I have always held a fascination for the mountains. The stunning vistas, panoramic views and crisp mountain air fuel a rush that escapes me during other travels. But this proximity to nature is not the only reason why mountains are so dear to my wayfaring heart. As all travelers know, great travel experiences come not only from where you travel but also from whom you meet and interact with. The best memories of a trip are almost invariably connected to the people I meet. And, in my experience, the people living in the mountains are some of the friendliest, warmest and most open people in the world. What’s more, this hospitality and friendliness are infectious. Other travelers seem to absorb this positive, heart-warming energy.
A brief history of mountain people
Throughout history, life in the mountains has been harsh. Despite (or because of) the remoteness of mountain life, it was not possible to live without the help and support of others. While this remoteness forced a large degree of self reliance on people in the mountains, to survive and prosper, mountainous peoples have always had to be dependent on each other and also fiercely protective of each other. This tight sense of community helped mountain people survive the harsh conditions of isolation, long winters, short growing seasons and marauding invaders.
Now, of course, times have changed. Life for many mountain peoples isn’t the same struggle as it once was. Outsiders are no longer feared because they pose no threat to survival. But the strong bond between people remains. The sense of community is now apparent even to outsiders, who are now tourists and travelers, rather than threatening invaders hungry for resources. Within this expanded community, mountain people seem to be hard-wired to accept people and welcome them in their lives.
Lessons learned from the mountains
While people from the mountains are most certainly not “better” than the rest of us, I firmly believe that their place in the world and in history has brought out some of the best of human nature. Mountains are inspirational not just for their stunning beauty but also for their residents, who continuously inspire me to be equally warm, friendly and welcoming in my daily life.
