I have always been a beach person. I have always liked the sound of the breaking waves. The view of ocean always calmed my soul. The sun and warmth was always necessary for my good mood. It still is. However, it’s been almost a year since I’m living in the mountains. Waking up every morning and seeing snowy tops makes me feel at home. 

Those snowy peaks makes everyone humble. There’s certain intensity about that high alpine. It is guarded by wind and snow and ruled by gravity. And it is where we find these moments that defines us as people. When we are on the mountain, everything and everyone else feels tiny. Including all our worries and problems. It’s just the present moment and us, especially when we know that it has been snowing in the night and fresh powder is waiting. This is what I have discovered about the mountains, which actually added a lot of joy, fun and of course, challenge to my life. If you want to read more about it https://aisteri.com/blog/first-winter-season-in-the-alps/
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I remember seeing the lineup and knowing immediately that this was something I had to experience. This was back in 2014; I was 25. Acts like The Killers and Jack Johnson still held the top tier of headlining performers. While performers like Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper were buried towards the bottom. But I remember convincing myself that I was going to the Hangout Festival that year. What I failed to consider, was that this would require planning, money, flights, etc. Time and energy my 25 year old self wasn’t ready to dedicate to something, even as amazing as Hangout Fest. So I balked. I sold my ticket last minute, at a loss, and I’ve lived the last 5 years regretting that decision.