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