As our van rumbled under the high swinging bridge that people walk to get to the tallest standing statue of ….. A lady in the car exclaimed. You could not pay me 10000000 dollars to go across the bridge. As I am afraid of heights and have vertigo I responded,” I would do it for 100 dollars”
Little did I know that shortly I would be reminded of the comment as our friend took us there sightseeing a few days later. So here I was with Lorgio, Monica, and Ito coming face to face with my fears and the challenge…Would I? Should I???
I love going off the beaten track…and this was definitely an opportunity as I observed very few foreigners and mostly locals going up there to take advantage and worship .
It did not take long for me to decide and I was off for the adventure. As I climbed up to the bridge, my mind was divided in if I truly would do this or would chicken out at the last minute…
At the end of it all I was up for the challenge and with fear and trepidation took my first steps across the high towering swinging bridge overlooking the city of Kathmandu.
I attempted to focus my eyes on the other side and yet it was difficult not to be distracted by the height and feeling pulled over the sides. I somehow made it to the middle of the bridge . As I took each step the next one seemed to be that I had gained weight as it became more and more difficult. I was deciding that it was not worth it….I would have to return after visiting the statue on the same path! This was too much for me….I would just return and say that at least I had made it half way.
My seventeen year old son saw me and in those deciding moments grabbed my hand and started pulling…guiding me to the other side. I felt very akward as a Dad being led by my son. Right in front of us I saw a Dad with a small 7 or 8 year old son who was also very obviously terrified and his father was also taking him by the hand.
It was humbling for me but as my son took me by the hand my heart beat calmed down and I began to walk steadily in the correct direction.
I made it to the other side and then was able to try out the new and tasty snacks …spicy to say the least of Kathmandu and visit the statue.
I made it through the experience and lived to share it