Risk

Today was a short journey between Ghandruk and Tolka. We took our time, pausing often to appreciate the scenery and to catch our breath on the steep climb to Landruk. The majority of todays hike was descending and ascending two sides of a steep, mountain backdropped valley. We passed a “German Bakery” shortly after starting back on the path and purchased four unbelievably underwhelming pastries. On the hike we discussed Freducation and watched a group of Yaks cool off in a reservoir above a trickle of a waterfall.

I was reflecting today that travel has enabled me to assess risk more accurately but also clouded my understanding of the value of friendships, family, and proximity. With travel, I have a concrete understanding that packing a backpack and moving to a new country (or starting a long term trip) is low risk, high reward decision. But my early disdain for regularity and consistency blinded me from the many redeeming qualities that cultivating a life in one place affords you.

That said, I also believe the only route to peaceful understanding of both sides on this coin comes from growth through travel. If one lusts after the adventure and spontaneity of long term travel but never acts on their impulse, I fear that, like I did (and still do sometimes), they will fail to understand the value that their life is rich with in the present tense. Sadly I think that poor risk assessment is what keeps people from venturing out on their own and realizing the power they have over their path and the value of what they might already have.

One of the most important realizations I’ve had through travel is the complete and total autonomy you have over your life as an educated, middle class, white american. You can do whatever the hell you want with your life. Literally. Although this may seem petty it has dramatically altered the way I make decisions and formulate thoughts about risk. I don’t want to piss away the opportunity to create a life I love.

Another realization is the fact that long term travel is actually affordable and realistic for people of all walks of life provided you aren’t swimming in debt or tied to a job. If I have time I’d like to write a post outlining the financial side of this trip to let people know how much it really cost to travel for a couple months.