In September of 2022, I completed a bucket list hike, one that also happens to be one of the most famous treks in the world, the Tour Du Mont Blanc. It was an epic journey of a little over 100 miles and 30k feet of elevation gain/loss over eleven days, circumnavigating Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe. While I had previously completed hikes similar in mileage and elevation, this hike was special in that it crosses borders into Italy and Switzerland, offering a diversity of language, culture, food, and landscape. I stayed in a mix of hotels and hiker huts, known as a Refuge in France, Refugio in Italy, and Auberge in Switzerland. By day, I was rendered speechless by the mountain landscapes so dramatic, it was as if paintings were coming to life before my eyes. I would inevitably end up being lulled into a walking meditation from the ever-present sound of cowbell. By night, I navigated language barriers while breaking bread and swapping stories with fellow hikers from all over the globe. It was an unforgettable experience and would be the catalyst for more long-distant treks in my future.