Kathmandu to Hong Kong - ON MY WAY HOME!

It was an interesting day yesterday. We arrived at the Shanker Hotel, Kathmando, and went right to our rooms (air conditioning, t.v., hot showers and flushing toilets)!

I dont know what you think but these are real luxuries my friends! The day was full of shopping for things for friends,so, a few of us walked down to Thamel, kind of a bazzarr area for shopping. Lots of poverty everywhere you look, but only poverty to us, they dont see it that way. Shops full of counterfeit videos, phony brand names such as Mountain Hardwear, and lots of local souvenirs. We found a GREAT place to eat and enjoyed a real hamburger with real cheese (not YAK cheese) for the first time in weeks. Then it started to rain, not just a simple rain but a friggin MONSOON! Sat it out, power failures, lightning, winds, and bugs that seemed to be born from the rain appeared. Once it cleared we went shopping again walking under trees full of fox bats just waiting for night to fall. We found the Anapurna Hotel and had a GREAT dinner there for our last night together.

Next adventure, onto the International Airport (ha!).

The guides could only take me to the entrance then I was on my own! Armed guards looking for something and looking at everyone. We complain about pat downs in L.A.? Wow, I got patted down at least four times in one hour! Lots of political unrest starting up in Nepal so it felt like nerves were on edge. Waited in the boarding area then moved to a pre-boarding area for, you guessed it, another pat down!

Finally on the plane, waiting for take off and ta da! We rolled out, taxied down the runway, full power and LIFT OFF! On our way to Hong Kong!

Here I am in Hong Kong, got through customs and I am now walking around the city. Found a STARBUCKS and I am enjoying a cup of coffee as I wait for the STAR FERRY to take me on another tour of the HONG KONG port! Next step, back on the train to the airport, through Departure and onto LAX! Back home soon. I leave HONG KONG at 4:45pm and arrive in LAX at 2:45pm, 14 hour plane ride. Finally got smart and I changed my seat to an aisle seat! You cant see anything from the windows while flying over the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean anyway! Looking forward to getting home, getting back to work and back to the "normal" as I know it!

The last day in Kathmandu I lost a patch that I purchased and a very poor man picked it up and ran toward me to hand it back. This man was so poor and so needy my first thought was to hand him some cash, Rupees, to help him out as a reward for helping me. I tried but he refused. His friend said, in broken English, "he is good man with much pride he helps you and needs nothing in return". Yes, even in an impoverished nation good will and human kindness exists! This small act of kindness, of generousity, of selflessness made this entire trip worthwhile. Life is good my friends and I will see you soon1

NAMASTE!

Namche Bazzar to Lukla and back to Kathmandu (almost home)

Yesterday was a very interesting and long day. We left Namche Bazzar at about 6:30am and headed back to Lukla. The trail itself descended very steeply for a long time and, for those of us who like downhill treks, was a perfect start of the day. The trail is not at all smooth but covered with thousands of rocks brought one by one by someone a long time ago to create the trail and the MANY steps that lead both up and down the mountain. Our legs were all but solid as we started off with some of us very shaky after the long and hard trek. We crossed numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension bridge as we headed down the mountain. We finally stopped for lunch and were able to visit one of the highest Buddhist Monestaries in the world. Unfortunately, to enter, you have to take your shoes off! I think we scared the monks as they giggled when we removed our shoes! We started down the trail once again only to finally have to go UPHILL, and I do mean uphill. It seemed like miles as we each tried to get in our ZONE to keep somewhat of a pace as we climbed the mountain to reach Lukla. Some were fast, some were slow, but remember, its the journey that's important. Those who finished early waited at the entrance to Lukla and cheered the rest of the team, and other trekkers, as they completed their journey! It was a very joyous time as we were all focused on stopping that only Starbucks in Nepal that just happens to be in Lukla!!!! We stopped in and saw they were the REAL THING! We decicided to check into our rooms first and come back for a drink!

