Diamond in the Crux

Climbing through South America as a solo backpacker traveler. Sponsored in part by the American Alpine Club through the "Live Your Dream Grant" 

[diamondinthecrux]

To Sum it Up...

Traveling alone for 5 months, to 4 different countries, and many different cities and climbing spots, I've learned so much about myself, life, people, culture, independence, balance, patience, friendship, and humanity.The connections I made with amazing people and places will remain in my memory for eternity and continue to guide my values and direction in life. Traveling alone in foreign countries without knowing the language was difficult at times, but I discovered the beauty in the struggle and embraced the challenge; I found the diamond in the crux. 

Returning to the States, it's easy to forget everything and return to my normal life, but I NEVER want to forget the life lessons I've learned:

-People are important- more than activities or places

-Independence- I like to be alone

-I can do most things

-Taking initiative 

-If my energy is relaxed, things can unfold and work out

-Self sufficiency

-Self reliance- even though people are generous, giving, and kind, I have to rely on myself

-Balance is everything- I can't feel the pleasure of the play without the work and I can't work all the time without the play

-Time is crucial- time limits are a good thing, time helps create a mental space

-My mental space is heavily dependent on time and time limits

-I actually can't climb all the time. Climbing actually can't be everything. It's about the balance- climbing is more rewarding when it's in contrast to other things

-I sometimes would rather not climb at all than climb with someone who I don't connect/have fun with.

-I'm mentally stronger now after climbing outside for 5 months. I'm actually physically a little weaker, but it makes way more of a difference to have strength mentally

-I am very lucky and have a lot of opportunity

-BUT, everything is relative

-If I don't want to do something, I don't have to do it

-Being assertive and asking for what I want

-No one will do things for me- I must take action

-But at the same time, people (climbers especially) are at their core, generous with big hearts

-I have a hard time socializing with people when I know I won't ever see them again, but maybe if I socialized more I would see more people again

-Climbers are awesome all around the world and I'm lucky to be a part of the community!!!

-I am comfortable with change

-I could live anywhere as long as I have good people around

-Simple things like running, healthy food, and good conversation are more important than historical monuments, grand plans, and crossing off a check list.

-I don't like waiting for things, but I've learned to be patient

-I don't like to be rushed, I would rather do my own thing

-I can't control everything- sometimes I have to go with the flow

-Decisions- most of the time both options will be good options- no need to stress and stew

-I get attached to people easily, but having a sense of independence helps with balance

-Even though our culture effects the way we act and think, at our core, humans are humans- we are all the same

-I'm more comfortable now having people I don't know belay me, but I think it's because I'm more comfortable with myself. I believe in my climbing abilities more now.

-I like helping people

-I like having a purpose and a plan

-There's no point in being sad for a long time. Get over it. Move on. It could always be worse.

-The people I met on this trip have touched me deeply and even though I won't see most of them again, they will stay in my heart and memory for eternity.

[diamondinthecrux]

A Balancing Act

I have learned through traveling that it's all about a balancing act; balancing my time, energy, work and pleasure. For me, bouncing around from city to city, hostel to hostel, isn't my style. With this way, the traveler doesn't really get involved in the community; just always a tourist. But on the other hand, staying in one place too long isn't good for me either because I get too attached. Instead of feeling like a traveler, it's like I have simply moved to a new place. If I stay too long I won't want to leave. I have to balance my desire for deep long-term friendships with my desire to see new places. I have to develop community while remaining as a traveler. Part of me wanted to pick one place and stay for the whole six months, but then I wouldn't want to leave and I wouldn't have been "traveling through South America." I would have simply changed the city that I lived in.

The best for me is staying in one place long enough to become part of the community, but not long enough to get too comfortable or too attached so that it's heart-breaking to leave. To be a little sad is healthy, but not so much that it takes away from the excitement of moving onto the next step. It's all a balancing act. 

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La Paz Climbing Community is the Greatest!

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I Don't Need Stuff

Traveling for 5 months with only a backpack full of stuff has taught me not to need things. All I have is two pairs of pants, two tank tops, a shirt, sweater, tennis shoes, boots, toiletries, a good book, an iPod, and most importantly climbing gear. My ten boxes of stuff waiting for me in SF isn't even necessary. I've been just fine without it. If I can go 5 months, why not a lifetime? Living a simple life is what I desire and that means getting rid of the clutter, the unnecessary. There is so much stuff in this world. It's not needed. What's important is laughter, learning, and good people. I've learned through this trip to appreciate the small pleasures in life; putting my iPod on shuffle, day dreaming on the bus, warm showers, ice cream, efficiency, silence, and time to myself. I have learned and am OK with - being alone. I would much rather be by myself than with people whom I don't connect with. But then when those rare times occur where the connection is just right and the energy is good, the understanding is there, people make me happy. There is nothing better than a good group of friends or a deep conversation with someone close. Nothing better.

