Friendship in the Outdoors: A Journey Beyond Borders

What do Swiss, Lebanese, and Saudis share in common? At first glance, perhaps not much. However, Branca, Lamia, Hammoud, and Moe would beg to differ. This eclectic group, hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures, found an unlikely yet profound connection on the slopes of Kilimanjaro during an LHO trip in 2021.

Branca, a Swiss woman with Croatian heritage, lives in Zurich. Lamia works with the UN in Lebanon. Hammoud is a Saudi resident of Neom, and Moe, originally from Lebanon, is a tech entrepreneur based in Dubai. Their paths might never have crossed if not for a shared desire to escape the constraints of the pandemic and embrace a new normal in the heart of nature.

The Magic of the Mountains

The first evening together was predictably tentative, the kind of surface-level interaction typical of strangers. Yet, as they ascended to Machame camp, some 3,000 meters above sea level, barriers began to crumble. The absence of digital connectivity and the raw, unfiltered nature of their surroundings catalyzed an almost instantaneous deepening of their relationships.

By the time they reached Lava Tower on the third day, these once-strangers were sharing inside jokes and personal stories with a level of intimacy that usually takes years to develop. The summit night, fraught with a relentless blizzard, forged an unbreakable bond. They supported each other as family would, not leaving anyone behind, and celebrated their triumph together.

A Family by Choice

Their adventure didn’t end at the summit. They extended their journey with a safari, and a year later, found themselves together at the Everest base camp trail. Their connection transcended the trails. Branca returned to climb Mont Blanc with LHO, meeting and hosting new friends in Zurich. Hammoud became a pillar of the LHO community, while Lamia’s family offered their guest house for LHO’s Lebanon Mountain Trail trips. Moe found inspiration from their shared experiences, emblazoning motivational words from the trip on his office wall.

Beyond Friendship

These trips are more than just an adventure; they are a testament to the power of human connection. In the rugged landscapes of the world’s mountains, amidst the challenges and triumphs, they found a family of choice. The friendships forged on Kilimanjaro went beyond having a good time; they became family in the truest sense, supporting, inspiring, and investing in each other’s lives long after the descent.

A Contrast with Modern Living

The profound bonding experienced by Branca, Lamia, Hammoud, and Moe starkly contrasts with the often superficial connections formed in city life. In the hustle and bustle of urban environments, the constant presence of phones and the relentless grind of modern living create barriers to deep, meaningful relationships. In cities, we are often distracted by notifications, social media, and the never-ending to-do lists that dominate our days. Genuine conversations are frequently interrupted, and the time we spend together is often fragmented and hurried.

In contrast, the mountains strip away these distractions. Without the incessant buzz of phones and the pressures of daily responsibilities, people are free to be present with each other. The simplicity of outdoor living—where the biggest concern might be the next meal or the day’s hike—allows for a level of focus and engagement that is rare in modern life. In this environment, people can truly listen, share, and connect on a deeper level.

The Essence of Human Connection

In the mountains, there is a return to the basics of human interaction: empathy, support, and shared experiences. The challenges faced together—whether it’s battling a blizzard on summit night or simply enduring the rigors of the trail—foster a sense of camaraderie and trust that is hard to replicate in everyday urban settings.

The experience of Branca, Lamia, Hammoud, and Moe illustrates that while city life may offer convenience and connectivity, it often lacks the space for genuine human connection. In the absence of constant digital interference and the demands of modern living, people can rediscover the joy of real, unfiltered interactions. These outdoor adventures remind us that the essence of human connection lies in being truly present with one another, a lesson that is increasingly important in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.