End of Part One

I was going to call this post 'Homeward Bound' because of my impending return to England tomorrow. However, I seem to recall that in a previous posting Obi had commented that my journey was reminiscent of the epic adventures of Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings and in this book the 'Homeward Bound' chapter comes at the very end of the long story. For me this is not the very end, more like the end of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' as there are many more adventures and challenges in new and wonderful lands still to come.

Before I put my blog into hibernation for the festive period with some deep metaphorical philosophising, let me fill you in on the last chapter of Part One.

Yesterday Niko, Sulakshana and I returned from an extremely enjoyable weekend in the mountains around Lake Tahoe (which is in North California on the border with Nevada). Niko and his friends have rented out a charming Alpine style lodge in the vicinity of Tahoe's many ski resorts, so we three and a few of Niko's other friends headed out there for the first snow of the season. Our first day was spent skiing in the resort of Squaw, which is the biggest of the resorts in the area. The snow wasn't great as a result of the mild temperatures so far this year, but after a wobbly start, we managed to fit in a good day of action. Unfortunately for me, I was kitted out in borrowed gear. I had contemplated bringing my skiing gear with me, but it was just too much for a few days, so it stayed out of the rucksack. Luckily there are no pictures, but let me try to describe my attire and your imagination can do the rest. So, I was wearing thermals belonging to Sulakshana (who's probably 9 inches shorter than me, and possesses a body shape that is a little different to my own). Socks I obtained from Niko as well as gloves, to go with my own Lucky hat. I had to borrow a pair of trousers from Niko's friend John, who is a similar height to Sulakshana. Not only were these pants on the small side, but they were those retro ski pants that cling very close to the body and taper out to give a bell-bottom effect around your boots. To round things off, I complemented the spandex-style pants with Niko's (who is roughly twice my size) bright blue puffer jacket. So essentially I looked like a blue ostrich wearing flares. I knew I was the coolest cat on the slopes that day. Thankfully I'm not a vain man and managed to enjoy myself despite looking like a tool.

On the second and third days I took advantage of an amazing offer of lift pass, equipment hire and lessons for just $20. Unbelievable eh? We had gone to the Alpine Meadows resort and I was about to enter the world of pain that is learning to snowboard. I had previously attempted this with Tom on our ski trip a few years ago, so I knew what I was letting myself in for, but the offer was too good to turn down and the snow wasn't so amazing that I would regret not skiing. Much to my chagrin (had to get that in one more time) I couldn't remember anything I'd learned all those years ago and, despite my enthusiasm and determination, I found myself slightly demoralised after the first hour of lessons. However, I am made of stern stuff, so I summoned up the inner warrior and battled through. Maybe this was one of the fearsome battles I discounted earlier. By the end of the day I was battered an bruised, but bubbling with delight at my achievement. I could now slip (albeit with wobbles) down a nursery slope without falling down and even with a few turns and stops. Not bad. On my second day of boarding, the resort was so quiet that I ended up with a private lesson (now that's a good deal). My instructor Tomas was barely out of nappies and fresh of the plane from Argentina, but he oversaw my stuttering development to an almost-boarder. Despite more and more and more painful tumbles I ended the second day coasting down a blue run and brimming with confidence. I even managed to negotiate the very tricky process of getting off a chair lift, which is not easy I can tell you.

So today I sit here on a very soft chair nursing (amongst other things) a tender back side, painful wrists and knees, aching ribs and abdomen and an entirely numb right side, but despite all this I feel good. REALLY GOOD! I proved to myself once again that I can achieve something if I really put my mind to it and that hauling yourself out of the comfort zone makes life infinitely more enjoyable. To compound this I am also very excited about returning home. Its very sad that this trip is ending, but I really can't wait to see you all again soon. I'm ready for Christmas!

I couldn't really wind up this mighty blog for the holidays without some reflective words, so here goes...

In many ways this trip has been very similar to the aforementioned novel/blockbuster film trilogy. I have journeyed across a vast and rugged landscape as a solo adventurer with the support and guidance of a stoic bunch of friends along the way. I have witnessed great natural beauty, been the recipient of outstanding hospitality and generosity, eaten mighty feasts and faced many dark and evil foes in battles that will live long in folklore. Ok so the last bit was hyperbolic indulgence, but it honestly does feel like I've completed the first part of a monumental quest. The key difference between myself and good Mr Frodo is that he carried the destiny of a world on his shoulders, whereas I am merely carrying my own. True, I bear no Ring of Power, but my journey could be as significant for its protagonist. I feel as though what started out as a clever ruse to get out of a job (and in many ways a life) that I found unsatisfying, could just be the making of me. This trip has revealed many new sides to life, the world and myself that I aim to continue experimenting with over the next 6 months. I sincerely hope you will all come along for the ride.

Until the next installment, fare ye well good people. I look forward to seeing many of you in person over the coming weeks, and to those I am leaving behind: thankyou so much; I look forward to returning the hospitality some day soon.

Please take care of yourselves and have a very merry Christmas.
Alan

Here's a little bonus for those of you that had the stamina to read to the bottom. Its a sort of 'before and after' from the start and end of the trip to show you what handsome devil I am and the variety of 'looks' I can effortlessly pull of!
BEFORE

AFTER