Hi Friends and Family,

I've always wanted to do a solo backpacking trip in another country and after many years of pushing back this dream, I finally have an opportunity to go out and do it! I want to thank my family for pushing me to do this. Even as I made more excuses to stay because of the obligations I have, it was them who really pushed me to do something for myself.

A little about myself. Back in 2008, I had the opportunity to take a backpacking trip, but got "sidetracked" in Japan and had to come back to the states. In hindsight, I really believe it was a blessing in disguise and that maybe it just wasn't the right time in my life to go on such a trip.

When I got back from Japan I had an opportunity to open an art gallery in my hometown with my parents. My mom was a painter and my family had an existing business of a flower shop. We expanded it to have an art gallery, art supply store, and cafe. When I went to our city council to pitch the idea, my one advice from them was to create an inclusive art gallery and use art to bring the community together.

For the past 7 years I've tried real hard to steer the direction of the gallery to that vision. A community art center with shows from local art clubs, schools, and every type of art medium I could think of. A place for painters, photographers, adults, kids, singers, dancers...a place for everyone to express any type of art form. In many ways we were successful and in many ways we weren't. Through the ups and downs I gained an appreciation for art and an understanding that it's important to be involved in the community.

Throughout that time, I always had this itch to do the solo trip thing and FINALLY (yeeeeeee!) I'm in a position where I can go.

So I renewed my passport, got my visa and vaccinations, and bought my plane ticket!

I realize how creating a crowd sourcing campaign for me to trek across the globe may sound. You're not donating to an organization that prevents diseases or a child in a third world country. You're supporting me to go do something for myself.  And for that, I appreciate the support on a personal level.

Why India? 

Like Naruto and Luffy (nerd alert), I thought, "If I'm leaving for a time jump, I want to come back improved".  And for me, that is to get myself healthier in mind and body.  What better place to start than the birthplace of Yoga?  Then after some research,  it just felt like the perfect place to do a solo pilgrimage.   I've got a few places I'd like to see but for the most part, I want this trip to be organic so I have a very loose itinerary.  I'll let the forces that be guide me to whatever it is I end up doing with my time there. 

Here's my lightweight itinerary: 

Leaving December 3!

 Arriving in New Delhi Dec 5.  The first month I'll venture north to Dharamsala to see the Tibetan monasteries (Buddhism) and the Golden Temple (Sikh).  From there I'll head down the west side of India to see the Basilica of Bom Jesus (Christianity), the Mecca Masjid (Islam) and down to Kerala to study Ayurverda (Ayurveda is a 5000 year old medicinal practice that focuses on diet, herbs, breathing, and massage). My trip in India finishes with a trip to Varanasi (Hindu).  Along the way I'll take yoga classes and work on a few art projects.  

Around the end of February, I'll venture to Kathmandu, Nepal and trek the Everest Base Camp trail.  (20 days) 

I've calculated the cost of the trip to be about $30 dollars a day for food, transportation, and other living expenses during the 4 months.   I've got a decent starting amount saved up but I'm hoping to raise the rest through this campaign.  If I raise the full amount that would be awesome but even if its just a few dollars, I'll be happy.  I trust that God will provide the rest when I get there. 

It's starting to hit me that this trip is actually happening and I'm both scared and excited!  I realize I'm super lucky to be in a situation to do this and I want just to embrace this opportunity wisely. It's been a dream of mine to do this solo backpack for a long time and while I'm confident at times, I also have self doubt too.  I would appreciate any words of encouragement and prayers.
 

If you can't sponsor in any way but have any travelling tips or contacts in India I can use as a guide/crash for a night I would appreciate that as well!  Thanks for reading.  

Much Love,
Tim Kim