My Grandfather's Footsteps
Growing up in the village of Tochigi, where only 17% of Japanese have a passport, I never dreamed of traveling internationally. However, I am now on a university field trip in Nepal, visiting my 37th country.
Nepal holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my grandfather, Takeo Yamanoi, came in the 1950s to climb peaks. He was a mountaineer who loved Nepal and the Himalaya.
My Grandfather's Story
My grandfather started climbing in his high school mountaineering club. In 1950, he was caught in an avalanche that killed four of his friends and the team leader. He was miraculously saved when rescuers saw his fingers sticking out of the snow.
Mountaineering is a gentleman's sport. There are no judges or spectators.
Despite this tragic experience, my grandfather channelled his fear into an even deeper appreciation for mountains.
Author's summary: Following grandfather's footsteps in Nepal.