The beauty of the world is how connected we are despite the miles (or kilometers) between us.
I met Shandira over IG a week ago. She’s a trekking guide based here in Cusco. She took me bouldering here at Saqsaywaman Archeological Park. We traversed sharp limestone amidst the centuries old ruins of a temple dedicated to the moon. The locals here also have the climber’s usual innuendo humor. They call the crag “Sexy Woman” and there’s a climb here called “Orgasm.” It has a two finger undercling move.Ā š¤
Over Pisco sours, we talked about the challenges of society and the trekking industry here. The conflict between making money and responsible education, the lack of indigenous (Quechua) and women in the outdoors, the complicated history of colonialism, the ways we are trying to honor our cultural heritage, trying to learn our languages. She follows @indigenouswomenhike. I suggested she also follow @nativewomenswilderness. 10,000 kilometers away from “home” and drinking with a stranger, and I am having the same kinds of conversations. Quechua and Korean. Peruvian and American..
As hard as it is to feel alone in an industry, to feel like “the only one,” I am lifted by the connections we have with one another. I am reminded that these issues are highly local and also massively global. I have hope that we can connect, across our languages and oceans and borders, with each other and find strength and hope and friendship.
And maybe still laugh over a dirty joke or two while climbing.
Outside Ed Blog 