Meditation class photo

Of the 15,000+ photos I took on my trip, this is one of my favorites.  Maybe it’s the zen-like smiles we are all offering the camera after three days of meditation, yoga, and Buddhist teachings from our American monk.  Or the healthy effects of vegetarian meals.  Or the great friendships I formed. Probably a little of everything.

Steven (black tank top) and I would reunite again in McLeod Ganj, India, and a third time on Koh Phangan, Thailand.  Before the meditation class, he had trekked to Everest Base Camp without porter or guide, meeting up with a few Japanese guys along the way.  I’ll never forget the way he told that story.  After we separated in India, he headed for Australia where he’s been picking melons and continuing to practice yoga on the farms.  I have a feeling we’ll manage to stay in touch until we’re both in old age homes.

Marie (shawl, far right) met up with Steven and I in McLeod Ganj, which made for a great reunion.  After we separated in Pokhara, she headed off for the Annapurna Circuit without guide or porter.  After about 6 months in India and Nepal, she returned to England.

Stefan (gray/green shirt, far right) hosted me at his massive apartment in Bern, Switzerland for a few nights.  He makes a mean fondue, and was a lot of fun to see again (even in the dead of winter).  Stefan had trekked to Everest Base Camp on his own too, and considered climbing a 6,000-meter peak while up there, but he had failed to get a necessary permit in advance.

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