Preparing for departure

I usually do very little preparation for my trips and instead get information at the last minute and then improvise, which has led to many surprises, some bad but overall it's been quite positive.

This time it's different; this journey takes me into an unknown world, the physical challenge is considerable, and the cost is astronomical. I'd better make the most of it.

There's the spiritual preparation; I'll be going to a Buddhist country for the first time, a philosophy that has always appealed to me, so it's time to delve into it. For that, I read *Buddhism for Dummies*, which is well-written and enlightening.

The essence of Buddhism is meditation, used to identify the obstacles that prevent us from achieving happiness. Therefore, the corollary to this process of introspection is emotional preparation. We set out to explore, to discover ourselves, but also to escape. It's good to be clear about our deepest motivations.

Physical preparation, crossing a 5,000-meter pass after an 800-meter climb following ten days of hiking, requires a level of fitness I wasn't at the start. Training is essential. And it will culminate in a trek in the high Alps that my travel companion Anthony planned and organized. To get ready, I hiked in the green mountains of the Missisquoi Valley after spending the entire winter backcountry skiing.

Equipment preparation: we will be staying in a good variety of climates, our luggage will be carried by horses, a maximum of 15 kilos. We will be without electricity for 11 days and I would like to film and photograph – a challenge!