Photo's

Photo's

Streets of Kathmandu 

Returning to the UK

Our taxi arrived dead on time for our last trip through the dirty dusty streets of Kathmandu. I was feeling quite unwell by now and the thought of two flights ahead of me was not a nice one. At the airport they were having trouble checking us in so the had seats for the flight to Delhi but couldn't check us in for the second flight. I had tried to check us in online but the website kept crashing the night before. Ok so now at Delhi with a 2hrs 30 minutes before flight leaves but we landed 30 minutes late, 30 minutes to sort boarding cards out and they can't seat us together. Dispute number 1 Moving onto security where remember this is a transit flight and we haven't left the airport, it took nearly two hours to get through. One line for woman and one for men, dispute number 2 with a soldier. Dispute number 3 with bag checker, I don't often lose my temper but I came very close that day. To say I would never use air India or Delhi airport again is an understatement. Had a terrible flight home, just sat there for 8hours feeling ill. Both meals were curries so I didn't eat just drunk lots of water. I'm so glad to be home but I won't let the last day dampen a great holiday.

Kathmandu

What a busy day we have had, we went from one side of Kathmandu to the other. The smog was very bad today which is a shame as we went to the tower at Dharahara, which is like a lighthouse structure of 213 steps to the top. At 61.88 meters high the viability should of been great but due to the smog it was not great. After some coffee we jumped into a taxi and headed for Boudhanath and the huge stupa, which is the largest in Asia. It's a place of worship for the Tibetans and only 2 days ago a monk set himself on fire in protest to the treatment they receive from the Chinese. After yet another coffee we then walked to the Bagmati River in Pashupatinath where cremations are held. The bodies are laid out beside the river and then cremated on plinths but today was wedding day as everywhere you looked couples were getting married. Found 3 little puppies living in a box covered in straw which someone must of made for them, fed them cereal bars but they didn't like them. Jumped into a taxi and headed back to town to do some last minute shopping in the bazaar and back to guest house for a well earned beer. 

All packed and kit left for our guide and porter, so off for a leaving meal and maybe the odd beer.

See you all state side x

Kathmandu

Got another tourist day planned so we started with pancakes for breakfast in a Tibet cafe. Decided to find the local bus to get us to Bhaktapur which was a bit of a mission but we found it and an hour later we were there. Bhaktapur is another Durbar Square and similar to the one we went to before but this one was not as damaged in Nepal's great earthquake in 1934 Really hot day today so we tried to find shade whenever we could. Tired the famous king curd which is like natural yogurt, Sally liked it but I wasn't over keen. Once again too many dogs in terrible condition but what did we find was a vets, shame they don't do charity work on these poor creatures.

Caught the bus back to Kathmandu and I stopped for a coffee then headed back to the guest house. 

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Early start to catch the tourist bas at 7.30am and guess what for the first time hot water. Taxi didn't show so we got another one to the bus park, luggage all loaded and we brought some fresh warm croissants for the long journey. The bus was 100% better tan we were used too, nice seats and no stopping everywhere just straight here no messing. 7 1/2 hours later we are back in Kathmandu but we feel good mainly because the bus was comfortable. Haggled with guest house from $30 to $20 per night, has to be done. Picked up our other pack we left with the agent and now we have the task of packing everything up for the trip home.

Went for a wander around for a bit then had some dinner and bed as it now we are both feeling tired.

Pokhara

Had a better nights sleep last night but no hot water for a morning shower but used to that now. Had a nice omelette sandwich for breakfast and decided to do the tourist thing and hire a taxi for the day to go to a few places. First we went to the Mahendra Cave which was nothing special apart from no lights but like the good girl guide I had a torch. Funniest thing we were deep in this cave when we heard a something so went to investigate and this guy with no torch had fallen down a large hole, they haven't heard of health and safety here yet. He cut his foot so I gave him some plasters from my first aid kit which I carry and have never used. Then we went to the Bat Cave just up the road, now this was more interesting not so much with the thousands of bats just hanging there but the rock climb and pot holding to get out and again no H&S. we scrambled to the top but I knew I wouldn't get out that tiny opening so we had to go all the way back down. After that we went to the Gurkha Museum which was very interesting reading about the history and how they all started and yes Joanna Lumley was in some photos. Next to the museum was the Serti Gorge which is a deep gorge which carves its way through Pokhara but yet again it's just fall of rubbish, shame. Next stop is Devils Fall which is part of the gorge system but its a kind of waterfall and yet again fall of dumped rubbish. Last stop is the International Mountain Museum where our taxi left us as we said we would walk the 4km back. Very good place to visit and no rubbish there. On route we found a bakery so couldn't resist a cake and coffee, very nice.

For our last meal it was Sally's choice where we ate and we went to the other end of town to a nice looking place. I always play safe and went for lasagne but that was a big mistake as it had chilli in it and a lot of it, even Sally couldn't eat it. My mouth and lips were on fire for the rest of the evening but they did cook me another one and that was lovely.

