i've been following the story of the trapped chilean (and one bolivian) miners intently for the last few weeks and now its finally coming to and end. after 10 weeks under ground - imagine what that feels like - these guys are being winched one by one through 700 meters of rock inside a 70cm wide metal sarcophagus on a 15 minute journey to the top.
i've been watching some of the live stream of the event, and what really strikes me is how relaxed everybody is, and how normal the miners look. around the shaft everyone is talking in calm quiet voices and when the miner emerges from the capsule he's greeted as if he'd just nipped out for a couple of days. the miner then gives a faint smile before the much more emotional hugs with family and loved ones.
i know they have been receiving counseling, advice from psychologists and even media training but i still find it amazing. if it was me i reckon i'd look like some half crazed, soot covered cross between grizzly adams and animal from the muppets - all full of beard and spinning eyes.
i'm going to be glued to it all day and hope each and every miner comes out safe and well.