32

Photo: Buddha's Halo (dawn), Mt Fuji 2005

It's minutes away from the end of the year. At least for me it is. Seven years ago I started celebrating the beginning of my year during my birthday. I was 25 and I had just climbed Mt Fuji. There was something very inspiring about being up in the clouds looking at Buddha's Halo. It made me feel invincible. I thought if I was able to endure hours of trekking 12388 ft of stratovolcano solo (no guides, no buddies), then I could do anything. That was when I started making the list. It was a list of things to do before my next birthday which I do every birthday.

For the 31st year, it was:

1. Visiting Darwin in Galapagos [check]
2. Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu [check]
3. Experiencing the unearthly beauty of Salar de Uyuni [check]
4. Learning to choke and throttle while balancing on two wheels. [check]
5. Discovering the deep sea- well at least 60 ft or so of it. [check]
6. Completing my second triathlon. [check]

As for year 32, well I've got a lot of ideas. It may involve a Felucca, an iron fist, fresh mozzarella, the lost world, an island, some French and LOTS of imagination.

Happy New Year to me!