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This afternoon we received large wooden crates in the mail. They arrived at our house after traveling from Salt Lake City, but they originated in Islamabad. They contain our hand-crafted end tables lovingly created by Pakistani urchins..er, rather, artisans. I know you won't believe me if I say we ordered them online, so I'll tell the truth.
Last summer, on a whim, I led an expedition to the summit of Mt. Godwin-Auste, otherwise known as K2. The most deadly mountain in the world proved no match for a handful of guys high on opium. We ululated and banged tambourines all the way to the top, hauling a nice living room set with us as our only creature comfort. The descent was less of a joy ride and more of an avalanche. It was a disaster. The sofa was buried under thousands of pounds of snow. The coffee table--shattered by boulders. We left the love seat at the summit (because of a nasty stain and torn upholstery). The Ikea end tables slid right off the edge of a cliff. If not for some quick thinking and creative use of several ottomans, my team and I would have died. We put the mountain behind us, but were saddened by our loss. We dragged our heels through Kashmir, stopping only to negotiate a peace treaty, before making our way to Islamabad in search of furniture. It was there that we located a band of street urchins renowned for their furniture making skills. We replaced each lost item and each member of my party selected pieces to retain as mementos of our expedition. I chose the end tables, for which I found some rustic packing crates, and shipped them back to Virginia. Now, I'm resting with my feet propped up on them, wondering how to drown a fish.
Last summer, on a whim, I led an expedition to the summit of Mt. Godwin-Auste, otherwise known as K2. The most deadly mountain in the world proved no match for a handful of guys high on opium. We ululated and banged tambourines all the way to the top, hauling a nice living room set with us as our only creature comfort. The descent was less of a joy ride and more of an avalanche. It was a disaster. The sofa was buried under thousands of pounds of snow. The coffee table--shattered by boulders. We left the love seat at the summit (because of a nasty stain and torn upholstery). The Ikea end tables slid right off the edge of a cliff. If not for some quick thinking and creative use of several ottomans, my team and I would have died. We put the mountain behind us, but were saddened by our loss. We dragged our heels through Kashmir, stopping only to negotiate a peace treaty, before making our way to Islamabad in search of furniture. It was there that we located a band of street urchins renowned for their furniture making skills. We replaced each lost item and each member of my party selected pieces to retain as mementos of our expedition. I chose the end tables, for which I found some rustic packing crates, and shipped them back to Virginia. Now, I'm resting with my feet propped up on them, wondering how to drown a fish.