[diamondinthecrux]

Land of the boulders in Bolivia (at Chalku, Bolivia)

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First 7a+!!!!! (at La Galleta, La Paz)

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Live LARGE, Live D-e-l-i-b-e-r-a-t-e-l-y

                  Cañon de Palca, La Paz, Bolivia

Through my travels I have met so many people, travelers and locals, and somewhere along the way someone said to me "Live large, live deliberately." I wrote it down in my journal and have been thinking about it ever sense. Live large- take chances, put yourself out there, do the unexpected, follow your gut and listen to your instincts. Live deliberately- make plans, follow through with your ideas, choose, decide, and take action. One major thing I´ve learned through traveling solo is that if I don´t take control and take action things won´t get done. I can´t sit around and wait. Talking about doing something is not the same as DOING. I´m more assertive now than before. There is a way to be polite, but still ask for what you want.

[diamondinthecrux]

Biking and Climbing: Mental Training for Life

                 Ollantaytambo, Peru

I went downhill mountain biking today for the first time! Starting out at the most challenging part of the track, with lots of slippery rocks and a steep path, I was a bit hesitant. I began by just walking my bike, but soon got bored and hopped on. I was really tense and not confident. Some parts of the path were really narrow, with a big drop down the mountain. Our guide, Luis told me it´s better to stay relaxed on the bike because if you´re tense you could brake too hard and fly forward. Wow. Then it clicked. The mental state for biking is just like climbing. Relaxed and confident. In control, but not controlling the situation, allowing the flow of the experience to take over. Being open to change when there is a big rock in front of you or a narrow path. Simply stay relaxed and go forward. Similarly to on-siting a route - being open to trying another way when the moves get hard. The mental effects the physical which effects the performance. 

The interesting thing is that when the path becomes more narrow, only a foot wide, and you see the steep mountain side right next to you, your physical actions are no different than when the path is wide without the steep drop. Only the mental is different, but the trick is to keep the same mental state in both situations. It´s scary thinking that if you fall it could result in serious injury, but if you stay calm, and confident it will serve you- just like climbing. When leading a sport route the movement of the body is the same whether you´re above or below the clip, but keeping a constant mental state is the challenge. Using my experience in climbing served me today with mountain biking, but the truth is, it serves me in everything in life. A calm mind in any tough situation is helpful, whether it´s moving through the crux of a climb, making a big decision, confronting someone, or traveling alone. Mental training for climbing is mental training for life.

[diamondinthecrux]

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Trying to keep some finger strength at the tiny bouldering cave in the back of a hostel in La Paz #climbing #indoorclimbing #bouldering #LaPaz #Bolivia (at El Muro, La Paz, Bolivia)

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Centro de Miembros Artificiales

                 Centro de Miembros Artificiales, La Paz, Bolivia 

In only three days, volunteering at Centro de Miembros Artificiales has been a life-changing experience. I´m working with a twenty-six year old girl named Pamela who has been living without a leg for ELEVEN years. She is so inspiring! She is determined and strong, practicing her exercises over and over. Even though she has a hard life she has a positive outlook and cheerful demeanor. Each day she progresses and walking becomes easier for her. She lives with her mom, brothers and sisters, and two children outside of La Paz, making the three hour commute to the center every day. When the day comes that she walks without the support of the bars I will be so happy and I will not leave La Paz until then. 

My first day at the center I was thrown into the process. The director told me to jump right in and start giving Pamela exercises. Thinking quickly, I drew upon my Pilates background and trained her to work her abdominals, gluts, and to feel length in her spine when she is walking. There is a lot I have to learn, but I´m so grateful for the experience. 

