With the ocean’s vastness, the savannah’s breadth, the city’s modernity, and the jungle’s vitality still fresh in our minds, we now stand before the raw power of unspoiled nature. We are on a glacier.
The view is breathtaking: the sun hangs low, snow-covered peaks pierce through the clouds, the crisp, icy air carries droplets from icicle tips, the blinding white of the snow stretches endlessly, and the silence is glacial, broken only by the howling wind.
In the distance, through scattered grey rock faces, we spot a small dark figure contrasting sharply against the whiteness of snow and ice. As we draw nearer, her shape becomes clear. She is a seasoned climber — one who has conquered the world’s highest peaks, endured the harshest colds, and faced the steepest cliffs. She is organizing her gear: crampons, ice axe and screws, helmet, harness with ropes and carabiners, compass, GPS altimeter, provisions, and emergency kit. From time to time, she pulls up her jacket collar, covering her mouth, her breath forming clouds in the freezing air. We stop beside her, just for a moment.
‘How do you face such extreme challenges?’
‘With respect, determination, and preparation. On glaciers, you need solid, reliable gear to face extreme weather, to travel long distances, and to reach ambitious goals. But it’s not only about equipment…’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You need to be well prepared — physically and mentally. You need physical skills and instinctive awareness. Facing the ice is both a physical and mental challenge. It means learning to manage fear and fatigue while staying sharp. Always striving for strength and stability — with every part of yourself.’
The climber rises, nods goodbye, and continues her ascent. Her crampons bite into the ice. That image stays with us — and so does the lesson she left behind: the importance of strength, stability, reliability, and durability to reach great heights. We carry these values with us now, as only one stage remains.
Our return home, with a mind and heart full of encounters and insights.