We checked into our rooms and found that the Lukla folks were getting ready for a big tourism celebration. They flew in local talent, set up a large tent, lights and then....ACTION, a giant Nepalese party! Our guides encouraged us to go with them to dance, however, we were all absolutely exhausted after our trek and dinner (I got very brave and had Buffalo MoMo for dinner). We immediately went to our rooms and then, suddenly, the party started and the sound from down the hill echoed up the hill to our rooms. The party went on until about 4:30a.m. and none of us slept very well, however, we did get to hear the entertainment! Each time one said "thankyou" we each thought "thank God, its over" and then...another singer! We could hear the prancing of little claws on our roofs (probably mountain rats, I thought they were snow leopards though!) Finally the music stopped and we closed our eyes only to hear the Norweigan Youth grouop upstairs get up to get ready to head out for the day!

Next step was to head to the airport, the Lukla Airport to be exact, one of the most dangerous in the world! We checked our bags, waited...waited...waited for the clouds to clear and then heard the first shuttle planes of the day approach and land! About an hour later we boarded our flight back to Kathmandu. Once we arrived we boarded a shuttle buds and headed back to the baggage claim area, got our luggage, found our driver and headed through the streets of Kathmandu back to the Shaker Hotel. After being in the pristine and quiet mountains it was quite a jolt to return to the noise, pollution and crowded streets (that remind me of scenes from the video game CALL OF DUTY) of the city. We arrived, got our rooms and here we are. Lunch is coming up, then onto the office to complete our visit and trek to Mt. Everest!

This experience, not vacation, was ultimately the most interesting and emotional thing I have ever done. I cant wait to see where my next journey takes me as this one comes to a close. I will never forget our team, porters, Asst. Guides and Lead Guide from Himalayan Glacier Trekking, who helped make this possible and safe. Tonights a celebration party and a time to remember our trip together. Tomorrow's a new day, new adventures and the start of my trek back home!

The following are pictures of my fellow trekkers, GREAT people, GREAT companions and I hope, FRIENDS FOREVER!

Pheriche to Pangboche to Tengboche to Namche Bazzare

In case your just checking the blog I just posted three blogs to catch up to date as I finally found some OUTSTANDING internet here at Namche Bazzar, so, if your interested in us reaching the Base Camp and/or summiting Kala Pathar, 18,192 ft, you might want to check back at the older posts...

Today was an extra long trek down the mountain as we headed back to Namche Bazzar for a well deserved rest, shower, and meal! We trekked, once again, through beautiful hillsides blanketed with rhododendron and juniper trees. It was about a 6-7 hour trek today with very steep up and down hills all the way. We eventually reached Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. The trail to Namche Bazzar clings to the steep wooded slopes beyond Kyangjuma winding through several bends. We were able to catch quick glimpses of wild goats, colorful pheasants, and musk dear as we continued our trek.

After passing a Chorten, we reached the army camp at Namche Bazaar and the soldiers were out in full force lining the trail with automatic weapons at their sides. Still, as is heard from time to time, and day to day, they each greeted us with the familiar phrase, NAMASTE, except for one who looked at me and said, with a Nepalese accent, "What up Dude!" I loved it! As we continued down into Namche Bazzar our knees were ready to buckle and our quads ready to burst, but, we made it. The friends we made on our first visit welcomed us back and the newbies, on the start of their treks, asked us how it was and what they needed to know. What can you say after an experience like this. I'll never forget the three little girls I met at one of the local schools. Once they found out I was a Principal, they treated me like a king!

OOPS! I almost forgot to tell you that in one of the Monastery's along the way we were able to see an supposed actual scalp of a YETI! Take a look!

All the way down the mountain, as I trekked alone at times, I finally realized that this trip was not about the destination but about the journey itself, after all, there is no end to our journey on this earth. I personally have focused way to much on getting someplace rather than enjoying the journey. The journey brings with it experiences that can richen our lives, help others, expand our horizons and, hopefully, become a better person! Well, as this journey comes to what I would have once said was the end, I now say the end of this journey is just the beginning of another, linked together as the journey continues...

As always, NAMASTE!

Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar Summit - Pheriche

Today was the most awesome day of the trip. Three of us agreed to get up early and face the challenge of climbing to the summit of Kala Patthar (18,192 ft.) We left before sunrise and the temperatures were well below -10c. The winds were blowing like mad and the climb up the mountain the steepest I have ever experienced. With the altitude being so high we felt like we could hardly breathe but the higher we went the more determined we were to summit! As we made the climb and the sun started to peak over the Himalayas we were able to se peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Chagtse tower and Everest itself close to another peak called Nuptsej. It took us over 2 hours to make the summit and a whole bunch of stops along the way to catch our breath. Once we reached the top we each scrambled to climb the rocky outcrop at the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags.