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Hatun Machay climbing

                    "Pincitas" 5.10c

                   "Tumba Chola" 7a/5.11d

                   Photos: Hank Stein 

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Chasing the Dragon: A Traveler’s First High

                   Copacabana, Bolivia

They say the drug addict is always chasing their first time high. Personally, my “first” experiences never again amounted to the first time, but never did I chase that kind of high again. What I am chasing now is my first time traveler’s high. Five years ago, with no expectations, I traveled around Peru for 6 weeks, experiencing traveling solo for the first time; the buzz of hostels, meeting new people from all over the world, culture, language, independence, navigation, self reliance, and overcoming challenge. Without knowing if I could do it, I did it. And now, I’m again chasing that first time experience. Now that I know that I can do it, the mystery is gone this time. Traveling for one month is about doing all you can in that one month; seeing the sights and making the most of your time. But now, 6 months, it’s about living. Instead of a vacation, it’s a lifestyle change. The challenge is finding the same buzz, energy, and motivation when the pressure of time is released. I have no deadline, no return flight, and no fire under my butt. The challenge is staying empty. Wiping the slate clean. Keeping my past travels in my memory, but not holding on to them too tightly. Emptying myself so I can open up to a different kind of travel. Staying present, alive, and motivated for a different kind of experience.

[diamondinthecrux]

Sharing is Caring

In Latin America you can't eat/drink/smoke something without sharing it with whoever is around you. It's considered rude if you don't share. I started to cut a mango last night and immediately felt rude for not sharing. The mindset is: What's yours is mine and what's mine is yours. I think that it's a representation of the difference between cultures in the US and South America. People in the States are independent. We have our Cliff bar and we eat it in its entirety. Instead of here in Peru where people share everything because they value the importance of family and friends. The pleasure of eating a Cliff bar is not the same if you don't share it with your friends. But, like my dad says, when sharing a meal, you don't really know how much you're actually eating.

[diamondinthecrux]

Hatun Machay, Peru

                      My favorite route: "Las Mujeres" 11b

                    Sooooooo cold the first few days

                   Getting ready for a hard climb! It was more like a long boulder                    problem. Thanks to Lara for the awesome belay!

                  After 10 days climbing my hands are feeling it!

                   On a rest day, the view from the summit

[diamondinthecrux]

Hatun Machay, Peru

I was about to give my friend Nas a belay when "One Day Reckoning" came on her ipod and I held my breath. I recognized the song, but didn´t know where from or why it created such a visceral response. The music was a glimpse into the past; a reminder of how far away I was from my San Francisco life and what I had left behind to be here. I realized it was from the last major dance project I was in. In that moment I felt like I had made a choice between dance and climbing. When that song played I was reminded of where I came from in contrast to where I am NOW. BE HERE NOW. I looked at the scenery around me, at the vast empty nothingness of the rolling hills. It was nothing, but everything. I was reminded of dancing in a theater in the middle of the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, but I was standing in the middle of a valley of grotesque rocks situated in the middle of the mountains in Hatun Machay, Peru. How vastly different my two lives felt in that moment; standing in the emptiness, but feeling so much. Where would I be right now if I hadn´t found climbing?

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#bouldering #climbing #liveyourdreamgrant Photo @eljovendario (at San Fernando, Ecuador)

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Climbing is Only as Good as the Company

                   Photo:Dario Orellana Rodas

                     Photo:Dario Orellana Rodas

                    Photo:Dario Orellana Rodas

                   Photo: Kristin Connolly

                   Photo: Alice Halliday

                    Photo: Kristin Connolly

Amo a mis amigos de Cuenca! As soon as I was feeling sad about leaving Baños, I met the most awesome people in Cuenca. My first day, I checked out C-tres climbing gym and met Dario who introduced me to his friends - Pablo, Sam, Daniel, Ferr, Kristin, and Alice. Not soon after, I felt like I was part of the Cuenca climbing community. Everyone was so nice, welcoming, and helpful. I looked forward to going to the gym every day. While the rest of the girls were practicing aerial fabric acrobatics, I was climbing with the guys! Afterwards, we would go out, have drinks, and dance. It´s possible to climb in exotic Latin American places and feel accomplished when I send hard routes, but the climbing is only as good as the people I climb with. Again, PEOPLE MAKE THE EXPERIENCE and in Cuenca I was blown away by the generosity of the people. The guys invited me into their lives with open arms. It wouldn´t have been the same without them. They showed me Cuenca and we had such a good time! I was so lucky to experience all the good climbing spots - Cojitamabo, Paute, San Fernando, and finally Cajas; the most amazingly breathtaking place in Ecuador.  Cuenca is a wonderful city with so much to offer as far as the outdoors, culture, and people. The city has figured out a way to make the tourist feel welcome without really feeling like a tourist. The fluid mix of locals and tourists is an even exchange; the locals are proud to show their city and the tourists are happy to be included - well, not just included -- embraced! Cuenca has a solid inviting community; a community that invites you out for traditional food, to make pizza, AND to climb! I was sad to leave Cuenca, but knew I had to carry on. My time in Cuenca will always have a special place in my heart.