On the way to Leh, in the north of India, I spent the night on a col. At a height of around 3,800 meters I found a spot between the snow dunes. I was cooking my food in the freezing cold. I gathered my garbage, placed it neatly under the car and went inside to eat.
When the night came I heard something outside. It was probably the arrival of another traveler, so I curiously stepped outside. The next moment I stood face to face with a brown bear. Scared, I jumped quickly in the car and with some difficulty I was able to make a picture. The shy animal was also scared by me and he quickly disappeared in the darkness.
I was awaken at night by the shaking of the car. The bear, who was searching for my garbage, came back and “caressed” my car. The only thing I could think of was to shout loudly.
I opened my throat as I was a baby and that helped. The shaking of the car stopped and the bear disappeared. That night I did not sleep a wink anymore.
I only dared to go outside when the next morning I saw a shepherd with his flock passing by. My garbage was all spread around the car. I can put that down to experience.