We sat on the Kala Patthar summit rocks with our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama. This, a once in a lifetime opportunity was one that will always live in my memory! We scrambled down the mountain to catch a quick breakfast, pack our bags and head off as we begin our next part of this amazing trek.


The rest of this journey is one that I will not be able to blog, no batteries for this computer.  Three more camps to go then the summit.  What a dream.  Next step is the Khumbu Ice Fallls to Camp 1, then over a glacier to Cap 3 at about 20,000 ft.  Camp 3 takes you to Lohtse at 24,000 ft and the to Camp 4 final step to the summit.  It takes 15-20 hours from Camp 4 to the summit at the top of the world.  Hopefully all goes well.  This trip is one that really brought me to my knees, understanding myself,  my shortcomings and how amazing life really is when you set yourself free to see it.  I'll post some pictures when I get a chance later on in this journey.

As you can see the journey was a success, exhausted beyond belief,  moved beyond words,  too tired to think.   An exhausting and emotional journey to say the least.  This world is amzaing, the sites, the sounds, the people, the diversity,  it overcomes you.  Its hard to put into words so I won't. I will share my feelings with others when I see them,  I cannot put it in words at this time.  Tomorrow we start our journey home.  back through the Himalayas and on to whatever comes next in this life.

We walked for over six hours in intense snow and wind as we made the descent to Pheriche. As we walked I think we all began to feel like Nomads as the snow caked itself on our clothes and froze any liquid it came in touch with.

My Camel Bak froze solid leaving me no water for the voyage to Pheriche. We passed many Yaks taking supplies up to Everest.

People carrying literally hundreds of pounds from a strap over their foreheads and, of course, others like us on their way up the mountain for the experience of their lifetime. Again, tears kept coming to my eyes as I thought of all the experiences and images I have witnessed on this trip. The simplicity of life, the kind hearted nature of the Himalayan people, their respect for nature and their focus on heart instead of physical belongings. As I type this I am watching three young women pick through the snow as they prepare it for future crops to sustain their families, its snowing like mad outside and well below zero!


Well, enough for now! Tomorrow we head to Namche Bazzar once again and prepare for our final descent to Lukla and that heart pounding flight out of one of the most deadly airports in the world.

NAMASTE!

Duglha to Everest Base Camp

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

After a long hike from Duglha where we hiked through Lobuche and got our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, we hit 17,594 ft! Beautiful sites and what a GREAT experience. We walked and walked and walked until we reached Gorak Shep. We have great rooms, in comparison to where we have been. The toilets are something to see and impossible to describe. Last night, just before going to bed my head lamp fell off my head and fell into the toilet!!! I spent most of the night disinfecting it. The only good thing was the toilet had its own glacier in it as it had frozen over, however, it still hit the ice. Rescue it or let it drown! Well, I need it so I rescued it (ooooooo!). After a brief lunch today we hit the trail to Base Camp. Over two hours later, walking over lots of ice, in the snow, mainly uphill on icy trails we finally reached our goal BASE CAMP. Wow was it cold, we all bundled up in our parkas and everything else we could put our hands on as it was probably below zero as we started the trek today!

We saw massive glaciers, deep crevices, many memorials to climbers who died either on the trail or on the way back from Everest, the start of the Kumbu Ice Falls and many expeditioners either finishing their summit attempt or just getting ready for the month long journey to the highs point on the earth, the top of Mt. Everest. At the Base Camp we all literally cried as we realized our goal. We met a wonderful 70 year old lady, Jan Croft, cancer survivor who also made the trek! What an inspiration.

The entire team made it today. We hugged, cried, rested, took many pictures and then headed back to Gorak Shep for dinner and a good nights rest. Tomorrow we wake early and head to Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over this blessed land!

I tell you, God truly created a beautiful and inspiring place that we call Mt. Everest. I am the luckiest man on earth to be able to be here today!

As always, NAMASTE!

Dingboche to Dughla (15,090 ft) to Base Camp

Its next to impossible to get a good internet connection up here and you have to use their computers so, I am not able to post pictures until we return to Namche Bazzar!

