Mountains

The mountains were always there. I do not know why I want to be with them, but then I do not need to know. They are good company - even when they are angry.

So I go. Preferably with friends, to a place that offers both a physical and mental challenge, and in a part of the world that is different and can teach me something about both nature and humans. I like far away mountains surrounded by unfamiliar nature. And after the mountain, whether we reach the top or not, we have a banquet.

In the picture I am approaching Illimani, the highest peak of the Cordillera Real, as a first ascent of the millennium.

The Earth is somewhat like Sir Arthur's famous round table, we all live pretty much at the same distance from the center. It seems, however, unfair that some of the seats are set for kings, while others receive so little. Fortunately, the quality of life does not necessarily depend on how you are seated, as reflected in the concept of Darwinian Happiness. Moreover, personally I prefer the seats that are a bit further away from the center.