The Araucania Tree

The Araucania Tree
Only in Chile and Dr. Seuss books.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Esteemed Readers

I am headed to the Patagonia to hike the W trail of the Torres del Paine. I am slightly nervous because the word pain is involved in the title, but nevertheless, I want to live with no regrets so I am attempting this. It will be a 6 day hike through the Patagonia (awesomely beautiful I am sure) and I will be unable to blog whilst climbing mountains, fighting mountain lions, scavenging for food, etc, so I will leave you with something to think about while I am gone.
Instants
If I could live again my life,
In the next - I'll try,
- to make more mistakes,
I won't try to be so perfect,
I'll be more relaxed,
I'll be more full - than I am now,
In fact, I'll take fewer things seriously,
I'll be less hygenic,
I'll take more risks,
I'll take more trips,
I'll watch more sunsets,
I'll climb more mountains,
I'll swim more rivers,
I'll go to more places - I've never been,
I'll eat more ice creams and less (lime) beans,
I'll have more real problems - and less imaginary
ones,
I was one of those people who live
prudent and prolific lives -
each minute of his life,
Offcourse that I had moments of joy - but,
if I could go back I'll try to have only good moments,

If you don't know - thats what life is made of,
Don't lose the now!

I was one of those who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer,
without a hot-water bottle,
and without an umberella and without a parachute,

If I could live again - I will travel light,
If I could live again - I'll try to work bare feet
at the beginning of spring till
the end of autumn,
I'll ride more carts,
I'll watch more sunrises and play with more children,
If I have the life to live - but now I am 85,
- and I know that I am dying ...

Jorge Luis Borges

3 comments:

  1. Your writing is delightful - I have so enjoyed your posts! The photos, the stories of wine - ah to live through others!
    Eager to hear about the 6-day hike - good heavens; you rock!
    Your Montana friend, Kathy

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  2. The Patagonia!? If at any time during your quest you felt as though you were no longer in control of your body and found yourself climbing sheer cliffs and descending thousands of feet on a makeshift snowboard its because I hired a shaman and was channeling through you. Han, this has all become too much to bare. You'll forgive me if I never visit your blog again. My envy has turned to jealousy and I fear that pure rage is next. Farewell ;)

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  3. Here's a message from English Opens all Doors: Kathy and Heather,

    This is Michael King from English Opens Doors in Chile. This morning I was in contact with Benjamin Stormo, a friend and fellow volunteer with Hannah. He assures me that they are both safe and sound with other volunteers in the city of Puerto Montt, which was largely unaffected by the earthquake. I was not sure if Hannah has already contacted you but I wanted to update you in any case.

    Please let me know if you have any questions!

    Sincerely,

    Michael King

    ReplyDelete