I remember first meeting Alison in Aspen, CO when I saw her give a talk on climate change. I was impressed with her poise, knowledge, and passion, and how much effort she has put into getting us to look more closely at what we can do to lessen our impacts on the planet.

Today, I am be free to express myself, my femininity, my sense of style and dress as I please. Next week, I will do my best to respect the laws of the land, of the culture, of the role I play as a woman, as a Westerner, as a blue eyed, fair skinned lady in Pakistan.

For much of my life I have wanted to explore and ski Pakistan, home to the largest mountains in the world. In a few short days, I'll be on my way.

I've gone from producing the TV series The West Wing to retracing the steps of the first woman to summit some of Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains. Here's why.