This photograph is when our “2 states” partnership reached the top of Hong Kong Lantau peak after completing 10 hours of trekking together across 33 kms as a part of MoonTrekker race in 2014. That this race takes place in the dead of the night (start time: 11pm) makes it very special. It also encapsulates the journey we traversed from the dorms of IIMA in 1999 up till now.
What you see here is the the sheer joy of reaching the Lantau Peak at sunrise. What is not visible are the many moments of doubt and frustration of trudging through the unending trail!
Before the trek: Coming to IIMA
The welcome letter for “MoonTrekker” said it “was not a walk in the park” and was expecting real tough trekkers to join in. That is exactly how it was when I got my admission letter to IIMA. The tidings filled me with excitement. I was ready to plunge into the challenge, giving very little thought about my ‘real’ preparedness for the jungle. Did they say ignorance is bliss?
The preparation for trek: Two years at IIMA
As the trek approached, we stepped up our preparation by increasing our hours outdoor and hiking a few new and some familiar trails. In the short time available for preparation, nothing we did felt adequate enough to prepare us for arduous Lantau trail.
IIMA for us was a launch pad for life – every single event preparing us for the peaks and troughs which lay ahead of us. Bhavtosh and I were a part of the “hoax” presentation group in the first week on campus and we stayed together throughout the next two years. We supported each other through the struggles of Sethu’s Harvard dinner, Manac’s maniacal quizzes, WAC runs, numerous marketing projects…the endless list that you are familiar with!
The actual trek: Life after IIMA
Our night trek started with a lot of energy at 11 pm. We could see only 10 metres ahead with the head torch and darkness beyond. It was intense focus on each step that we climbed. It was precious to have the constant motivation from Bhavtosh for over ten hours-walking side by side. It was a walk to remember and cherish for a long time. 
The trek does epitomise our life’s partnership in bringing happiness, health and success to our families. Currently Bhavtosh is the Asian Internet Analyst for Sanford Bernstein and I am a professional artist, business coach, co-founder of an ed-tech company, ex-banker and a traveler. We have three children and live in Hong Kong. We plan very little (!), worry even less, and go with life’s flow and intensity!
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