"We went to an astronomy observatory located 3.200 metres above sea level. It was an extremely hard climb because we walked on the edge of the mountain as our guides wanted to see how we worked as a group. So we hiked, arrived at the station and sat in a snow-free area where we ate our lunch. That's all we did today, and yet I am very, very tired.

"When I was in the middle of nowhere I received a phone call from Colombia. It was RCN Radio. They wanted to interview me about this campaign on the air. It was very exciting, plus I liked the focus they gave it: I'm doing this, not only because I like it, but because I wish to be an inspiration to others who might want to help people in need.

"Once I'm in the mountains I take time to think. And this trip has been both inspiring and revealing in more ways than one. Our guide, 'Sacha', has been joined by Yvgeny, another guide. He's 45 year-old surgeon. He was 25 when the USSR collapsed and has been an expedition guide for 10. I've had long talks with him, and I'm impressed. he said "things are not the same since the fall of the largest empire known to mankind". His statement coincides with those of other Russians I've spoken with.

"There's where the contrast lies. From what I've seen, the empire was a dream that could be defined by the minimum common denominatior. This 'ski resort' is not at all related to others that I've visited in other countries. People here has no interest in comfort, there is no iniciative, no one smiles, there's no attitude of service, and there's not much to say about the ifrastructure. Apparently, things worked during communist times. They had everything, in theory.

"All the cars are white Ladas, the ald square-shaped ones. Those are the only cars one sees over there nowadays. There's an excesive conformity. It's like they've taken the idea that 'the Government will provide' or 'as God wishes'to its maximum expression. They're angry because of what they don't have anymore, and yet they show no intention of going for it. No one ever taught them that they have to fight for what they want.

"I'm not sure if it's best to have a system where few have too much while lots have too little -and the possibility of gaining more- as is the case in capitalism. Or if it's best here, where everyone has a little and no hopes for anything else. Above all, I believe it's best when one can hope to improve one's own life.

"This is more clear when I think about the 157 single mothers in Cartagena that I hope to help with this project. When they became pregnant thet could have just sat down to wait for something to happen. But no, they decided to move forward, to look for a place where they would help them, and to build something for themselves and their families. These are 13 and 14 year-old girls who would not be beaten by laziness or despair; they made an effort. And that's why I love this cause, because we're helping people who own their destiny. They're tough, intelligent, driven women.

Andrés Cruz is climbing Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, in support of 157 single mothers and teenagers who live in Cartagena. Follow his blog, and remember to make a donation.