Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest
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Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest

After three weeks, three countries, 40 miles of trekking through the Himalayas, and being on the go sunup to sundown, I decided some self care was in order so I stayed at the hotel to rest today while the group went on their excursion. Our lodging, Hotel Pema Karpo in Wangdue, was a lovely respite…

Trekking the Himalayas vs Peace Corps Paraguay
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Trekking the Himalayas vs Peace Corps Paraguay

On this day 10 years ago I was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching sustainable agriculture and beekeepingin Paraguay. Winter had begun and, while “winter” in Paraguay is usually two weeks of cool weather in the 50s, that year it lasted two months with temps frequently in the 30s and 40s, even snow flurries! And we…

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple
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108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple

On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…

We’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain… Annapurna Circuit, Himalayas, Nepal
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We’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain… Annapurna Circuit, Himalayas, Nepal

We woke up to birds calling in the day while the valley was still shrouded in shadows of sleepiness. A tiny light glowed from a tiny home on the opposing mountain side, a slope so steep it seems uninhabitable. Jordana led a satisfying and much needed yoga session on the grass patio looking across the…

Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas
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Tadapani to Ghorepani, Nepal – Anna Purna Trail, Himalayas

The blossom is in the shedding -Naomi After morning yoga on the upper deck our group, ages 13-63, enjoyed communal breakfast on the patio with mountain side views like this: We climbed again today, our longest and toughest day thus far. Reaching 8819 feet above sea level by 10am, we climbed thousands of granite steps…