The climb to Dughla took us up to well over 15000 ft. At that altitute we were breathing about 10 % oxygen. some of the team members experienced lack of sleep due to the altitude. Everyone finally started taking Diamox to assist with dealing with the altitude. The area was very arid looking and totally surrounded by magnificent mountains. We walked through Yak ranches and past Phulung Karpo, the campsite used during the first successful Mt. Everest summit in 1953. As we continued the trek through the arid mountains, surrounded by peaks exceeding 23000 ft, we started a gradual descent that took us over a raging stream with water so cold it would freeze your skin. Once across the bridge we found our lodge that sits in the shadow of absolutely gigantic and awe inspiring mountains.

Im cutting this short due to the high cost of internet so pardon any typos...

After a long hike from Duglha where we hiked through Lobuche and got our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, we hit 17,594 ft. Beautiful sites and what GREAT experience. We walked and walked until we reached Gorak Shep. We have great rooms, in comparison to where we have been. the toilets are something to see and impossible to describe. Last night, just before going to bed my head lamp fell into the toilet!! I spent most of the night disinfecting it. The only good thing was the toilet had its own glacier in it and teh lamp bounced off the ice but still got wet. I had to make a choice to rescue it or let it go, I needed it so, you guessed it, I rescued it! After a brief lunch today we hit the trail to Base Camp. Over two hours later, walking over lots of ice, in the snow, mainly uphill on icy trails we finally reached our goal BASE CAMP. Wow was it cold. We all bundled up in our parkas and everything else we could put our hands on as it was probably below zero as we started the trek today.We saw massive glaciers, deep crevices, many memorials to climbers who died either on the trail or on the way back form Everest, the start of the Kumbu ice Falls and many expeditioners either finishing their sumit attempt of just getting ready for the month long journey to the highest point on the earth, the top of Mt; Everest. At the Base Camp we all literally cried as we realized our goal. We met a wonderful 70 year old lady, cancer survivor, who also mad the trek. What an inspiration. the entire team made it today. We hugged, cried, rested, took many pictures and then headed back to Gorak Shep for dinner and a good nights rest. Tomorrow we wake early and head to Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over this blessed land. I tell you, God truly created a beautiful and inspiring place that we call Mt. Everest. I am the luckiest man on earth to be able to be here today!

As always, NAMASTE!

Day 6- Debuche to Dingboche (14,300 ft.)

"No matter what is going on Never give up, Develop the heart.
Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart, develop the heart. Be compassionate not just to your friends but to everyone. Be compassionate. Work for peace in your heart and in the world, work for peace. And I say it again, NEVER GIVER UP, No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, NEVERT GIVE UP!"
- His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama

I read this quote in our Tea House in Namche Bazzar and it really moved me, enough to share it with you This country is a unique one. The people are as friendly as you could ever ask for and not a person goes by without the greeting NAMESTE being offered to you. You cant help but enjoy the vibe here, its unlike any I have ever known. Remember to set high goals for yourself and pursue them with excitement and heart. You can do it!

Today's trek started off with a climb using what is known as the upper trail. We p[assed through several Chorens and Mani walls and small villages. We stopped for a brief lunch with a fantastic close up view of Ama-Dablam. Todays trek was challenging but I would say moderate as compared to the others we have experienced. As we reached the confluence of the Lobusche River, we descended toward the river itself and began the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On the climb we exceeded 13,00 feet. Our guides were constantly asking if we were o.k. One of our party was experiencing some stomach

problems and the other felt ver y tired. All a result of exhaustion and probably the unique food we have been eating. I have found it safe to stick to fried eggs and toast! I am doing just great and in fact today felt more energy than ever before.

We are staying in a small teahouse called the Family Inn. The rooms are about 8 ft by 8 ft with one light and two beds. One bathroom is down the hall that you must pour a scoop full of water in one you are finished. You cannot throw your toilet tissues in the toilet but to the side in a container that is emptied periodically. Dinner tonight is at 5:30. Due to the altitude we were told not to sleep during the day and, if possible hike higher as our bodies adjust to the high altitude (approximately 13,000+ ft.)

Tomorrow, we start on a climb to Lobuche at 16,207 ft. but the shortest trek of the climb. As always... NAMESTE!

