The last has another meaning of START.

After a long trekking, the last visit place was Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is very strict states in India in giving entrance permission for foreigners because it is the state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. Hence, they are even worried about a very small accident or mistake. Original passport was compulsory for us, four Koreans including me, just like a visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries. But, two of us did not bring passports and it was coming up the problem. They could not enter into Sikkim without original passport. While waiting for finding solution of the problem, I could find many ethical issues.


First one is I have to reflect my side (fault) first rather than others though it is not my fault. Some people blame others first though it is their fault. By watching others’ behaviour and hearing their words, I could see enough how I have to behave. In addition, I felt very sorry about making others wait for us while we were getting permission. It took a very long time unexpectedly because two of us had no original passport. So, all other Indians, who do not need permission, had to wait for around 4~5 hours on the side road because of us. It reminded me of thinking about ‘consideration’, ‘altruistic behaviour and thought’ and what kind of thought is for others (thinking about others) in waiting for other two Koreans. Finally, they could not enter into Sikkim with us. But, others were worried about them and cared them. It was really beautiful and I was very thankful to my friends’ and teachers’ comfort. Also, I could think about what morality really is. I do not like to lie from my side as well as getting it from others. But, most people lie at every instant for escaping from the specific situation when they get stuck in a wrong/bad work. Though people know it is not a good way, people do. I saw some people do that this time, but it never solves a problem and gives a bad effect on each other. I was feeling sad and pity about that. Then, I decided I will help them afterwards.

We went sightseeing in Gangtok for two days. I could find ‘Peace’ in the atmosphere of the city. Because of that, it seemed to help freshening up my mind. Being in the nature and enjoying it really helped me become more bravery, calm and thoughtful. Though so many different ethnic groups are there, they seemed to live harmoniously and peacefully. It was another beauty of the city.

Also, we had a very good time for writing reflection last night in Gangtok. I, all friends and teachers shared so many feelings, memories and experience each other. We felt like we met life partners. Writing reflection was not only for finishing touch of camp days also for pulling my thoughts together.

On the way to NJP (New Jalpaigudi) railway station, we did rafting in Teesta River. Obviously this activity required our terrific cooperation. I and my six members: Aditi, Hyunju, Saurabh, Ajay SIR, Tilak SIR, Ajinkya did a great job, so we left first and reached the end first.

Last day of this journey was as good as the first day. Full of excitement with friends added more fun. I will never forget all the feeling and thoughts of this 13days journey in my life because all the activities in the camp helped me take one step forward.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

 Are you aware of the way you can notice your own strengths and weaknesses? If you know, you must have taken hard work before in your life. This was what all instructors and SIRs pointed us continuously while trekking. Everyone knows trekking is not an easy work. But, we can get many things we cannot learn from studies such as Patience, Respect, Modesty, Forgiveness, Open mind, and so forth. You know what, people who are in eminence sometimes forget they are small and become arrogant. But, people who are in lower place look up at the higher place and sometimes forget their happiness, fullness and thanks surround them. While going up to the top of the mountain, I found small area down there. At that time, I felt shyness from the fact.

Even though this trekking was not the first time for me, it gave me different (fresh) feeling and wisdom. We started trekking from Manebhanjang.  Our trek course was Manebhanjang-Tumling-Kalapokhri-Sandakphu-Rimbik. It was total 51km. So, the first trekking course was Manebhanjang to Tumling. Through the hard trekking, all group members could be closer than before. I and my friends who were in the camp shared all the feelings and thoughts even though we cannot understand each language properly. It made me feel so happy fully. By sharing our feelings at least, we could feel ‘binding energy’ among us. It helped me work harder efficiently. Also, I got a big Responsibility about other friends and my mother nature. Whenever others need any help, I have to give my hands. Whenever others feel hungry, I have to give my bread. I thought this is why we live together in life and what we have to do in life. One of my camp friends, Ajinkya, and I talked together while trekking. We were talking about ‘life’ like what life is and how we should stand in life. He told me life is like a book. So, I added him, “Yes, life is like a book. But, it never gives solution or answer. That is why we are walking and going to find the true answer on our own together.” I have got the truth of life from there with my friends.

Whenever we go for trekking, our instructor gave advices to us all the notes of cautions and safety. I have got much new information from that time. For example,

-Do not touch or pick up any plants.
-If you are the leader and come to the fork of a road, do not choose the way on your own.
- . . .

In Korea, I used to touch or smell any unique or different flowers or grasses though guides informed me do not touch them. It may or may not be poisonous, so we cannot do such things without permission. But, I had to be careful for that because I should take care of myself and no one can help me, in case something happens.

All the activities gave me a sweet fruit in the end. I never forget the memory in my life. From that, I again feel I want to start or re-start my life in a good, positive way. I look forward to what I will be doing next work in my life.

This is the first road, first step, and first attitude to go into Himalaya.

 Have you tasted the tears of happiness? If you have not, you must have the experiences, which can hold you back in your proper position. I strongly suggest you that you just go, run, get the feelings, cry, shout, and laugh right now.
I could get few of the happiest moments in my life from this cam, CAC Himalaya camp. Actually, our first purpose was CAS activity experience. But, I have never thought this is not just because of CAS since joining the trip.

On 29th May at 8p.m I and all my friends who participated in camp left from Nagpur railway station. It was a new experience for me to go somewhere by train in India. But, I like to challenge myself by trying doing new things and enjoy whenever I do new things.

Once we reached Darjeeling, we started our schedule from the very next morning on 1st June. We had an exercise in every morning. Even in short morning walk (exercise), I learnt so many, small things, but important things in life such as Collaboration with others, Respectful mind about others and nature, and so forth. We had to make ourselves to be disciplined mentally and physically. So, each person can be happy and feel good in doing every work together.

Most of Instructors of the camp cannot speak English fluently. So, they generally told us all the cautions or knowledgeable words in their mother tongue, Hindi. Whenever everyone listened to their words, my friend, Aditi, had to translate all the words for all of Korean including me. It happened continuously, so I could guess and understand something they highlight in doing various activities after sometime. It was another positive challenge for me to overcome the language problem.

Every time, especially before trekking, Ajay SIR who was our main trekking instructor stressed the importance of interaction between nature and myself. He always told us, “Life is based on nature. And, Interaction and Cooperation are the most important in life. Especially, in trekking, you must feel their importance.” I can never forget his words for ever because I will be close by nature and mountain in my whole life.