EDITOR’S NOTE
Is anyone having to adapt to a new job, new school or the Singapore heat?
When I climbed to the top of Mount Oberon in Australia lately, I was thinking about adapting versus being prepared. We knew it was going to be cold and windy, so I had thermal leggings on under my gym leggings, plus a thermal top, a thin jersey, a thick jersey, a Kathmandu vest and a Kathmandu jacket. And a beanie and gloves. I was prepared…
However, I hadn’t thought about the actual walk, except the amazing view from the top. We set off through gorgeous forest up a 45-degree slope and after ten minutes I had stripped off most layers. At the stage where I was thinking simultaneously, “This is really going to be good for my thighs,” and “I want to go home now!”, it changed to a 60-degree slope.
At the last stage, I met a family with two young kids, and I thought, if they can do it, I can do it! A rocky climb took us to the top, where the sea, gorgeous beaches and miles and miles of forest lay before us. It was all worth it! However, the wind was coming straight off the Antarctic and we definitely needed all the gear we’d bought!
Coming down was wonderful and we got to really enjoy the scenery. But, the interesting part was the uphill climb and the associated thoughts: “If I hide behind a tree and join up with them on the way down will anyone notice? Will I miss out on anything if I turn around now?”
I realised how, when something is not quite what we had imagined, we have to adapt or give ourselves a bit of a push to keep going. It also helps to do as much prep as possible – research, attention to detail and planning. Then things have a better chance of being better.
Look out for more adventures with us on page 158 of this issue. There are no group walks this month, but our new Expat Living Travel Club is going on a spa retreat, and we have plenty of other events for you to look forward to.