Day 35: Well, college is slowly getting into a routine. The lectures & our emotions are beginning to follow a familiar cycle. But the most interesting & saddening news of the day was the demise of Heinrich Harrer; for the uninitiated; the author of " 7 years in TIBET" .

A msterpiece of a book; recounting the mesmerising travel of the author & his colleague through India; before escaping to Tibet & later back to Germany (his homeland). One of the most rewarding & fulfilling books, i have read in the recent past; echoing the true spirit of Adventure in ever page. There might have been many more accomplished individuals like him; but his trials & tribulations; the desire to escape British confinement, the single mindedness to reach Tibet, the wittiness to find his way into the forbidden kingdom, interacting with the Dalai Lama are truly mindboggling. Through the book, he paints a vivacious image of Tibetians & their lifestyle. That to me, was the highlight of the book. He manages to capture the essence of life in 19th century Tibet, through his narrative.

Through his interactions Dalai Lama, he manages to project the young Dalai Lama, as a person of imense knowlege, wisdom & intellect; & also brings out his playfull , inquisitive & innovative side.

The highly acclaimed book was converted to a motion picture with Brad Pitt potraying the author. A well made movie; which conveys in a short 2hrs; his journey of close to 20 years.

Sadly, this man; who to me was a icon of immense proportions; seizes to exist.

Born on July6,1912, the so of a postal worker in the Carinthian village of Knappenberg (Germany), he made the first ascent of the dreaded Eiger North Facein 1938. For his axploits, he earned a handshake from the Fuhrer aka Hitler.

Interesting Links:
1) http://www.harrerportfolio.com/Intro.html
2) http://www.tibet.com/Status/harrer.html