – as they continued fervently thanking us and bowing deeply as we hastened off in the direction of the nearest bus stop.  We chuckled as we rushed through the frozen city, amused and amazed by our Japanese experience.  It’s …

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Mt. Elbrus Expedition – the story (from 2013)

Day 1: Arrival in Mineralnye Vody It is a different world here.  Arriving at midnight, I walked out of the arrivals hall (well, that’s a stretch – really just a room with a luggage track, exiting directly into the parking lot) and found my pre-arranged taxi driver holding a hand-printed sign “EURO Hotel.” So far, …

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