November 2
Today was a day excursion to Mirik. I could have gone to Darjeen but dreaded the bus ride down the mountain and 6 hours of walking. I figure that I'd be doing enough of that the next few days so I opted for the tour of Mirk.
Most places you travel around the world you expect a tour to be by bus. This was a walking tour and none of us knew about it. I don't know if I would have done it if I knew I'd be walking for over 3 1/2 hours. But it was worth it!
The thing that stands out the most if that we saw a Catholic Church, Hindu Temple, and a Monastery. I liked the Buddest Monastery. The outside was painted with beautiful bright colors. A gate enclosed the worshiping area, square, and housing. On the square there were numbers and you put your shoes down at the number and then walked into the monastery.
Inside there must have been over 200 people all dressed in red with shaven heads. There were only 4 foreigners there dressed in regular garb. They chanted and it sounded like a choir. Gongs, bells, horns and drums were heard. It was a true performance. I think the youngest was 5 and am unsure of the oldest. In my mind, I asked the monks to look after me for the next few days. I hope they will.
I know there will be times that I won't want to go on and will need all the support that I can get. I will allow myself to ask for help and inner strength to make the next few days easier. Please monks, guide me the next 5 days. Let me have a safe journey. Keep me safe. Allow me to enjoy the special moments. Most of all, make the disappointments as few as possible.
Tomorrow, I go on a quest of life. I will see what I am made of. It will be a true test of spirit. I will let myself be the focus of all my attention so I can succeed. I will succeed. I will finish my 100 miles. But I will not let my quest end there. This must be a commitment to myself. I must think of me and put myself first. I know it will be hard, but it is a task I must do.
Tomorrow starts a new day and a new beginning on this challenge we call life.
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1 comment:
Nicole, I was thinking about you the entire time. I know you are glad that it is behind you. You can be very proud of your accomplishment. Gina & I really miss you!!!! I was very pleased with my Marine Corps time. I finished in 4:40:41. So from January I shaved about 30 min off my time. Sherry Gordon
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