Want to Climb Everest? Approaching 40? Lots of Luck

by Jamie Rhein on

It’s not whether you are a man or a woman that determines how successful you’ll be climbing Mt. Everest–or even if you are an experienced mountain climber, although experience might help–it’s how old you are.

The statistics are in. According to data collected after 15 years of studying who makes it to the summit and who doesn’t, researchers have found that after a person reaches age 40, his or her chance of making it to the top drops dramatically. Once you hit 60, you may as well forget about it. Well, you might make it to the top at that age, but your chances are slim. After 40 your body systems poop out faster. (That’s my interpretation of what I’ve read.)

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try after the age of 40, but I’d say, know your limits and don’t be stupid. If you can’t make it, you can’t make it. Heck, how many people actually get to Everest’s first base camp? How many people actually make it to Nepal? or Tibet? How many people don’t even know where these two places are exactly? Or what a sherpa is? If you go trekking in Nepal, hire one. (This shot posted on Flickr by yourclimbing.com was cleverly doctored. Not by me, the person who posted it. Mt. Everest is in the background.)

Here are some climbing Mt. Everest statistics and facts:

  • The first person to reach the summit was Edmund Hillary in 1957.
  • Since then, more than 2,000 people have reached the top
  • more than 200 have died trying.
  • Those who die are usually left where they died.

If you’re contemplating a trip up Everest, the researchers also found that if you want to be successful, be part of a group. (see article from The Cosmos: Science of Everything) This second photo was taken from the International Space Station. Since today is the 50th anniversary since Sputnik the first satellite, was sent to space, this photo seems fitting. Click on it for a larger image and a view of the path up to Everest’s summit.

New Nonstop Service Between Detroit and Beijing

by Grant Martin on

Get your dose of cultural China now, before its all gobbled up by the West.

According to the Detroit Free Press, March of ’09 marks the beginning of new non-stop service between the Motor City and China’s capital on China Southern Airlines. This means fewer connections, better access to Asian routes and a fun trip over the arctic circle. Furthermore, as a member of the Skyteam Alliance, those flying on CZ will be able to bank frequent flyer miles on Northwest, Continental, Delta and your favorite junior alliance member.

For those of you concerned with flying on an unfamiliar carrier, I’ve flown China Southern before between Shanghai and Shenzhen and they’re a very legitimate airline — directly comparable to any domestic group. The nice thing about flying transpac in this case is that you’ll likely be on the 777, which is a usually a real pleasure to fly: large, quiet and spacious.

If any of you hipsters think that you would rather see Shanghai, the gateway to the west, take some time to consider the cultural benefit of Beijing. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and bucketsfull of cultural mishmash are in China’s Capital, with the Great Wall not a stones throw away. Before long, Google, Starbucks and Apple will have purchased and trademarked the entire planet- go before they take control.

Confucius’s Birthday: Wise Travel

by Jamie Rhein on

Confucius’s birthday, according the events listing calendar of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Web site isn’t until October 7. I thought it was today. The calendar I have marked it as today, but I’ll go with the tourism board. Unless, we go with this other source that says that in the Western calendar, Confucius’s birthday is today. Today is also National Teacher’s Day in China. Since Confucius was a wise teacher and philosopher, I’d say this is a fitting tribute.

Confucius, who lived 551 BCE-479 BCE, is responsible for promoting the ideas still central to Chinese thought. For example, your own well-being comes from respect for parents and family. And that guarding your mind guards your actions. These are pretty simplistic descriptions, I know, but read here for more.

In Beijing, the Temple of Confucius is also the Beijing Capital Museum. This temple is smaller than the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Confucius’s hometown and is the third largest ancient architectural complexes in China. If you go here, expect festivities–which, I bet, includes food.

Here’s a Confucius saying I found that fits travel: Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

China Bans Everything But the Act

by Catherine Bodry on

Pretty soon Chinese citizens won’t even be allowed to have sex, but until then, the Chinese government is banning everything sex-related. “Ooh” and “ahh” are being shushed on Chinese airways in a string of censorship outlawing everything from sexually provocative sounds and tantalizing language to “vulgar” advertisements for breast enhancements and female underwear.

1,466 advertisements worth 2 billion yuan ($246 million) in revenues have been removed from China’s airways since August, the country’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television proudly reports.

SARFT urged the country’s broadcasters to forgo vulgarity in the pursuit of “inspiring” content for the masses imbued with “socialist” values. I’m not sure what that might sound like, but I have a feeling it won’t sell the way sex does.

[via Reuters]

Photo of the Day (9/26/07)

by Jamie Rhein on

The cadence of life in China, Taiwan and Singapore in the mornings is something I miss. I have no idea if this shot by Rob Webster in our Gadling photo pool was taken in Beijing at the Temple of Heaven in the morning, but from the warmth of the light, I assume so. The parks are where you find people, often older people, doing Tai chi and ballroom dancing (complete with music) . There is such joy and relaxation when the sun first comes up that it is hard to imagine one would ever have a bad day if start your mornings off with a stroll.

I’d love to see what the kite at the end of the string looked like. By the size of the spool, I bet it’s huge. Check out Rob’s other shots of China. They’re wonderful. If you’d like your photos to be considered for a Photo of the Day, post them at Gadling’s Photo Pool on Flickr.