Defying limits, exploring life's epic adventure
You can only walk this much in your entire lifetime. Don’t waste it circling in your comfort zone; go out there to accomplish something. Go on a new adventure and push beyond your artificial limits.
I enjoy walking, and I walk considerably every weekend. To me, walking is a simple act that holds within it the power to connect us to the world and the future. With each step, we embark on a journey, leaving behind a trail of imprints and memories. From the wobbly steps of a toddler to the confident strides of an adult, the distance covered and the confidence built through the process are immeasurable.
According to SnowBrains.com, the average person living to the age of 80 will walk a distance of around 177,000 kilometres or 110,000 miles. The circumference of the Earth's equator is approximately 40,075 kilometres or 24,901 miles. This means an average man will walk around the Earth four times over in his entire lifetime!
As we walk, we become travellers. Walking is not about the distance we have covered but the different places we have been to and the trail of footprints we have left behind. It is about embracing the unknown and exploring uncharted territories, discovering new cultures, witnessing breathtaking landscapes, and meeting fascinating souls along the way. Our ability to walk is a reminder that we are not meant to be stagnant or circling in our comfort zones but rather to tread forward, step by step, on the path of our choosing.
When we walk, we adapt to the changing landscapes, find solace in the solitude of nature, and embrace the camaraderie of fellow wanderers. Our journeys become woven into the tapestry of our existence. The places we cover become the chapters of our story, filled with laughter, tears, triumphs, and challenges.
In my 50 years of life, I might not have the audacity to walk the full circumference of the Earth or live in a mobile home travelling from city to city. But I have nonetheless travelled to many countries of the world. My feet have walked on multiple continents, from the Artic forest to the African plains. Like many people of my age, I have covered close to a hundred thousand kilometres and expended countless pairs of shoes.
Through the journeys I have been so far, I have two words to share with you today. The first word is ‘adventure’, and the second is ‘limit’. But what is adventure? And what do I mean by limit?
Remember one year when I was in my twenties, my colleague came to me and asked if I was interested in joining them on a hiking trip to see the African plains and Safari. I was intrigued because I have always wanted to see African animals close up, especially to witness the majestic lions and elephants on the Safari. I signed up and left the trip planning entirely to my colleague. What I did not know was the trip wasn’t centred on the Safari. It was to join a group of enthusiasts on an expedition to conquer the two highest peaks in Africa; Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. The Safari was only the bonus at the end, planned as a reward after conquering the two mountains.
Embarking on a journey to climb the two mountains was no joke. It was a serious test of endurance, courage, and determination that required many months of preparation. By the time I saw the actual itinerary, I was shocked. It was a 14-day itinerary; the first three days were for the ascend to the summit of Mt Kenya, with only one day to descend. Another day to rest while transiting to Kilimanjaro, the next four days to ascend to the peak, followed by a day to descend. The remaining two days were for the Safari. I nearly fainted, but as my colleague says, I was in my twenties, full of energy. There was nothing I could not overcome. At that point, there was nothing I could do but bite the bullet and go along.
On the first day, the ascend began at the base camp, a place where we gathered and our spirits fueled by the allure of conquering the mountain. I was young and energetic, full of confidence, and there was nothing I couldn’t achieve. The first stage, a steady uphill trek through dense vegetation, pacing ourselves to the next Camp. As the altitude increases, so does the challenge. The air becomes thinner, the breathing more laboured, and each step feels heavier than the last.
The climb in the initial two days was bearable and, in some sense, enjoyable. I got to chat with other climbers to make new friends, and the path winds its way through a rocky landscape, offering glimpses of stunning vistas and the distant peaks that pierce the clouds. We had regular breaks, and our guide would make us hot drinks and meals every time we reached a lodge or camp. From the third day on, it was where the true test of endurance started. With every step, the temperature drops, and the biting cold becomes an unwelcome companion. Layers of clothing become a shield against the frosty winds that sweep across the barren terrain. By then, the chats had stopped, no one had the energy to talk, and everybody was conserving energy the best they could.
