Sir Edmund Hillary

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My Honour...
Originally uploaded by Minas Morgul.

Dear TomHa,
Yesterday, a great man had passed on. He is Sir Edmund Hillary, who, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent on the summit of Mount Everest, Chomolungma, 8848m. A legend, an inspiration, a man who despite his achievements, remained a modest and 'ordinary' man.

His passing affected me somewhat. Perhaps it's because I had been rather actively involved in the activities of mountaineering. Perhaps it is because every boy needs a hero at some point of time. When we were young, when we learnt about the geographies of the Earth, Everest would always be pointed out together with this remarkable man by the teachers.

But how would the achievement of one man, who resides in a country 10hours' flight away from you, whose achievements went back to 55 years' ago affect me, who live in the 21st century?

I guess it is because everyone needs some inspiration. To conquer the summit of Everest, the tallest point on Earth, a place of unimaginable conditions, is a testament to the human endeavour, that we, humans, no matter how evil or little in this wide wide world, can still surmount a feat that is so unfathomable yet so pure and inspirational. Putting one feet in front of the other, bearing with the pain of the cold and altitude, overcoming the fear of the unknown realms. It is pure pain, but the gains were inspirational.

Everest and mountaineering might have evolved into a tourist activity for the rich and ultra fit, but no one in the right frame of mind should belittle the pioneering achievements of this remarkable man. He was an explorer. He was a pioneer, he did things that no one had imagined do-able.

May he rest in peace...