"I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around
Your love's put me at the top of the world"
(Carpenters)
A young man’s burning passion to reach the topmost point on earth is undoubtedly something to admire. To top this, when it’s a tale about the first ever Arab man to set out on this captivating journey, it’s a part of history that should be wholeheartedly explored and told.
Jordanian Mustafa Salameh, aged 34, began his expedition early last month, to become the first Arab to ascend the northern face of Mount Everest, the mountain's most difficult approach.
Sponsored by ARAMEX, the experienced mountaineer who has already climbed the highest mountains in North America and Europe announced his newest expedition to reach the top of the world - - from the banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan - the lowest point on the Earth's surface.
"I love challenges; I think they are inherent in any sportsperson or adventurer. I have wanted to be the first Arab to climb Everest's northern face for a long while now. As it is widely recognized as the toughest ascent on the mountain, it will surely be one of my biggest challenges," said the adventurous Salameh. He walked from the Dead Sea to the Jordanian capital Amman, before flying on to Nepal.
In an interview with the Daily Star in January 2004, Salameh, said “The idea first crossed my mind during a visit to India in 2001. But when I found out that no Arab has done it before, I decided that I'm definitely doing it.”
Salameh was born in Kuwait and finished High School there, before moving to Jordan to earn a degree in Accommodation Management. In the past years, he has been working and studying in Great Britain.
Edinburgh resident, Salameh is no stranger to real-life adventures. The certified scuba diver - with more than 50 open-water dives - is also an enthusiastic hiker, whose visit to India in 2001 was part of an exploration that lasted for six months and also took him to Nepal, Tibet and China; visiting such mesmerizing places as Kashmir, Leh and the 6,700m-above-sea-level lake of Chandartal.
Initial estimates suggest that he will reach the summit within 70 days from the start of his climb.
Salameh, who holds an MA in International Hospitality and Tourism from Edinburgh University, insists his spirit for travel and adventure has always driven his academic and mountaineering passions.
Mt. Everest is the highest mountain on earth, as measured from sea level. The summit ridge of the mountain marks the border between Nepal and Tibet. The mountain is approximately 8,850 m. high, although there is some variation in the measurements. The Nepalese government has not officially recognized this measurement, and the height of Everest is still considered 8,848 m. in Nepal.
"I believe expeditions or sporting activities of this or any kind can help change negative perceptions of Arabs in the world's current political climate. By putting Arab adventurers, sportspeople and others on the map and into historical records for human achievement, a universal humanity can be understood and realized," Salameh said.
As part of his mission, Salameh will be planting the ARAMEX flag on the highest point on earth and will deliver a package that contains a plaque etched with the story of ARAMEX. Not content with the physical challenges alone, Salameh also expects to write a book and make a documentary about the expedition.
In his detailed, colorful and touching website, www.jordanfirsteverest.com, Mustafa expresses his wish to conquer the Everest, “I have a DREAM!”, he declares.
“That is to be the first Jordanian to reach the summit of Mount Everest. My idea is to make the story of ‘My Journey to Everest!’ I want to tell the story of my part in an expedition to conquer Everest. I want to be able to relay my thoughts to the world about my feelings and experiences from the most amazing mountains in the world.
“I believe that all Arabs would follow my story with great interest, but it would be of interest to many people all over the world”.
In the meantime, earlier this week, a remarkable first was achieved, as a group of Iranian women conquered the Everest summit.
The mountaineers hoisted the tricolor flag on the Everest summit at 10:45 local time Monday, IRNA news agency reported. Accompanied by male coaches, the Iranian team managed to reach the peak after two months, celebrating the first climb by Muslim women.
