Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Daring and Danger

I definitely consider myself an adventurous person, and I love to challenge myself, but I don't think I would ever climb Mt. Everest. The risks are too high. Moreover, I think climbers have done so much damage to the eco-system of Everest, and the Himalaya in general. Whenever I go hiking in the Himalaya, I am so saddened by the trash left everywhere. And I also feel saddened by the loss of indigenous cultures and traditions. It seems like no matter where I go, cultures are being lost and people are assuming western diets, clothing, and lifestyles.

But this leaves me with a dilemma. Should I stay at home and never see the world?

Or should I be a tourist and contribute to the problem? How can one travel without feeling guilty about these issues?

What do you think?

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