We were discussing life this week in class. What is life? What are the basic necessities of life? I asked them to give me the 5 most important things in life in order.

Health. Food. Family. Friendship. Money.

I asked them to explain each choice and and their position in the list. Why is family more important than friendship? Why isn't money the most important thing in life?

Most importantly, out of each of my classes no one put love in their top five. A student tried to explain why, "We need health to live. We need food to live. Family and friends are life. Money? Money is a necessary evil. Love? You can live without love. You cannot love without life."

I love how complex thoughts in my mind are so simple in their minds. I love their outlook on life and love and beauty and happiness. I am really going to miss teaching. I cannot believe I only have 43 days left here.

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A few years ago I made a list of places I want to see before I die. It was the summer before my senior year of college and I was totally alone. I was left behind after a catastrophic break-up. My best friend (Jen) had graduated and moved away. I lived alone for the first time. Out of this loneliness I felt an undefined strength to accomplish anything and this list clearly reflects that untouchable feeling. I have often laughed at the extensive list I have compiled, but recently I have come to the realization that dreams are nothing without action.

I will finally be able to cross a location off of my list.

I will be taking a train across the majority of China next month that will drop me off in Lhasa, Tibet.

The entire train trip will take about two days. I will spend the next 8 days in Lhasa (former home of the Dalai Lama), Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar, and Rongbuk. On the morning of June 26th, I will wake up to the sunrise over Mount Everest from base camp.