Day 5 Namche to Debuche

After we had breakfast in Namche Bazzar we gotour gear ready and started on our trek tid e, Suresh, told us the trail to Tengboche. the trail has about a lion steps that were hand made a very long time ago. Our Lead Guide, Suresh! , told us the trail was going to be easy haha! He always tries to help us realize that we can do like it. He said it was gradual, ho no. I felt like I was climbing to hi River Kosheaven, straight up! We walked through some beautiful forests that followed the path of the Dudh KoshiRiver. We stopped for a break in Phuki Theng. we h a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post. We were hoping thet trail would get easier but it didn't, it actually got steeper. We had a very slow pace up the mountain. We all made it. The views were beautiful and the majesty of the mountains made the effort well worth the trek.

Once we reached Tengboche we found there were no rooms available and had to make a decision to keep moving. Our Amsst. Guide, Pradeep, left our group earlier and found us a room in Debuche at the Rivendell Lodge. Here it costs .28 cents a minute for Internet access, to charge your battery $2.00, a shower costs, $5.00 and a towel will run you $125.

All in all another Great Day in our trek to the Mt. Everest Base Camp. One look at these mountains and all the tough hiking, unique customs, and hard work make it all well worth the time, After all, We are in the Himalayas, right? Well, as alway, NAMESTE!

Sorry for typos as I have to use their computer and it reallly suckos! u pictures as the speed is ultra SLOW, maybe tomorrow!

Day 4 Namche Bazzar to Khumjung Valley and back...

You might be wondering how we are finding our way to all of these beautiful and unique areas here in the Himalaya's, well, its due to the expert work and knowledge of our guide team. Let me introduce them to you... Our Lead Guide is a man named Suresh Panday, the man in the middle is in charge of our trek. He is a smart, knowledgable, caring and funny man who takes GREAT care of us. His two assistants are equally as talented and professional with Man on the left and Predeep on the right. These three people, representatives of HIMALAYAN GLACIER TREKKING, are making our trip comfortable, challenging, interesting and awe inspiring!

The team itself is made up of a very international team consisting of Rachael and Andy White, both Kiwis living in Manila, Kate and Matt Roper, two Australians out of Sydney, Charlene Raath and Rudolph Oliver, out of South Africa (they both say hi Amy!), and Krista Stark, a fellow American out of Washington D.C. We all hit it off from day one and are thoroughly enjoying each other as we pursue the goal of the Everest Base Camp.

As we started the day we headed up to Sagarmartha National Park where we saw Mt Everest in the distance. While there we visited the museum, took a few great pictures and got ready for our hike to Khumjung Valley. The hike to Khumjumg Valley was, once again, all UP HILL and I do mean up hill. We saw the Syangboache Air Strip. The Kuhmjung Valley is surrounded by giant mountains such as Kaumbeela Peak (17,000 ft.) small in comparison to Mt. Everest. We visited Hillary High School and met three very cute girls who made us all laugh and enjoy our visit to their school.

We had a great lunch together at Valley View Lodge in Khumjung Valley and then started our trek back down to Namche Bazzar (ALL VERY MUCH DOWNHILL).

Another GREAT day in the Himalayas! Tomorrow we leave Namche Bazzar and head to Tengboche (12,694 ft.)Today, we probably hit about 13,000 ft, WOW! Can you believe it? Me, who has never been out of the United States climbing the Himalayan Mountains and hitting over 13,000 ft. today, and yes, I could breathe, haha. Check back tomorrow for more news, IF I can find Internet Access in Tengobche! If not, I will post again once we find internet possibly at Dengboche! Anyway, NAMESTE!

Made it to Namche Bazzar (11,280 ft)...

Woke up this morning and had a great breakfast as we got ready for the big hike to Namche Bazzar. The team packed up and started out for our first all day trek. The trail took us through some very beautiful pine forests along the Dudh Koshi River. As we trekked along we crossed a number of suspension bridges, one of which was the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are recognized as the first two men to reach the summit of mount Everest. This happened on the 29th of May, 1953. As we continued on we hit some very hard rain and some VERY large hail that actually hurt when it hit us. We kept going though as we had a goal to reach, Namche Bazzar. We saw glimpses of some amazing mountains such as glistening Mt. Thamserku (over 18000 ft.) We trekked through the settlements of Benkar, Cjhumoa, Monjo, and finally reached the check post at the enterance of Sagarmatha National Park. We past through the last village of Jorsale and then the hardest part of the trek to the finish of the trail.

