To climb Mt. Everest you need to get some high altitude training. This prompted me to put together a mini expedition to climb Peak Communism at 7,495 meters high (24,590 ft.). The trip started from Toronto to Moscow and then to the ancient city of Osh, which use to be part of the Marco Polo silk road to China, before the last leg to Pk. Communism. I had heard so much about Osh and its grand ancient bazaar. I was excited to visit this part of history in search of exquisite Persian carpet and a good bargain. Time was limited, since we had to catch a bus in a few hours to the Pamir Mountains base camp for foreign expeditions. The bazaar was huge. It had everything. There were parts for; planes, tanks, cars, trucks, electrical, clothing and food but hardly any carpets.
Dashing from stall to stall, I was using body language to ask where were the Persian carpets Everyone seemed to be speaking Russian or a local tongue. The directions I was given range from go left or right to go back. But in that limited time that i had I came across a small carpet shop that had a few carpets, clothing and cloth. On a pile of Russian magazines was an English article about a Travelers Century Club. Curious on why this was the only English article around I picked it up and read that ii was one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. To belong you had to have traveled to 100 countries but you could be an Associate member once you reach 75 countries.
This piqued my interest. Going back, to get the bus, I mentally counted the countries, I had traveled through when I was carrying my ski boots, around the world . I had been to about 36 countries.
My mind exclaimed, “I can do that. Yes, 100 countries. I’ll do it.” In 2016 my mission was accomplished. Today, I’ve been to 108 countries. Please join me via twitter, LinkedIn, Google Guide to keep going.
Stay flourishing my friends,
Erwin Sniedzins
