Don’t go there!

[faris]

That’s the general advice.
Stay safe. Within your comfort zone...whatever and wherever that maybe.

Me? I wanna live, as opposed to exist.

So I read the ‘ Travel Advisories ‘...and went to a place very much advised against.

Wish you were there!

btw, I am Faris’s wife. I traveled alone.
To find the fountain head.

 

[faris]

The roads posed more of a danger than anything else..

But then again, that’s the difference between most tourists and the few that travel...to see the world, to broaden their knowledge of other cultures,
To learn...

And to experience the thrill of it all!

 

[Rob-F]

All that effort and danger, and you only show us three pictures? These are great shots so far, but don't be so stingy with the pictures! Let's see the rest! 🙂

 

[peterm1]

Hindu Kush?

Photo below by an Australian Photographer Grant Dixon - looks kinda similar to me!

And yes, I would not go there........ 🙂 But good for you that you did.

 

[Richard G]

Stunning landscape. And Faris is also off somewhere himself? It will turn out you taught him everything he knows. Welcome to RFF. And as Rob says, please keep posting.

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

That’s the general advice.
Stay safe. Within your comfort zone...whatever and wherever that maybe.

Me? I wanna live, as opposed to exist.

So I read the ‘ Travel Advisories ‘...and went to a place very much advised against.

Wish you were there!

btw, I am Faris’s wife. I traveled alone.
To find the fountain head.

More! I want more!

Great photography and I appluad your philosophy!

All the best,
Mike

 

[Archiver]

Very cool, where is this?


I was due to go to Hong Kong this year. Due to the rioting, I've cancelled my trip and am not sure when I'm going. A bit different from craggy cliffs and pure air, though.

 

[lynnb]

Looks like one of the 'Stans - perhaps somewhere in the Caucasus? That would include Georgia. Love the photos.. more please!
Edit: I think Peter may be more on the money with his guess. That sealed road looks very modern...

 

[ktmrider]

Most countries are safe if you avoid dodgy areas. I would go there. What bothers me is how dangerous my home country (USA) has become. Many Americans won't go to Mexico because of the "bandits" but if you look at the statistics, the USA is far more dangerous.

Of course, we can carry guns to defend ourselves.

 

[robert blu]

Beautiful photo...more please !

 

[p.giannakis]

I always remember Don McCullin's advice that there is no photograph that deserves risking your life for.
Great pictures though...

 

[mcfingon]

I'm guessing "there" is Swat Valley, Pakistan. The river reminds me of the water coming off the Himalayas on the east side, in Bhutan where I have been. The battered Mercedes above is very redolent of 1970's Middle Eastern taxis. I nearly crashed my motorbike into one, so I briefly had a close look at the front of it. Danger can arise suddenly anywhere.

 

[lynnb]

I'm guessing "there" is Swat Valley, Pakistan. The river reminds me of the water coming off the Himalayas on the east side, in Bhutan where I have been. The battered Mercedes above is very redolent of 1970's Middle Eastern taxis. I nearly crashed my motorbike into one, so I briefly had a close look at the front of it. Danger can arise suddenly anywhere.

Good guess John! A Google image search brings up the Karakoram Highway.

 

[raid]

Great adventure images here! Bravo.

Life is very precious but it is so short. I have lived my life quite balanced, with occasional risks taken.

 

[faris]

Folks, thank you all so very much for your generous comments.

I misstated earlier that I was alone. I had my brother, come over from Canada, to accompany me. We had a guide and a driver ( wherever a 4x4 could go ). I was not with a travel group. I planned the trip and the route.

Some of you are correct, it is along the Karakoram range of mountains, in
Northern Pakistan. Hindu Kush, is a part of this range.

The new Karakoram Highway is a sight to behold. We drove ( I did too for the
Thrill of it ); but then veered of it.

My plan was to trek to the base of K2.

But I never made it.

Reports reached us of an earthquake of 7.2 mag; and we were advised to descend immediately to a relatively secure settlement. We did feel the after shocks, but nothing major.

Past Gilgit up towards Hunza and then towards the K2 base camp.
I skipped Nanga Parbat, as a choice. I had seen a documentary about K2!

I am working the images and shall post them as I finish them.

At my age, summits are not possible...the body is weak.

As to risk..the biggest risk was when I agreed to marry Faris. Outside my comfort zone, then and often now!

That was 40 years ago...that journey has been, and remains, the journey of a lifetime!

Once again my appreciation to you all for your encouragement.

Ayesha.

 

[faris]

 

[faris]

 

[robert blu]

@ Ayesha and Faris: for sure a great journeys...

 

[faris]

Robert, thank you.

 

[faris]