The trail itself was extremely steep, muddy and mostly rocky, lots of traffic consisting of other trekkers, oxen, mules, and sherpas who we gave the right of way. We were all out of breath as we got higher and higher into the altitude. I'm telling you, this trail is TOUGH! One young man stopped me on the way up and said, "good luck, thats trail is HARD", just what we wanted to hear (haha)! We kept climbing through forests and bridges until we reached the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers, They look like they would be great places to fish, however, no fish, the glacial water is extremely cold! After the final extremely steep ascent, about two hours, we had our first sight of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. A few more miles to go!!!! Finally, a gold topped entry announced our arrival at Namche Bazzar, gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading center of the region.

We are staying over night tonight and have an acclimatization day as our bodies adjust to the high altitude. So far, no one has experienced altitude sickness! Another awe inspiring day in store tomorrow! I'm telling you Mt. Everest has a magic, you might call it a vibe! Its mysterious, beautiful, poetic and frightenting all at the same time and it grabs your heart, your mind and your soul!

Well, good night for now! Tomorrow is another awesome day! Check back for a report tomorrow! Believe it or not they have GREAT INTERNET up here!

Day 2 on Everest Base Camp Trekk

After our exciting landing at Lukla we rested for one hour then went on to the first stop on the trek, Phakding 9,700ft). The flight took about 40 minutes and the landing was more than anyone could describe, however, WE MADE IT! We met the crew members for the trek and started through the village of Lukla until we reached Phakding. On the way we hit strong hail and stayed in a small lodge with other trekkers until it turned to heavy rain and then we started off again, yes in the rain, in the mountains of the Everest range! Everyone in the team is doing great, fantastic spirits, fun people and adventurous spirits! We saw beautiful sites along the way and all of us cant wait for the next stop along the way. Having trouble uploading pictures so they may have to wait until the next stop!

Checkin in on the trail...

Lukla Airport...
We landed successfully a few hoursago!  We had One hour rest, some hot coffee then on to a four hour hike!  Its absolutely beautiful here.  Amy-Your mom says hi and DONT WORRY! Its currently hailing and we are waiting it out at a small lodge. Headed to Phading for the night!

Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

Namaste...
Today was an exceptionally exciting day with visits to the Pashupati Temple, one of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. The temple was first established in the 17th century. This is where many of those who pass away are cremated. Today we witnessed an actual cremation and the sadness that comes with loosing a loved one, the same world wide. The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Bhat-Brahmins from South India (Karnataka) origin since last 350 years. The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.
We were also treated to a visit to the Boudehanath Stupa. Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khāsti by Newars as Bauddha or Bodh-nāth by modern speakers of Nepali. Located about 11 km (7 miles) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. Today, a huge festival was in process with thousands of worshipers from all over the Buddhist world in attendance.


If that was not enough, our group was finally put together and I am lucky to be with a group of six other great people from New Zealand, the Phillipines, Australia and yes, even the good old USA! We met, talked, laughed shared and had a Nepalese feast at a local restaurant with unique entertainment. Our guide for the night, Kogindur, was informative and easy to get to know! Tomorrow morning, after breakfast at 4:30a.m. we head to the airport and fly to Lukla (9,186 ft.), the gateway to our trek. By the way, Lukla Airport is said to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world! I hope they're just making that up. With any luck I will be able to add to this blog tomorrow, with a succesful landing that is (ha,ha). Well, I have to get up at 3;45 Tomorrow and is already 11:00pm here so, once again...NAMASTE!

Kathmandu, Monkey Temple, Durbar Square - What a Day!

This morning I was invited to the office of Himalayan Glacier Trekking (HGT) where I was welcomed by Naba Raj Amgai, Managing Director, www.himalayanglacier.com. Naba took the time to arrange a few tours for me today by one of the folks that work for him, Raban. Raban took me around Kathmandu where I saw how the locals live. The Nepalese people seem to make the best of what they have, something we can all stand to learn from. I was driven to a place called The Monkey Temple. According to legend, this hill rose spontaneously from a lake that once covered the valley, hence the name swayambhu, which means self-risen. It is also known as the Monkey Temple, as there are many monkeys living there.

