by Sunita, age 9 from Kathmandu, Nepal, asks Santa about climbing gear, Mount Everest, and Sherpa mountaineering guides.
Dear Santa, my name is Sunita, and I am nine years old. I live in Kathmandu, Nepal, where my hajurba says the tallest mountain in the entire world is not too far from our valley.
Dear Sunita, a valley near the tallest mountain on Earth deserves a very careful, respectful flyover, your hajurba picked a truly towering hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa climbing rope? My kaka is a mountain guide and jokes that even you might need proper gear for some rooftops.
A bit of sturdy rope never hurts, Sunita, especially for the steeper, trickier roofs on my route. Your kaka sounds like he knows a thing or two about proper mountaineering gear.
My hajurba says Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is close to our country. Is that true?
It is true, Sunita, Mount Everest rises right along Nepal’s border, the tallest peak anywhere on Earth. I always give that towering mountain a very respectful, careful pass on my way to your rooftop.
My hajurba says Sherpa guides have helped climbers reach the top of Everest for a very long time. Is that true?
It is true, Sunita, Sherpa guides have shared their skill and courage with climbers for generations, an essential part of any successful expedition. That kind of steady, expert guidance is really something worth admiring.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Sunita Gurung
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.S. Will you let my kaka check your rope before you go this year?
Gladly, Sunita, a second opinion from an expert never hurts.
