Mount Everest

Ah, Mt Everest. The name evokes so many feelings - lost, cool, sublime, majestic, grand, romantic and foreboding? Of course in Nepali and Tibetan (countries on both sides of this unique wonder in the world), is known as Sagarmatha (Top of the world) and Chomolongma. But, as Sir George Everest "discovered" him, his name was synonymous with - his namesake. So it is not strange for the people of this region to questions, of course,incredulous at Everest.

When I came here as a student in the early 1970s and introduced in Nepal by me (yes, we Nepalese Nepalese) have always been inundated with questions about Everest and marijuana. Of course I'm talking about the world enough to know the mountain and also know the hippie movement. (The hippie movement in the coming days or so discussed in my next blog). Questions about Everest went from the sublime ("You see? Youreally so impressive? ") To the ridiculous (" How many times have you climbed? ").

I used to go into a mode of bubble is not as impressive as they saw me a few hundred times at home. I just realized the importance of the question, when I visited Denver a few years later, and watched the Rockies, with bulging eyes and gasped. My aunt asked me why I'm so excited because I still see the same image (and Huger was closer) for most of my life.This led me to the ground quickly, and I had to admit that familiarity does not breed contempt. Then I realized that I did not see the panoramic beauty of these magnificent titanium, because it was a daily observation. Now I have answered questions differently.

Yes, Everest is majestic and breathtaking as reported. It 'surely the greatest gift of nature to mankind. And there is something for every self-respecting poet and travel writer is to know and write about it. It shouldhave seen. For its full glory, you see it live and up close. When I was home a few years ago, I made a point to see him because I do not know when I get the chance.

How to climb Everest, I have not climbed or attempted to do so. I have no ambitions to do so. The best I can what I hope is to have my ashes scattered at the base. But I'm still amazed at the thought that people thought, climbing Sagarmatha was taken as driving a carMt Washinton in New Hampshire and get a sticker that says so. I climbed mt. Rainier in Washington State (about 300 meters high). Does that count?