A stupa is a Buddhist religious monument consisting of a hemispherical base, and a square top with a pagoda-style roof. On each side of the square are Buddha's eyes which see everything. The "nose" is the number one, signifying the predominance of Buddha. Various ornaments and the pagoda are sheathed in gold plate, and colorful prayer flags complete the decoration.

Our next stop was a very old historical section of town called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the World Heritage site. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. The square is presently known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace.

Raban found a money exchange for me with the best exchange rates in town, 70.55 rupies per dollar, all other places were 69.5 rupies per dollar. Well, its about dinner time and I have been invited to dinner by the folks at HGT. Tomorrow is our groups orientation day, another tour of the city and then onto Lukula Airport and the trekk! Keep smiling, I am!

Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu, Nepal

Two flights later I have landed in Nepal. Didn't know that I had to keep my Boarding Pass to leave the plane in Khatmandou,so, I had to find it in my belongings. Got off the plane and was escorted to a shuttle bus that drove 50 yds, no lie, to the airport, could've walked. Armed guards all over the arrival area. Next step, fill out Visa papers, not the charge card, find the next station, paid $40 US for the 30 day Visa then onto baggage claim. Must have had 10 people offer to carry my bag but listened to the trip organizers and just kept moving. Found my bag, thank God, and then exited the airport to literally hundreds of Nepalese waiting in hordes for someone. Got a little worried that in the crowed I wouldn"t find the reps from Himalayan Glacier Trekking but did after wandering around scared stiff for about 10 minutes. Nice guys! Once I found them they took care of me, got me out of the airport and onto quite the buggy ride through the streets of Khatmandou at 11:30pm. To be honest, I felt like I was in a 3D Call of Duty game with narrow dirt roads, debris all over, very thin roads, dust everywhere and buildings that seemed to be falling apart. Finally arrived at the hotel where we were greeted by a 30ft. guard gate and an armed guard who let us in. Got registered, here I am. Blogging from a very nice room in Khatmandou, Nepal, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! Talk to you later! And the adventure begins... NAMASTE!

In and around Hong Kong

Yes, its very different being a tourist. Most of my life I have been a local guy, comfortable where I am and happy to be aware of my surroundings. Today, for the first time, I experienced being a real tourist in a foreign land, quite the difference. Today I met lots of people from all over the world and some pretty nice locals, willing to help, who would go out of their way for you! Hong Kong used to be a British colony so most of the "locals" speak English, some like to play dumb though (haha). I took the train into the city, visited the Star Ferry and went close to the shore of Mainland China, saw beautiful buildings, modern shopping centers, and some really strange food (see the picture), of course, I did find a STARBUCKS! Getting ready to head off to Dhakar, Bangladesh then onto Khatmandou! Had a BIG change in plans, the people I was going with changed their dates and it looks like I may be doing a solo trekk up Mt. Everest! Alone on the biggest mountain on the earth! Now thats being a tourist! Talk to you soon.

Hong Kong Airport

Well, I made it to Hong Kong. Had to get a new computer in order to upload pictures! I must be crazy. Found a really nice person, Issac, who helped me alot. Now that I can upload pictures, watch out!!! more to come. My ears hurt from the airplane ride, I have 10 hours to wait for my next flight, then on to Dhakar, Bangladesh and then to Khatmandou! Heard that the two people in my party cancelled,so, I may climb to the Base Camp by myself (I will have a guide and porter thought!) Wish me luck!!!!

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This time tomorrow...

Tomorrow is the start of my adventure to Mt. Everest! Tonight I packed up the Hypoxico Altitude Bed! I wonder what its like to sleep at sea level again? I've been sleeping at about 12,800 ft (simulated). Got to say that I never slept so deeply or had such vivid dreams!

"All my bags are packed I'm ready to go...Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again" -John Denver

To the airport tomorrow at 10:30pm for a flight on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong (I'm going to Hong Kong, wow!), ten hour lay-over then on to Dhaka and straight on to Kathmandu, Nepal! One night in the Shanker Hotel then on the trail to the Base Camp!

Tomorrow my adventure begins!!!!