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19/05/2011

Eight good reasons to climb Everest

As Edurne & Co prepare for their D-Day, I feel like forgetting about secondary stories about the darkest side of Everest (commercialization, accidents, fights over logistics, etc.) and getting back to the point instead: the climb to the highest place on Earth.

After all, Everest is the highest challenge, one of the few great dreams able to turn into reality - by just a few chosen ones. Upon checking pros and cons, today I am definitely willing to give it a go: here you are eight good reasons, out of the eight thousand eight hundred forty eight reasons we could actually look for, to tackle such an adventure.  


    1.    Because Everest is such a beautiful mountain, hidden in the heart of the Himalayas. That should be the first and main reason to define the challenge: a search for the mystical yet unquestionable, beauty of the great world’s peaks.

    2.    Because it is an important chapter in exploration history. Watching the peak’s flanks and ridges is somehow similar to admire a monument, while remembering those who dreamt, who wanted, who fought for it and lost their lives on the task.

    3.    Because it is the tallest mountain on Herat – and everybody knows it. Ego is one of the main forces which make the world go round, whatever we like it or not. Let’s assume it: if we’re going to brag about something, let’s think big.

    4.    Because we’re curious by nature. Wouldn’t you like to know what is to be seen from the top? The dark sky of the atmosphere’s edge, the curvature of the planet, the world at your feet?

    5.    Because there’s a long, exciting way to the top. The summit is just a couple of meters wide. Otherwise, it’s the thousands of km. separating it from our homes which will make the experience unforgettable. The voyage, and not the top, will change us forever.

    6.    Because is the mountain of the “stereotypes come true”. These coaching lessons on breaking one’s limits, face one’s fears, manage risks, find solutions in extreme conditions, etc – will eventually turn into reality.

    7.    Because daily problems are not important there: investments, family pains, professional competitions, and all uncertainties about the future become secondary on the face of simple life. Priorities will be to eat, to sleep, to breath – and to keep alive.

    8.    The last reason is hidden deep within us and it can’t be explained. Anyone explaining why is going to climb Everest will choose among the previously listed reasons as arguments – but only that inner force will push him or her forward after his entire body and soul are screaming to turn back. When Mallory told a journalist that he was climbing Everest because “it was there” he might just wanted to get rid of his insistent questions, by leaving him with a senseless answer. However, the quote has become famous precisely by its lack of a rational sense. It takes no real reason to climb Everest. It’s just there so – why not?