Namche

We have now hiked more than either of us have before in our lives and we are only at the starting point! So far we are loving it. Great people and beautiful views. We love how simple our life has become. Everyday we hike (normally in the same outfit) so our only decision is what to eat and when. With the food choices being slim that is even an easy decision.

First of all the 10 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Shivalya was amazing. Blaring Nepali music while we twist and turn on the narrow roads honking the horn to let oncoming traffic know we are coming. School kids riding on the roof. The bus driver getting mad and parking the bus to have some tea while we all sit on the bus. Then the flat tire and arriving in the dark. All amazing. Then we had our fist night at the Hilton. But it only cost us 10 bucks for dinner sleeping and breakfast. Then we set off... Full of tea and oatmeal.

I will let Rob type now.

Lets break it down by numbers: 75 local dollar for 1 US dollar (yea). Average night cost less then 100-200 local dollar, average meal is 120 local to 250 (but is getting more expensive as we climb). 8 days hiking over 45 hours. 2 showers in that time (I jumped in a river so I get 3). Meals and lodging less then 20 US dollars a day. We hike with 2 Aussies, and 1 German most days (met on the bus). 1 case of altitude sickness at under 3000 meter (me sorry to say). Climbing 7080 meters up, and 5470 meters down, Everest is only 8850 meters high so we have almost reached the top! (yea right) Rob has not shaved for 10 days and looks... hot I must say (it is me after all) Cups of tea drank, at least 50 or so. 1 pound of peanut butter eaten. Hanky's full of snot (TMI alert) ... (we won't say but I am winning)

Sorry no pictures, the connection is slow, and expensive

Kah Kah Kah Kah Kathmandu

Shopping for a trekking skirt from a lovely lady in Town.

Getting there: 6 hours to Delhi (flying), 14 hour layover (sleeping on the floor, in a room with 30 people talking, snoring, bright lights) don't worry your travelers had earplugs and eye covers and air mats. Then 2 hour flight to Kathmandu

The city: like driving in rush hour, with no stop lights, dirt roads, yaks in the roads, and no traffic rules (by the way the car had no seat belts)

By bike rickshaw: magical, slower, and far less protecting you from the buses going the wrong way in traffic

The people: very nice, beautiful, and kind, but always trying to rip you off or sell you something

Being ripped off: always, we haven't once gotten "the local price" in fact I doubt it is possible.

Stomach check: Leah woke with "problems" last night. Rob got them after breakfast this morning.

The plan: get permits and get hiking

Above is Rob's quick analysis of the city. However I feel that you need a little more. This is a fascinating, overwhelming, crazy, dirty place. We have never been anywhere like this before. It is like a movie, fairytale world. Everyone honking their horns as if they are possessed but one look at their face and you see a beautiful smiling face. Our bike rickshaw ride was fascinating. I was sneezing all day with the amazing amount of dust in the air. Everyone has face masks to protect themselves. The face masks also have a sort of style like a cell phone holder.

We love Nepal so far and are very excited for our trekking to start. It all starts with a 10 hour bus ride...

Here is a little glimpse of our rickshaw ride!