Humans were the obstacle ... That sounds about right. You've left your mark on India. Sounds like a great adventure with your father. And... smile when you say no.
Whoa! If you were my daughter, I'd be nervous, I think, but it is a little easier to say "good on ya" when one doesn't have to don the parental hat and switch on the helicopter blades and hover! If your dad disagrees with your choice to go it alone, just tell him it is almost totally HIS fault and to be quiet. I'm very sorry about the loss of your friend. The fact of our mortality--ours or those close to us, teaches us things--like what matters most, like what to risk doing now. All the best on your solo 'flight'. Teach us what you learn.
I try to live without big regrets. I once returned to China to climb the remaining 9 metres of a mountain that I was robbed from completing years before. My blog was called Rectifying my Regret and it was a quest that had been eating me. So I returned and the reward was oh so worthwhile. Saying that, your reason for travelling alone to Kazakhstan is more poignant...t'is as if your dear departed friend is there with you in spirit...and by doing so there is no need to Rectify your Regret. But I feel there may be a bit of that in you anyway. May your idea for this adventure be like a desert flower that you water...and may it bloom and be glorious.
Sorry to hear about your travel companion... never being able to travle wit you again. Sometimes traveling alone helps with recovery as that's when I have time to reflect on life's changes.
Good for you! Anybody can travel alone, what holds them back mostly is fear. Fear (for you in this case) is also why your friends and family are/were so apprehensive, but fear is a terrible guide. They will overcome their hesitations once they see how well you are able to cope on your own. And you will discover what makes travelling alone so special, you will see what I mean. Enjoy Kazakhstan, it is an interesting country and beautiful.
whoa! Don't mess with the camel driver from Kansas. I'm guessing they may still be talking about you around the campfires on the journey to and from Pushkar. There will be jokes told at the expense of the man who took your stick with intent to hit but lost it to the lady with steely resolve! Good on ya!
Looks and sounds like a very exciting day on several levels -- the memories from this experience I'm sure will last a lifetime! Great photos by Ms. DeMari. Glad you stood your ground and I'm sure you're right that local masculinity was dealt a severe blow that day. Hope the camels went to caring owners.
I can so relate to the aging out. I can so relate to the aging out of the cattlemen and also my dad and his giving up riding his beloved Michael horse. He told me once the pasture in Kingman county never had the same meaning when he no longer rode horse over there and sat on the high hills to look over the pasture. Also he and Uncle George showing cattle. They dearly loved it, and was hard to give up when no longer feasibhle for them to preapre them to show and keeping up with the types.
email change I love, love, love, hearing and seeing all the things about your adventures however since I have retired I need you to change my email to tlross3@cox.net so I don't miss out on any of your experiences. Have fun and enjoy it for me please! Gayle
And this is how the goras (white people) became honorary judges! What a blast to be invited. Shame you could not go the following day as well but let's face it...it'd be difficult to top the thrill of being asked and taking position in the horse ring with the judges in the first place.
Chandrabhaga Skyline A skyline to evoke the mishmash of cultures and entertainment only a camel fair can provide...stunning pic that takes one there. Sensational.
Camel Charisma Wonderful that the Raika way of life is being encouraged and being given avenues to survive. Being adopted into a Tuareg family as a result of 'Our Tuareg Wedding' (blog name) at Timbuktu in Mali I can appreciate the importance of such projects. What a buzz that you are also an adopted Raika.
Lost in his thoughts How I am feeling having discovered your blogs...Love this pic. We love remote and the music. Your love of camels is compelling. You need to meet the TBer known as the Travel Camel. Your blogs are helping me dream again. Brilliant.
D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Humans were the obstacle
... That sounds about right. You've left your mark on India. Sounds like a great adventure with your father. And... smile when you say no.