Wanderlust

A high-altitude celebration takes a turn when a guide’s drunken monologue sparks tension, questions of gratitude, and a tipping dilemma after two intense weeks on the Manaslu trek.

When Jet got sick Alex and I faced a dilemma: continue or stay behind. As we debated, an unexpected guest brought chaos. A mix of reflection, guilt, and humor turned one quiet night into an unforgettable story.

On day three of the Manaslu trek, physical exhaustion led me to hire a porter—a decision that brought both relief and unexpected guilt. This post reflects on the ethical dilemma of hiring porters in Nepal: are we helping or taking advantage? And can gratitude coexist with discomfort?

Three strange events in 24 hours left me questioning whether the universe was trying to tell me something—or if I was just being superstitious. In this post, I explore the balance between belief, realism, and how we make sense of life’s unexpected moments on the trail.

Our guide turned out to be more of a challenge than the trek itself - unprepared, distant, and questionably high.

A reflection on the physical and emotional weight carried by porters and guides in Nepal, and the complicated decision of whether to leave a review that could either protect future trekkers - or jeopardize someone’s livelihood.

A recap of my trek day one – 17 kilometers, 600 meters of ascent, one questionable backpack, and a whole lot of willpower.