Climbing Everest indescribable experience, says Prague Mayor Bem

Prague Mayor Pavel Bem says reaching the top of Mount Everest was an indescribable experience. Speaking upon arriving at Prague Airport on Monday evening, a bearded Mr Bem denied he had undertaken the climb to increase his political profile; he said climbing was his hobby or even life-style. Referring to criticism of his decision to take two months' leave as Prague mayor, Mr Bem said nothing dramatic had happened in the capital in his absence. On May 18th he became only the tenth Czech to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain.

Author: Ian Willoughby