Leeds Metropolitan University

Everest West Ridge 2006

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John Allan

Location

Kathmandu

Time

22nd April 2006

Tales from Kathmandu

It began with an Acute Mountain Sickness hangover – intense feelings ebbed and flowed as answers were sought and attributions directed. This led me on the path to learn from the culture of resilience surrounding me.

Today, I arrived in a city that is in turmoil from corruption and inequality. Yet the people still seem hopeful and resilient. My taxi driver re-directs me away from plums of black smoke that prevent our safe passing – he jams on his brakes and horn to avoid hitting hoards of smiling Nepalese. Teenagers play cricket in the park and joggers pass by as apparent mayhem in the distance continues. These images are not relayed through the news reporters who are staying in the palatial comfort of my hotel. This is surreal and I’m enjoying it. Am I becoming more resilient?

Where conditions will allow, I am determined to travel to Everest Base Camp, even on my next trip here. Is there reward for resilience? I would like to think that goodness, hope and fortitude win out
and dreams are realized.

John Allan
Researching psychological resilience as part of EWR 2006.

Carnegie Visiting team 26 April

John O'Hara 24 April

John Allan 24 April