The Anonymous Mountain Guide/Comedian
With a bit of a light-hearted spin, today we're trying an anonymous interview with one of the guides on Skyhook. He's an incredible guy - having summited Everest, and you can also find him giving dubious (I mean incredible) stand-up comedy on a Friday night in Chamonix.
Interview
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Alan:
Hi! Really nice for you to join us today. First off it would be great if you could share a bit about your background - how you got into mountaineering and ultimately became a mountain guide. Also, it would be great to hear about your second job as a stand-up comedian!
"Being a mountain guide and a comedian is a bit like juggling ice axes and whoopee cushions..."
Anon:
Hey Alan, great to be here! Let me start by saying that being a mountain guide and a comedian is a bit like juggling ice axes and whoopee cushions at the same time - it's not always easy, but it sure is a lot of fun!
As for my background, I grew up in the mountains and have always had a passion for climbing. When I was a kid, I used to climb up the walls in my house and drive my mom crazy. Eventually, I moved on to bigger and better things and started climbing actual mountains. I worked my way up through the ranks, honing my skills and eventually became an IFMGA-certified guide.
Now, as for my comedy career, that's a whole different story. Let's just say that after spending so much time in the mountains, I needed something to keep me grounded. That's when I discovered stand-up comedy. It's like climbing a mountain, but instead of ropes and gear, you're armed with a microphone and your wits.
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Alan:
That's hilarious! So, what do you enjoy most about guiding people in the mountains?
Anon:
Oh, where do I start? I mean, what's not to love about being a mountain guide? You get to spend your days in some of the most beautiful places on earth, surrounded by incredible scenery and fresh mountain air. Plus, you get to help people achieve their dreams and conquer their fears. It's like being a superhero but with crampons instead of a cape.
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Alan:
That's a great way to put it! And how do you use your comedy skills when guiding clients?
Anon:
Well, let's just say that climbing a mountain can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially for first-timers. That's where my comedy skills come in handy. I use humour to help ease people's nerves and make them feel more comfortable. Plus, let's face it, when you're climbing a steep slope, it helps to have a guide who can keep you laughing instead of crying.
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Alan:
That's so true! And what advice would you give to someone who's thinking about trying mountaineering for the first time?
Anon:
My advice would be to just go for it! Life is too short to sit on the sidelines and watch other people have all the fun.
Climbing a mountain can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both physically and mentally. And if you're lucky enough to do it with a local guide who's also a stand-up comedian, well, that's just the icing on the cake.
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Alan:
Haha, absolutely! Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights. It was a pleasure having you.
Anon:
The pleasure was all mine, Alan. And remember, if you ever need a laugh or a guide up a mountain, you know where to find me!
More interesting insights:
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