Everest Trek, Episode Two - Hong Kong Airport

Sitting in the Hong Kong Airport in between flights and it's 2:30pm here so I think that's 2:00 or 3:30am at home - not too sure anymore. The flight from Toronto was really long - 14 1/2 hours!

One of the high lights of the flight was a feature on the "Infotainment" section on the individual seat back screens - a web cam mounted on the under carriage of the plane! It was fascinating to watch as we taxied down the run way at Pearson and then took off over Toronto. There wasn't too much to see as we flew over Hudson Bay and the North Pole as it was pretty cloudy but it cleared a little over China and we could see one barren looking brown mountain range after another with the occasional greener forest-like patch. The camera was turned off for the landing which was disappointing as I was looking forward to a glimpse of Hong Kong as we approached the airport.

I am surprised by the mountains all around the airport - I hadn't realized how mountainous Hong Kong is! The temperature is in the low 30 degrees Celsius and the air outside the terminal is hazy and heavy. Looking out across the tarmac there are very few airline insignia that I recognize. There are a few that have various collections of coloured stripes and others are far more exotic looking with pink hibiscus flowers, red dragons and brightly coloured birds. There is ocean on one side of the airport with a few huge freighters and what look like high speed ferries criss-crossing the harbour.

I have walked from one end of this airport to the other in the past few hours, past Gucci, Hermes, Coach, Ports, a Disney store and more perfume shops than I care to count. This airport has anything and everything a traveler could ask for including lounges where for a fee you can spend a few hours in between flights having an alcoholic drink, a massage, manicure or pedicure, have a nap, freshen up with a shower, and cruise the internet over appetizers and more drinks.

The terminal itself is very bright and airy with windows all around and high vaulted ceilings. It is all very clean and very new in appearance. I had imagined that the airport would be much busier and full of people rushing about but so far it really isn't. I keep forgetting that it is the middle of Saturday afternoon. I feel as if I have lost touch with real time and have stepped off into a new world. I guess "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!"

Everest Trek, Episode One - Waiting for the gun...

Well it's October 1st and I am nervous and a little anxious as I sit waiting for my breakfast order to arrive in the airport. I feel like I'm waiting for the starting gun to go off and trying not to have that look of focus, nerves and pent up energy on my face! (I've been told by a reputable source that when I get like this I have a remarkable resemblance to Clint Eastwood!)

It's time to go and I honestly don't feel like bonding with my team mates at this point. I don't want to worry about room assignments and what I should or shouldn't have packed. I just need to sit quietly, calm down and focus on the job at hand.

Well breakfast is done and I am lingering over coffee as I watch the sun rise over the West Jet planes parked just outside the window. I'm feeling more relaxed now and I'm getting calmer as the nerves start to melt away. I followed the advise of the guide books and have left my wedding rings and my locket at home . It feels strange not to have them and I keep fiddling with the fingers of my left hand searching for the comfort of the rings. In a way it's all part of the disconnect that needs to start now. Almost as if I'm pulling away from one life and stepping tentatively into the next. Dipping my toes into an epic adventure and realizing that the water's not as cold as I had imagined. I could be anything that I want or all that I can be. Perhaps I am stepping out of what I have become and growing into a more real me.

I remind myself to not pour too much into this trip, as it's not going to solve anything, but I also recognize that it may open a few windows. I feel like I have begun to draw a new map and that I need to keep reminding myself to stay open to possibilities, dreams and visions!