It was probably due to over exertion. I was not feeling well soon after I arrived in Ghorepani. I felt dizzy and nauseous. I retired to the room soon after dinner, oblivious of the surroundings. The night was cold and uncomfortable. I had trouble sleeping. I tossed and turned with a heavy head. I tried counting ‘sheep’ hoping that it would help. But, alas, all I had was stone steps and more stone steps! I felt that ‘it is the end of my journey here’.
The agenda for the following day was to wake up at four in the morning, leave at 4.30am for the summit of Poon Hill (at 3,210m) to catch the spectacular sunrise; back to the lodge, have breakfast, then head for Tadapani at 2,630m.
I decided not to go to Poon Hill. Instead, I stayed back to catch up with some sleep and also to conserve my energy as I did not know what lay ahead. The group left as planned at the scheduled time.
In the state of drowsiness, I heard the commotion outside my room. ‘It must be them,’ I thought to myself. Yes, they were back. I could sense the excitement in their voice.
Ming came to the room to ask how I was feeling. However, I was all too eager to find out how the climb was and asked, ‘So how was the trek? How’s Poon Hill like? Beautiful?’
‘Tough, tough, tough!’ Came the reply, ‘But very beautiful,’ he continued.
Ming and the rest recounted and enacted their experience. The details were so vivid that I could visualise and imagine how tough and how beautiful it must be. I felt as if I was with them up at Poon Hill. However, I had no regret not going. The few extra hours of rest did a lot of good, both physically and in spirit. It made me feel much better. I was back on track and raring to go.
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