My World: A road less traveled.

[fahim mohammed]

Why?, whispered the voice.
Older, much fainter than the last time I had heard it.

Why here, traveler?, a question, interspersed with coughs.
And why alone?, a puzzled query.

I am never alone, I replied. Never.
I could feel an imaginary face turn and look all around.

Then a slight low laugh...yes, traveler. I was looking with my eyes.
Yes, the voice added. You are never alone.

But why?
Madness or courage?

Neither, I replied.
Just because it is there.
It challenged me.
I accepted.

​

My altimeter read 3125 meters above sea leve.

​

 

[fahim mohammed]

 

[fahim mohammed]

 

[Asher Kelman]

Fahim,

I am pleased that you show these pictures. First it tells me you are doing OK and secondly the mountain views are stunning. I was shocked and stunned at the attack on Saudi Arabia and it frightens me for your safety!

I do wonder whether I would be comfortable at 3,000 meters! What did you use to measure the height?

Where were you standing?

Is this Kazakhstan?

Be safe!

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

Thank you Asher.

Fahim was not with me. He would , most likely, not survive the strain of these altitudes or journey.
I was carrying a simple wrist watch to show altitude, temp, and pressure.
This is in the northern most part of Pakistan. Just this side of the Indian occupied Kashmir, the Karakoram Highway into PRC on the other.
The K2 peaks are here.

Can you make it this time?, said the voice.
No, I replied. Too old, too tired and too weak.
Then why?

Because it is there. And because I am still alive, I replied.

How do I get there?, I asked.
Just follow the river, said the voice. You shall find the fountainhead.

​

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thank you Asher.

Fahim was not with me. He would , most likely, not survive the strain of these altitudes or journey.

inchalla! I was concerned!

I was carrying a simple wrist watch to show altitude, temp, and pressure.

I figured for you but not Fahim!

This is in the northern most part of Pakistan. Just this side of the Indian occupied Kashmir, the Karakoram Highway into PRC on the other.
The K2 peaks are here.

Just to be near those peaks and breathe in deeply the air is an amazing chance of a lifetime!

Can you make it this time?, said the voice.
No, I replied. Too old, too tired and too weak.
Then why?

Because it is there. And because I am still alive, I replied.

Yes, yes, yes! Aisha

You could have stayed back. But the marvelous view you experienced is not matchable by anything except a child’s smile!

​

How do I get there?, I asked.
Just follow the river, said the voice. You shall find the fountainhead.

​

So now I have to go back to Fahim’s writings and I will know which you wrote!

I wish I was educated enough to read this on Arabic! I would love the poetics.

Hebrew is already a jump from European languages in poetry and depth of words. Arabic poetry has reached great heights and is by reputation admired highly!

We now have seen visions through your eyes. Thanks!

Next time virtual reality headset!

[BTW, You mentioned with no flourish, “occupied Kashmir!

But I live in “occupied” North America!

All lands are occupied as humans migrated everywhere and settled down until a another group swamped them!

But strangely most people are kind and will help the stranger unless taught not to do so! That the paradox of “civilizations”!]

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

Thank you Asher.

Without ‘ occupying ‘ too much OPF bandwidth or member’s time; I think I continue to search for Shangri-la.
Not over the rainbow, but across the mountains.

My search could be in vain. But the journey matters more to me than the destination.

Maybe across that mountain...

​

Maybe you have already found your Shangri-la, whispered the voice.
Maybe...

Kindest regards
Ayesha.