As I Predicted

Well, I've done what I thought I would do. Namely, I've chosen to be with friends and conveniently "forgotten" to sit down and write. I struggle with the balance of remaining present while seeking alone time to write and process, as I feel memories are constantly being created and, due to the limited I have with the incredible family I've found here, it's hard to convince myself to sit on my own. This is an entirely new feeling for me. I am someone who is very comfortable spending time by myself and, up until recently, I felt that I needed that time to recharge. But something wonderful has happened in that the people I'm surrounded by fill me a sense of ease where I can at once be with them while also regaining energy. It occurs to me daily how fearcly kind, confident, humble and hilarious the people I live with are and for that I am forever grateful.

Lake Taupo, Taupo, New Zealand

Lake Taupo, Taupo, New Zealand

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waiotapu, New Zealand

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waiotapu, New Zealand

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waiotapu, New Zealand

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Waiotapu, New Zealand

Attn. Chimney Corners Camp: Shangri-La is a Real Place

Chimney Corners Camp for Girls had led me to believe that Shangri-La was a make-believe magical land since I was 8. Turns out, it's a real life magical land complete with the rare Black-Neck Crane, thousands of fluttering prayer flags, and some of the most friendly locals I've encountered thus far.

Temple in Dukezong, Shangri-La, China

Temple in Dukezong, Shangri-La, China

Thangka Center, Dukezong, Shangri-La, China

Thangka Center, Dukezong, Shangri-La, China

Napahai Lake, Shangri-La, China

Napahai Lake, Shangri-La, China

Shangri-La, China

Shangri-La, China

Dukezong Temple, Shangri-La, China 

Dukezong Temple, Shangri-La, China

 

Napahai Lake, Shangri-La, China

Napahai Lake, Shangri-La, China