August 25, 2005 - The Great Indoors

San Jose has to be one of the most convenient places. I managed to get my old cell phone reprogrammed, my oil changed, as well as enjoying Noah’s New York Style Bagels (a close approximation but not quite there) and a Jamba Juice (the Jamba Juice is all the way there). It is a far cry from the barren landscape of the desert a few days back.

The conveniences go on and on. Trang and I took a few moments to sit downtown in San Jose, sipping yummy bubble tea while doing work on our laptops via wireless internet. After that, we trained in an indoor climbing gym that simulated the wilderness.

The climbing gym was loads of fun! It is a place of gathering for good friends. I was so very happy to see a few more familiar faces as well as meeting new friends. Some people may criticize indoor climbing gyms for their attempt to simulate something as grand as mountains in a sub-30 foot structure. I, on the other hand, have climbing gyms to thank for the opportunity to develop lasting friendships. These friendships, derived from a common desire to become stronger climbers, have never remained limited by the walls of the gym. Rather, these friendships have taken me to many places, from real mountain peaks to Vietnamese noodle restaurants.