The Amish lead a lifestyle that may seem stark to many, yet what they gain surpasses what they relinquish by far. Electricity, cars, indoor phones, computers, and average American attire are all forbidden. However, it’s crucial to note that not all Amish communities are identical. Their primary language is Pennsylvania German, pronounced as « Ich » (with a long « i » for Dich), hence sometimes referred to as Dutch despite not being so. Various German dialects exist across regions, making the language barrier perhaps more challenging to adapt to than off-grid living itself. Clothing must adhere to specified patterns and materials, often handmade. Women wear distinctive hats, intricate and demanding in ironing, a […]
I found myself headed towards Skurbuchan Gonpa. The rickety bus departed from Leh town and followed the Leh-Srinagar Highway relentlessly. At a junction along the way, the highway either crossed a bridge towards Lamayuru or continued along the Indus River towards Dah Hanu. Without crossing the bridge, the bus proceeded towards Dah Hanu, passing through Skurbuchan Gonpa along the way. Gradually descending in altitude while glimpsing the Indus River on the left, every green-covered stretch of land along the Indus River was a village. From Dongkar to Skurbuchan, Achinatan, Sanjak, Dah Hanu, to Garkun, this area would soon be adorned with trees bearing juicy, orange fruits in about a month […]
Running for an hour continuously is truly challenging, don’t you think? The Appalachian Trail stands as the world’s longest hiking trail, spanning a staggering 3,523 kilometers. This trail traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, navigating through rugged terrains from Springer Mountain in Chattahoochee National Forest to Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. If the trail were flat, covering the 3,523 kilometers would be the ultimate test of endurance. Spanning 14 states, the Appalachian Trail cuts through alpine regions and rocky terrains, presenting a formidable challenge. With over 150 kilometers of elevation gain, those who embark on this trail typically dedicate five to seven months to complete it. Scott […]
Minimalism has been my way of life, involving quitting my job with less than $3000 in my bank account, embarking on the « challenge of reducing possessions to fewer than 100 items, » turning off my cellphone, booking a one-way ticket to Europe, and living self-sufficiently in the mountains of Spain, exchanging necessities for volunteer work. What did it require? Unraveling much of what I had been taught about pursuing the American Dream. When I first set foot in Spain in February 2015, I volunteered for five hours a day at an animal shelter in exchange for three meals a day. And a free room with wifi. My daily routine included: […]
Explore the Pacific Crest Trail with expert preparation insights and gear recommendations. Discover firsthand experiences and valuable tips to enrich your hiking adventure on this iconic trail. I would divide preparation into four domains: self (mental/physical), food, gear, and other essentials. Self (Mental+Physical): As others have noted, minimal walking prep is crucial to acquire trail legs in the initial weeks. We adjusted our packs repeatedly to find the optimum comfort and weight distribution. Practice walking 5-12 miles in Brooklyn wearing the pack. Mountain Education’s Winter Skills Course surprised me with the need for an ice axe, enhancing directional/navigation skills crucial amidst 500 snow-covered miles. Mountain Ned (instructor Ned Tibbits) even […]
To finish that whole Pacific Crest Trail by walking through it, you gotta do ’bout 15 miles every day. At that speed, it’ll take ’bout 6 months. If you’re headin’ NOBO (northbound), brace yourself ’cause Washington’s got some wild weather waitin’ for ya. But most folks up their daily miles as they go along. I started with 10 miles a day and pitched camp by 3:00 pm. Towards the end, I was on the trail for 12-14 hours coverin’ over 30 miles – pretty much what most folks do. Some hikers do over 40 miles, some do less. Now, if you’re lookin’ to hike the whole PCT (2,650 miles) in […]
In the grandeur of the Himalayas, where the world’s mightiest peaks stand guard, trekkers embark on journeys of awe and adventure. Among the myriad trails that wind through Bhutan, India, and Nepal, some beckon with a magnetic allure. #1: Everest Base Camp A timeless pilgrimage in the Himalayas. The majestic vistas of Everest, a well-trodden path, cozy tea houses, and a panorama of towering peaks accompany you on this classic 11-day trek. #2: Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Two treks intertwined, offering separate or combined adventures. Like the Everest Base Camp trek, this route boasts splendid trails and charming tea house accommodations, a haven for those seeking a touch […]
A tale of a Twitter user who rescued a newborn mouse A Twitter user from the Russian-speaking community living in Germany, with the nickname @virilvi, stumbled upon a half-alive newborn mouse on the road in early October. She initially thought it was a baby wild mouse, but when she saw it moving, she decided to invite this little one into her home. The universe has a sense of humor, doesn’t it? Because, as you can imagine, what was missing to make me completely happy was, indeed, a mouse! I thought the little one was already gone, but when I tried to move it, it wiggled its little paws, revealing it […]
Reincarnation:What is the most terrifying theory known to humankind? This is a beautifully crafted, fear-inducing narrative that prompts deep reflection. It is, by far, the most unique interpretation of the cosmos and human existence that I have encountered. Egg: You met your demise on the way home. It was a fatal car accident. While nothing stood out as particularly noteworthy, its consequences were dire. You left behind a wife and two children. The passing was painless. Despite the paramedics’ best efforts, it was futile. Your body lay shattered, and believe me, you were in a better state than when alive. And so, our paths crossed. « What… what happened? » you inquired. […]
In the bygone era when India was still a colony of the British Empire, Srinagar resounded with the names of British aristocrats seeking respite, and even today, among the Kashmiris, it is often referred to as the paradise within India. Even after India gained independence from Britain in 1947, until the 1980s, tourists from various countries frequented this summer retreat, earning it the title of « Switzerland of the East. » However, as the separatist movement in Kashmir intensified in the 1990s, accompanied by incursions from pro-independence factions from Pakistan, the security situation in Srinagar deteriorated. Consequently, the influx of foreign tourists naturally dwindled. This state of affairs persisted until the early […]
