Life can be an incredible rollercoaster, filled with profound moments of wonder and unpredictability. Ever since my early days, I’ve been driven by a deep sense of curiosity, always yearning to step into a different version of myself. While many people in our world chase after wealth and financial success, my heart’s true desire is to become an intrepid explorer. My ultimate dream is to traverse the globe, extending a helping hand to those in need through volunteering, and making a difference by establishing schools and hospitals in communities that lack these vital resources. I’ve always held a vision of a life brimming with adventures, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, traditions, and heritages. The mere thought of riding a camel through the crimson deserts of Dubai and Saudi Arabia, sipping on tea and coffee in Turkey, and floating above Turkey’s breathtaking landscapes in a hot air balloon fills me with boundless excitement. The fact that Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia, with 5% of its land in Europe and 95% in Asia, adds a layer of enchantment. I am particularly eager to witness the bridge that seamlessly connects these two continents, standing there and being overwhelmed by the sense of unity it represents. And then there’s the undeniable allure of the belief that Turkish people possess some of the most captivating eyes in the world. I can’t help but envision the deep emotional connection that would come from gazing into those mesmerizing eyes. It’s a dream that fills my heart with profound emotions and a burning desire to make it a reality.
My existence has been a relentless pursuit of unfulfilled dreams, forever asking, “what if?” moments, yet it feels like I’ve never truly had the chance to experience that longing. My heart longs not only to visit the countries I mentioned but also visit to France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Greece, Italy, Egypt, the Maldives, India, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Mongolia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, South Africa, South America, Latin lands, Mexico, Canada, Cambodia, the vast expanse of Africa, and South Korea but before visiting these countries I want to visit first my own homeland country Nepal. As a Nepalese, the very first place I want to set foot in is Mustang and Manang. These are places where my heart truly belongs, along with Pokhara, Solukhumbu, and so many others. These places hold a treasure trove of cultural and historical significance, from the sacred Hindu temple known as Muktinath to the captivating walled capital of the kingdom, Lo Manthang, in Upper Mustang. My heart aches for these places, but their lofty altitudes and the associated health challenges make my yearning all the more intense. It’s a deep-seated desire, rooted in the rich history of Upper Mustang. What fuels this longing is the deep history of Upper Mustang. Until 1992, it was a forbidden land to foreigners, maintaining its status as one of the most well-preserved regions on our planet. Its isolation from the outside world and the continued use of the traditional Tibetan language by its inhabitants have kept the local culture intact. Even after opening its doors to outsiders in 1992, Upper Mustang remains a carefully managed destination for tourists, with a limited number of visitors in 2008. The connection of Upper Mustang to the Chinese border adds to its allure, promising an abundance of knowledge and experiences. But, as I’ve mentioned, my ability to fulfill this dream may forever remain out of reach, and that is a source of deep emotional yearning. But I still ache to be there despite my health condition, to stand upon those barren hills and release a primal, soul-stirring scream.
My yearning is not for mere existence but for living life to the fullest, to breathe in the world, embrace its diverse cultures, traditions, and heritage. Regrettably, my reality is a confined one, with the hospital walls serving as my only horizon. For me, travel is more than recreation; it’s a quest to understand the world and unravel the purpose of our existence. Why are we born, if not to explore and find the true meaning of life, even in the face of adversity?
I ache to recline on the ground beneath the towering majesty of the Eiffel Tower in France, a bottle of champagne as my silent companion, as I peer up at this symbol of dreams and hope. In those moments, I would immerse myself in deep contemplation, revisiting my past, marked by relentless struggles and the darkness of despair. I want to stand in front of the Eiffel Tower and reflect on the incredible journey that brought me to this point, weighed down by the burdens of my past and the triumphant steps I’ve taken. France, a land of profound culture, a mecca of coffee, a haven for exquisite cuisine, and the birthplace of culinary delights, entices my very soul. Its museums, its music, and its arts whisper a siren’s call to my heart. France is where cinema was born, a testament to its profound impact on the world. I yearn to plunge headlong into the heart of this nation, to soak in its culture, to grasp its traditions, and to tread on the very soil where countless inventions were brought to life. In this enchanting land, the allure of savoring a different cheese each day ignites my senses, opening my eyes to life’s countless dimensions. And in Italy, I would feast on cheesy masterpieces like pizza, pasta, and spaghetti, while also indulging in the sartorial wonders of a nation celebrated for its fashion. The prospect of visiting the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, the very place where the masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, was crafted, forever altering the way we perceive art and paintings worldwide, fills me with profound emotions. In Italy, a land known for its ability to evoke nostalgia, I anticipate being enveloped by the echoes of the past, as I set my eyes on timeless paintings, awe-inspiring sculptures, and the ingenious creations brought to life by the visionary Leonardo Da Vinci. The thought of immersing myself in this rich tapestry of art and history, gazing upon Da Vinci’s inventions, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a journey that promises to be more than a mere visit; it’s an emotional voyage, a chance to experience the essence of these masterpieces and to connect with the feelings they evoke. The museum becomes a sacred space where history and invention are tangible, and life itself transforms into a remarkable and extraordinary experience.
When I received the devastating diagnosis of an incurable autoimmune disease, life lost all meaning, and I felt utterly purposeless. But then, I had a revelation about my dream of becoming an explorer, and it completely transformed my perspective on life. I realized that I’m destined to live my life with this disease, constantly surrounded by medications, hospital visits, and cold eyes of doctors. I’m also acutely aware that I may not have as much time as others, and that’s why I want to explore the world before the suffering becomes unbearable. Before my entrance into this world, I was an anonymous soul, a mere whisper in the cosmic winds. But now, with my affliction, I’ve become someone defined by this burden. Through my travels, I aim to forge connections with people from diverse backgrounds, forming friendships that provide comfort and a chance for a fresh start, far from the haunting memories of betrayal and past wounds. The loss of my foot became a poignant teacher, driving home the bittersweet truth that what’s meant to stay will cling to us, and what’s destined to depart will inevitably slip through our grasp, no matter how tightly we hold on. It’s a raw lesson that stirs the depths of my emotions, compelling me to treasure every moment, to immerse myself fully in the present until it slips away like sand through an open hand. In the present moment, my focus is on immersing myself in the rich culture of Nepal. I wander through its enchanting cafes, tasting an array of flavors that speak to my soul. I explore the ancient wonders of places like KTM Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan, and Swoyambhu with a mix of awe and reverence. These experiences are my solace, a way to nourish not just my body but my very spirit. Though I traverse this path alone, it’s a deeply personal pilgrimage, a quest to find solace and joy in every encounter, treasuring each fleeting moment as it slips into the treasury of memories, brimming with sentiment and emotion.
Throughout my life, I’ve strived to seize elusive moments, yet it often feels like every moment in life is inherently fleeting and elusive. My illness has rendered me emotionally numb and physically paralyzed, edging me closer to complete devastation. Right now, I stand at a pivotal juncture, considering the possibility of relinquishing medical treatments and redirecting my resources toward embarking on a global adventure. What’s the purpose of persevering through treatments when the possibility of a cure remains distant, and the hope for good health feels like an unattainable dream? Instead, I’m drawn to the idea of investing in a journey across the world. It seems like a path to happiness and a serene farewell, offering the chance to savor every moment of life. In this way, life becomes a source of joy, and each instant transforms into a precious experience to cherish.