We are back in Mendoza, where everything is familiar and alien at the same time. There is a constant sound outside, but it´s not a freezing wind — it´s the rumbling of downtown Mendoza traffic. When we want to go outside, we just go, without planning which hat, jacket or pair of gloves we will wear to avoid turning numb. When we want to go to bed, we just slide in between the sheets, instead of inflating a mattress and unpacking a sleeping bag. I am not offending myself by how I smell. I could get used to this!
I am at the internet cafe, where for the last few hours I have hungrily been reading everyone´s comments on The Ferris Files. Thank you so much for your well-wishes! All this time I haven´t known for sure whether anyone was hearing what I was speaking into that satellite phone, or what anyone had to say in response. I am delighted that the posts got to you. Your thoughts propelled me upward, in ways big and small.
We are all generally well (though these typing fingers are still swollen from altitude). I have shaven and can see my face again. Terri´s cough, which she acquired during the last push to the summit, is there, but subsiding.
Last night we sat in a bistro (they had chairs and glassware and everything!) and joyously feasted on steak, salad, lasangna, wine, beer, and pretty much anything we could lay our hands on. Our table seemed an island of liveliness amid diners dully living their preprogrammed lives. It wasa reminder of how alive we were while we were on the mountain — cold, dirty and often miserable, yes, but vitally aware of our existence.
In a few hours we will visit a winery in the nearby countryside. Tonight we might catch a lesson at a tango club. You know, all that Argentina stuff that we were too remote to enjoy until now. !Ole!
I am exhausted from you alls journey. When does the movie come out? I have hung on every word and sound for these weeks and I feel a loss of it being over. I can’t imagine what you all will be going through. I am forever grateful we made it back well. I am sure that David will understand that it was not a Failure but a learning and life experience. How easy that must be to say but when you do go back you will find it easy and as just rewarding. If it was easy then everyone would be there doing it. You my friend have been where only the imagination can allow for some. You make dreams become a reality and I am sure standing on this summit will happen if you decide it is what you want to do. I believe that you have gained life long friends, visions that will be yours forever, and as we sat and watched and waited, a journey that was exceptional in every way. I hope I will have an adventure like this I can keep as my own.
You did not fail. You succeeded in life. God bless you all and thank you for letting me be there with you.
Don
Hi Dave,
Welcome back! Thanks for these pictures and your thoughts as you return to civilization. You sound good like you’re in good shape, grateful for simple pleasures,ready to celebrate.
This trip is probably an important landmark in your life, and (I’m surprised to be writing) it’s good that you went. We can hardly wait to see you in real life on Tuesday and to hear the stories then and as they unfold later with unexpected dimensions to what this experience has been for you.
We have been very impressed with the rich and meaningful messages written to you on this blog! You’re coming home to a lot of support and love.
We’ll see you soon. Hooray!
Love,
Mom