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| Near Dingboche, Nepal |
Religious tradition in Nepal dictates that the dead be honored with a 13-day period of mourning. For the victims of both earthquakes, that's long since passed. Afterward, families are encouraged to resume their daily lives.
Admiring the beauty of the Himalayas, it's easy to forget that these mountains were formed millions of years ago by the violent collision of two tectonic plates, pushing the land upward. To this day, Nepal remains quite active geologically, meaning earthquakes are common.
I debated about when, or even if, to continue the account of my journey to base camp, considering the loss of life and magnitude of the destruction from the earthquakes. Suddenly, my story seems so trivial.
Regardless of the temblors, it doesn't change the fact that tourism is the second most important component of the Nepalese economy, after agriculture, and rightfully so because the beauty here is almost indescribable.
I grieve for those who died, but I'd hate to think of future travelers not getting to experience what I did out of fear for what might happen beneath the earth.
Although we don't like to admit it, life by definition is quite unpredictable, often beyond our control, and, at times, ruthless. Yes, earthquakes pose a threat in Nepal, just as they do in Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, and Mexico, but fear shouldn't prevent us from visiting these places, just as the threat of crashing shouldn't keep us from getting behind the wheel of a car.
I'd still enthusiastically encourage anyone to come to Nepal, and tourism will likely be the catalyst for the country's recovery, so I decided to resume my blog.
I hope it's not perceived that I'm disrespecting the dead or those suffering. On the contrary, I'm hoping to provide some insight into why so many people, considering the risks, continue to be drawn to the Himalayas year after year. Maybe, the picture at the top explains it a lot better than I ever will.
Before resuming my blog, I would like to share a message from the Nepalese tourism board.
Nepal Tourism Board offers its sympathy to all those affected in 25/04 Earthquake and condolence to those who have lost their life.
We have to look ahead and realize that the task of rebuilding the nation starts now. Tourism is the only key to rebuilding process that will put the world-famous smile back on Nepalese faces.
Nepal Tourism Board wishes to inform all friends of Nepal, both tourists and the global travel industry that, from autumn 2015, Nepal is Open for Business. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to our magical country of great beauty and rich cultural diversity.
For those who have already booked travel for autumn season and thereafter, we urge you to continue with your plans.
For those intending to visit between now and autumn season 2015 we ask that you be flexible with your programme, mindful of the situation as the country picks herself up, but do come. Please check your travel plans with your agent or directly with us at mediacenter@ntb.org.np
Please visit http://www.nepalpolice.gov.np/nepal-police-crisis-response.html to get update information about tourists being missing, found, wounded and dead.
Nepal continues to need our help. Here's a list of relief agencies for anyone wishing to donate.
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