#3 Three Cups of Tea

When Greg Mortenson loses his way on his way home from his failed attempt at climbing K2, the people from the town of Korphe welcomed him with open arms. The children flocked him, the chief let him sleep in his home under the quilt from his wife's dowry, and honored him with a second cup of tea even though sugar was a rare and expensive luxury. He said they took him in with the hospitality that would be "unforgivable for any Balti not to display."
This made me think about how we treat people. We stereotype and judge people without knowing them. We shun those who are strangers to us, are quick to take offence, and withhold our forgiveness. Just think of how much better our lives would be if we treated everyone with this degree of warmth and hospitality.
If the people of Korphe are ready to give so much when they have so little we should be ashamed for not doing the same. We have indefinite more resources than they do and yet we would not think half so well of a stranger if he walked into our midst. I think it would do the world well if everyone was as good hearted as Korphe, who although they did not give much, they gave everything they had.

#2 Three Cups of Tea

Earlier in this year, I lost my little cousin. He was just a kid, still in school, had the rest of his life ahead of him. He was taken from us in an accident with an ATV four wheeler. It's one of those things you hear about and never imagine it happening to you, so when it does it is awful, raw, and unreal.
It was because of this awful experience with my cousin, Shane, that made me be able to relate to Greg Mortenson's reason for trying to climb K2. His sister had been terminal, and just recently died. In tribute to her memory, he was going to climb the worlds second highest mountain, his greatest challenge yet, and leave his sisters necklace at 28,267 feet. I almost cried when I read this, right in the middle of the school cafeteria. I felt so bad for him that he failed, because in a way, I knew his disappointment. Shane lived in South Carolina and his memorial was held on a weekday when I could not come. I felt horrible, because my father said he had never seen so many people congregate in the little town. Everyone had come, except me. I felt as if I had to do something, anything, to distinguish that I knew and loved this person, and that he was not just some other tragic victim. I didn't resolve to do anything so wild as to climb a mountain, but I did write a poem in his honor and submit it to a contest. I would like for it to win, to be a tribute to Shane, just as Greg Mortenson climbed for his sister.

Three Cups of Tea Greg Mortenson and David Relin 2006

I have been wanting to read this book for some time. I have heard some really good things about it, and it seems like the kind of story I would enjoy. I wish I had a little more insight to give on the subject, but the truth of the matter is I only got my hands on this copy today. I have only had time to read the first few pages, which is an introduction from the author, David Relin. He gives us his impression of Mr. Mortenson, who he says is an extraordinary man with a very bad since of time that could drive anyone crazy. He also introduces us to the poverty of the land by writing of his experience with flying to the small village of Korphe. Even though he does not even speak of the village itself, he gives us a preview of how bad things are just with the flight.
The best pilot around ignores the warning the fuel gauge give him, claiming it to be "notoriously unreliable" and smokes underneath the air crafts NO SMOKING sign. He navigates with only experience, a map, and a store bought GPS. As a passenger, I would not be comforted by this. If this is what the best flight there is like, i can only imagine what state of poverty Korphe must be in. It sounds like a place you would only find on accident, which is (i believe) what happened in this case. Luckily for Korphe, the person who found them was a selfless humanitarian bent on helping them.

#2 Diana Gabaldon 1991

I am almost sorry to say that I have finished Outlander. I thought it would take me a while to read, seeing as it is so big, but I didn't count on not being able to put it down long enough to breathe. As it is, I finished the 627 page book in merely five days. It was amazing. I put myself into Claire's shoes a lot while I was reading it, to try and discover what it must be like in a time that is not your own. Our generation has become so dependant on things like cell phones and computers. It would be almost inconceivable for us to live in a time where not even hot baths were available. I doubt many of us would take very well to the more primitive surroundings. I would like to think that I could have adjusted. Although I love the luxuries of today as much as anybody, I have always yearned for some sort of adventure.
Another aspect Claire must face is changing the future. She knows of the wars that will destroy clan life as it exists, and the potato famine to come. In trying to prevent these disasters she alters the course of history. Indeed just being there changes the future. The chain of events she creates causes one of her husband's ancestors to die before his time, creating the possibility that her future husband may never even be born.

Outlander Diana Gabaldon 1991

I have read a lot of books in my life. Anyone who knows me well will tell you the same thing. out of all the books I've read, this one just may be the best. I have not read something this addicting in a long time. It makes me want to read and nothing else.
It takes place in 1945 when a retired nurse and her husband return from the war and reunite after six years with a second honeymoon in Scotland. one day the nurse, Claire, comes upon a structure like a miniature Stonehenge. Upon her misfortune of falling between a split rock she is transported back thorough time to the year 1743. The story follows her as she is saved from the lusty English soldiers from Scots of the McKenzie clan and is further protected by being married off to the incredible Jamie Fraser.
I must say it is a habit of mine to fall in love with fictional book characters. Jamie Fraser is no exception. The two most appealing physical traits I find in a man are red hair and an accent. Jamie has both, along with the build of a Highland Scottish Warrior that would make most girls go weak in the knees. In additon he has a sense of honor, pride, and most importantly a sense of humor. Other than that, he is the type of man that only existed 210 years ago and only now in fantasy.

Quick Mention

I am afraid i will no longer be writing about Sense and Sensibilities and Sea monsters. It was a good book, but a quick read and do not have much more to comment on it save to applaud its wit and hilarity. It is a charming book for those who wish to read it and I highly recommend it.