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Reminiscing |
Looking back over AAI's 30 years, we have enjoyed tracing the history of programs we've led through the three decades of AAI's history. For example, we've worked with the same extended families and villagers in Peru and Bolivia for 29 of our 30 years.
While the passage of time has been marked by the sad loss of several arrieros (animal handlers) and cooks to old age, we also have seen individuals who were children when we first started out in 1975 mature in years and grow into important roles on our climbing trips. Many of the "kids" are now adults working as cooks, camp supervisors, porters, and in one case - as a very skilled assistant climbing guide who has become probably the best native climber in Bolivia. |
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Entering the village of Coco on our 1980 Ancohuma
Expedition at the northern end of Bolivia's Cordillera
Real. A road was built to within a mile and a half of
the settlement, but it couldn't reach Coco because it
is situated at the base of very steep valley wall. |
It's been a long and rich journey. Most of the climbers who have joined us over the years for trips to South America and Asia have gone with a pretty clear focus on their climbing objectives. But it's the rare person coming home from those treks, ascents, and expeditions who hasn't said that traveling, living, and climbing with our local staff members ranks among the most important experiences of their lives. |
The handling of animals begins at a young age. |
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I think that when people arrive in a less developed country and see how simply people live, they are most conscious of what the people don't have. In the countryside the people may or may not have a wooden floor, but they certainly don't have electric power, piped in water, flush toilets, or a vehicle. But before long, that consciousness of lacks is replaced by an awareness of the high value of what they do have: graciousness among themselves and with visitors alike, tight and caring family groups, an insightful humor about life and relationships, and a lot of love for their friends and family. |
I wouldn't say that the climbers on our trips come home and totally re-organize their lives, but they do return with fresh insights into their personal value systems. It's uncommon for a traveler coming back from these areas not to have a heightened appreciation for friends and family.
Whenever we visit the mountains of the world, we try to do so in the most conscientious manner possible. We apply Leave No Trace ethics and teach them to others who want to care for the land, but who may not realize how simple and effective the LNT procedures are. We also try to develop personal and long-term relationships in the host countries, knowing that it will heighten our understanding of the culture and bring an additional layer of richness to our programs. We feel very fortunate to be able to do these things. |
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