It’s not really my cup of tea (neither is… tea…). That is unless I’m singing karaoke in front of all my coworkers. There’s just something about that microphone and my desire to be a lead singer despite no musical talent. This is not about karaoke, however.
I am the center of attention during my Mardi Himal trek. I was not fully aware what this guided trek would be like in Nepal. I signed up for a “guaranteed departure date” which I assumed and still do assume that that entails a public trip where others can sign up, but it’s just me on this trek.
Just me, a guide, and a porter who carries my clothes and sleeping bag. I packed too much. I quickly realized and feel awkward about it. Not egregiously so, but I could have easily left a day’s worth of clothes in my bag and I doubt I will use the heavy down jacket that was supplied by the guide company. Same goes for packing too many toiletries.
Whether I want to be or not, I’m the center of attention during this trek. It is a strange and new experience for me being supported by two grown men on this hike who carry my belongings, help me with lodging, order food for me, (yet don’t eat with me), and basically anything else I ask or they think to ask. They are great at their job but I am a weird client.
This is a big change from what I’m used to. Solo hiking, eating cheese and crackers by my tent, and not being responsible for another person’s day. It’s certainly nice not having to lug all my stuff up the mountain, but I’m uncomfortable with it. I have the lightest pack by far so I try to hike as slowly as possible but never know if I should be stopping more frequently. The porter has all my clothes in a duffel bag with a strap around his forehead. We climb 2000-3000 feet per day in about 4 hours of hiking. I was told on day one to slow down my “racehorse” pace.
I hide in my room sometimes reading or napping just to relieve them of their duties tending to me. They both seem to be very good people. Kind, happy, incredibly hospitable, yet it’s still a strange feeling having two people taking care of me and my belongings on this trek. I am paying them of course to be here, but it’s like the caddie coming home with you after a golf round and taking care of your plates and utensils in addition to raking the bunkers.
Tomorrow I’ll see if I can get them to eat with me. I am guessing they are being polite and waiting for an invitation which I’ve been too awkward to provide thus far. I understand if there’s a couple or a group, but I’m surprised they think I would rather Glansberg my meals than dine at the same table, even when the three of us are the only ones eating in a teahouse. At first I thought they just didn’t want to eat with me… which still may be true… unfortunately if it is crowded at meal time the guides and porters don’t eat at the same time as whatever I am (guest, client, trail princess).
It’s all very new to me. I hope I’m a good client. Awkward and shy can lead to a lot of uncertainty in a situation like this. It’s a learning experience. By the end of my travels I’ll have experienced many different flavors of day hiking and multi-day guided treks to see what I like best. Other than the uneasiness of someone carrying my stuff, the teahouses in Nepal are an incredible way to walk up a mountain.
I am not good at rummy. Maybe I can teach everyone how to play president (aka asshole) in cards tomorrow…
October 9
Rest Camp – High Camp
Mardi Himal