It's been a wonderful, tiring experience but I'm so grateful for my modest little washing machine, and having an actual fluffy body towel to dry myself off with. (Yes, I had forgotten to bring one - I used a tiny face towel. Unbelievable, but I managed it.)
The trek itself was so. Awesome. It was really difficult (and painful!) managing all the uphill slopes, boulders and loose gravel littering the path, and there were a few hardships, but absolutely nothing that bothered me enough to say that I'd never go on something like this again. The mountains were awe-inspiring, the people were melodious and friendly, the culture was rich and made me hugely curious and the food - I photographed almost everything I ate. It was that good. But then, I am asian. We tend to hoarde photos and everything of value like ferrets. (If you don't know what ferrets are, pretend I said squirrels.)
Me: I don't think I took enough photos on my trek..
My colleague at work V: Aw why? How many did you take?
Me: About 800.
V: *mouth agape*
Me: ..Thats not enough, right...?
 |
| In plane to Geneva, flying over France. |
So anyway, this trip gave me the chance to see a bit of 3 countries as we crossed the rugged Alps from Switzerland to France and Italy. The trek around Mont Blanc in the middle of these countries allowed me to appreciate how they each differ whilst hiking through the glorious alpine scenery.
The spectacular circuit around Mt Blanc - one of the world's classic hikes, demands some respect. From the massif of Mont Blanc (4801m- the highest mountain in western Europe), seven valleys extend into France, Italy and Switzerland. Each valley retains its own unique culture, architecture and landscape and it's through these valleys we have hiked. Each day we hiked up to the ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountain meadows and snow capped peaks.
 |
| Still on plane, looking at random mountain (NOT Mt Blanc). |
We have crossed passes above 2700m walking an average of 5 to 7 hours a day (with steep ascents and descents averaging 1000m to 1200 m up and 700 to 1000m down each day). Everyone was in fair physical condition, although there were some blisters and cramps but I found going uphill to be horrendous. I can't complain because I know I wasn't fit enough, and ended up being one of the last of the group. But going downhill, or on flat ground, I was in my element! I could bounce around admiring the flowers. I still have no idea how I'd ever managed to finish it, but I know I would never would have if not for the support of my amazing fellow trekkers, the tour guide and organisers, my sponsors, and my family and friends who have helped me in a thousand ways through the fundraising process.
Thank you all so very much! Also on behalf of those suffering from MD.
