Nepal

It has been 15 days since the earthquake that hit Nepal on April, 25th. Each day brings a higher number of victims. A number that can't tell the thousands of stories of families and communities that have been torn apart.

It is heartbreaking to remember all those sweet memories I have about Nepal and realize that this is exactly where a tragedy has occurred. I am thinking about the team of porters we spent 3 weeks with and how and where they must be now. No way to know of course.

And how long it will take for the country and its people to recover. To get back money to reconstruct and start again. To have trekkers and tourists back in the mountains and temples. For trekking in Nepal means that somehow you are contributing to the economy of the country. It is a mixed feeling when you see men, young men and old men, and women carrying heavy loads. That's their way of living and having loads to carry is good news, no doubt. But it is such a precarious life. We bring cash but not necessarily better living conditions. Obviously unless you're called Edmund Hillary and you give back part of what you received from a country and its people. It was very comforting to visit the school and hospital he set up in Khumjung, in the Everest valley. And see that most of the children in the valley (including our sherpa) would study there and get a chance to form a new generation of educated Nepalese.

(Hillary's bust at the Khumjung School and the students' weekly schedule)

Actually, the school and hospital were partly damaged in the earthquake... If you are willing to help, you will find below some links to make a donation. There are much more NGOs that are currently working very hard, this is just a personal selection: