Cue Bob Seger Because We're Going to Kathmandu

Today was our last day in Leh.
We rode the moto one last time out to Thiksey Monastery and then back to Leh via the Fish Pond road, which winds through fields, and along streams and farm houses. We hiked up to the last spot in town that we hadn't already visited, the small gompa above the palace. We had one last breakfast at the Gesmo and dinner at Summer Harvest, finally getting the dramatic Veg Sizzler to share. We stopped in to say good-bye to the boys at Gesmo before filling our waters and grabbing our laundry at Dzomsa, and mailing our postcards. I got teary eyed while saying good-bye the sweet, sweet boys who we saw nearly every day over the last 3 weeks. Krishna, a server who is especially sweet, had wanted to see pictures of our wedding day on Luke's computer, because, as he said very earnestly, "I love the wedding day of other countries." We had created a little album with some photos of us and our families, being careful to leave out the kissing photos, but these were not enough for him so Luke showed him more, to which he said, "Much kissing." Yes, indeed.

I am sad to go. Sad to leave here. Sad to leave the sweetness, the routine, the comfort, the 24-hour hot shower and clean, comfy bed. I am afraid that I may have lost my travel-toughness, gotten a bit fussy since our honeymoon travels. Luke tries to assure me that this isn't true, but I am feeling a fussy today. We really just settled in here. And then today, to have the CD that I made playing for the dinner crowd at Gesmo while we shared heartfelt good-byes with everyone there; and that Mr. Sonam, the man who we rented us our moto, told us how nice he thought we were and that we could stay with him and his family next time we are here...to borrow a line from my friend Heather, we are taking a piece of this place and our friends here with us, tucked up in hearts.

Luke has been working a bunch over the last few days; 2-3 hours here and another few there and plenty more at night. I am packing us up tonight while he finishes up a few things for clients, so I need to get to work myself.

If we have a connection right away in Kathmandu, I'll try to post tomorrow.
Julley and goodnight.