As night fell on the last day before the summit, climbers pushed forward, their headlamps casting beams of light into the darkness. The silence of the night was broken only by the rhythmic crunch of boots against the frozen ground. It was in this darkness that a profound sense of determination took hold, for reaching the summit before daybreak to witness the sun's first rays breaking over the horizon was the only thought in my mind. The final push before the summit stands as a testament to all climbers’ tenacity. It is the moment where fatigue and exhilaration collide. The air up there was so thin that even the simplest tasks of lifting your foot required tremendous energy and effort.
At that time, I felt like my limit for endurance had reached a critical point, I vomited a couple of times, and I wanted to give up, but when I asked myself, I couldn't answer the question because I knew I would regret giving up, so I gritted my teeth and continued. The anticipation of the upcoming sunrise kept propelling me forward. I survived the first climb though I didn’t make it in time to witness the sun emerge from the horizon, but the magnificent view was still worth all the effort. It was filled with an indescribable sense of achievement to be able to stand up like a winner after the enormous hardship. It was also a moment where the mind had just enough oxygen to grasp the reality of your achievement but no energy to entertain other anxieties in life. It was an amazing euphoric moment, but it was also very brief. Shortly after, we found ourselves struggling to muster our strength once more for the long descent down.
Nestled in the heart of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as the highlight of our expedition. Rising majestically to a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is the highest peak in Africa, an icon that beckons climbers from around the world to challenge themselves and conquer its formidable slopes.
With the experience of climbing Mount Kenya, I know upfront the importance of conserving energy and minimising unnecessary weight. The journey typically takes around 5-8 days, but my colleague had only catered four days in the itinerary to ascend, which meant we had to compromise on the duration we could spend on acclimatisation.
We started our climb at the foot of the mountain, which was covered with lush forests and abundant vegetation reminiscent of summer. As we ascend, the landscape gradually changes, transitioning into a realm of perpetual spring. Rolling hills and alpine meadows greeted the climbers. Moving higher still, the terrain transforms into barren autumn. Here, the land becomes more rugged, with vast expanses of rocky terrain and scattered boulders. The air grows crisper, a gentle reminder of the approaching challenges that lie ahead.
Nearer to the summit, it is a winter-like treacherous snow-covered environment. Slippery paths, piercing winds, and sub-zero temperatures test the limits of our endurance. The air was even thinner than what we experienced on Mount Kenya; each breath was double the effort. For the same amount of oxygen I can suck in with one breath at sea level, near the summit, I need more than five breaths.
I didn’t make it to the summit during the final push. My body was not acclimatised in time, and I was not ready. I was panting every moment, always gasping for air, and my mind was suffocating. It was unlike my colleagues; they were fitter than me. My eyes were seeing stars, and I was slipping in and out of consciousness. I knew I had hit my real limit this time; a few more steps and I would have passed out, rolled down the mountain and met a certain death. In the end, I had to stay where I was to recuperate while my colleagues pushed ahead to the summit. I had to bear with the disappointment of failing to reach the summit, but I know deep down I could have been dead, at least now I am still alive to enjoy the ability to feel disappointed.
Overall, the trip was fantastic, and the Safari part did not disappoint me. I went there to see the African plains and the animals up close. I saw the lions, the elephants, the giraffes, the zebras and many more. Venturing into the untamed African wilderness was a transformative experience. At that moment, we became part of a larger, interconnected tapestry of life.
I signed up for the Safari, but in the end, I climbed two mountains as a bonus. I certainly got more than what I had bargained for.
To wrap up my sharing about ‘adventure’ and ‘limits’, every one of us we are life explorer. Just like me in Africa, I went on an unfamiliar adventure and had a close encounter with death. I might have failed to summit, but I have tested my limits. On one occasion, I have successfully pushed beyond my limits; on the other, I have learned to manage my disappointment. One way or the other, my legs have already walked hundreds of kilometres in Africa and left a trail through the cities and mountains of Kenya and Tanzania.
You will have your fair share of adventures and close encounters with death during your life. There will be times you fail, but be happy you are still alive. Do not because of failure that you shy away from taking risks and avoid going for another adventure.
Beyond the story I have shared, what I really want to say is, “You can only walk this far in your entire lifetime. Don’t waste it circling in your comfort zone; go out there to accomplish something. Go on a new adventure and push beyond your artificial limits.”
If you haven't gone on an adventure, you won't know how big the world is.
If you haven't taken risks, you won't know how precious life is.
And if you haven’t tested yourself, you won’t know where your limits really are.
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