Pokhara

Luxury my arse, after the shower episode we went to bed and in the middle of the night the shower turned itself on, I got up to turn it off and what's on the floor but a bloody cockroach. So shower now off and back in bed but left the light on as I'm sure I've seen a film where cockroaches only come out in the dark. Didn't sleep too good and then the shower switched on again, on the verge of asking for another room but its the middle of the night. Not a happy bunny this morning as this is one of the better HOTELs in Pokhara.

Headed off to the world peace pagoda and of course we have to go the longest and hardest route to it. Walked to the end of the lake, over a swing bridge and up a mountain which took a couple of hours but it was worth it as the views of the Himalayas were amazing. The pagoda was identical as the one in Lumbini only smaller. Coming down was a lot easier but it was so bloody hot we spent the afternoon cooling our feet in the lake, true Brits. I do think my knees are knackered they hurt so much when I climb. Stopped at the German bakery for cake and a coffee, very nice. Took a boat trip across the lake to the small temple on an island in the middle and then headed back to the hotel and some dinner. I hope I sleep better tonight as they have cleaned the room and fixed the shower.

Tansen to Pokhara

Woke to see the white lake over the town, pretty impressive site. Had a nice breakfast with the family and we took photos, I think they liked us. I would recommend a homestay, it's a good way to see the Nepalese way of life.

Set off down through the town for the bus station and its going to be a hot day, shame we are struck on a bus all day. Made another puppy friend and fed her some bread, not so many dogs here thank god. 

Standing room only on the bus for first hour then I got a seat and Sally sat on my leg for awhile then more seats came available. Horrible journey, far too long, too packed, too hot and too smelly. We went up mountains, we went down mountains and around them, the journey took 6 1/2 hours to do 120km and cost £2.00 As soon as you put one foot off the bus you are hassled by taxis and hotel touts but we were booked in so after haggling the taxi fare we were brought to our hotel. £8.00 a night is a bit expensive but we thought we had earned some luxury. Checked in for 3 nights for some R and R. Had a nice meal and dessert with cloth  napkins and candle but with a £12 bill we may have to budget tomorrow. Back at hotel we had a beer at the bar and caught up with our Internet stuff. Spoke to sister, brother and mum so that was good. 

In the room I thought I would really spoil myself and have a shower but guess what no hot water and then I broke the tap and couldn't turn the water off. After that was fixed I got into bed and switched the wall light on and it came away from the wall, think I should go to sleep now.

Lumbini to Tansen

Nice early start at 5.30am for taxi pick up at 6am, an hour and half journey only took 25 minutes with this driver. At the bus park it was chaos as normal but we managed to get on the right bus that was busting at the seams. Standing room only but the ticket boy shouted at everyone and space was made by moving bags and sacks of stuff of the seats. After an hour the bus emptied and we had plenty of space for the next 3 hours. 

Arriving in Tansen was not what we expected, it was just like anywhere else we had been to in Nepal. We was met by a young girl who took us to the homestay we were staying for the one night. My god it was all up hill I was shattered by the time we got there. The room was really nice and so was the family, having dinner with them tonight as everywhere is closed in the town. Brought some fruit and more crackers for lunch, we headed up the mountain side to a semi built view tower. The view tower was as big as a light house, we climbed the stairs to see amazing views of the  Himalayas, being a beautiful sunny day helped with the views. Walked along the ridge to a Buddha statue and another view point, then we headed back down to the town. Looking forward to seeing the the white lake that forms over the town when the cloud covers it as we are so high up. Wandered around the town for a couple of hours, sorted the bus out for tomorrow and it leaves at 10am so we get a bit of a lay in.

Had dinner with the family which was interesting but nice at the same time as we got to see how they live and we taught them some English.

Lumbini

No alarm clock this morning but still awake at 7am and no hot water again back to baby wipes. Went downstairs for breakfast and had a full American breakfast but not up to much but when it only cost £1.60 you can't complain. 

The area all the temples cover is about 10km so as we had all day and it was quite cool we decided to walk instead of hiring push bikes. We headed straight for the World Peace Pagoda the furthest point away and on route we found the Lumbini Museum with an entry fee of 30p we couldn't resist going in. It was all on the life of Buddha and I found it to be quite interesting. Onwards to the pagoda which is a very impressive building made from marble and costing 100 million dollars. The sun started to come out so I was pleased we had our long walk in the morning as it got really hot. We walked along the canal and went into some more temples and monasteries, some better than others but all very impressive. 

 Beer and feed me time has arrived so we found a little place and I had some pasta which was really nice washed down with a everest beer. A little dog came up for some food but we had already finished.

The dog situation I think is worse here as it breaks my heart when you see a dog run over and just left in the road or a dog with a broken leg hopping around. Today I gave up my chocolate ration to buy some bread to feed the dogs, makes me feel good.

Taxi and bus all booked for tomorrow to get us to Tansen where the views of the Himalayas are amazing. Total cost £4.50 each and room for us both is £4.00 per night which is average for Nepal.  

Soup, chips and a beer for dinner and I found the little dog I have been feeding, as I saved him some chips, poor little fellow. Wish I could bring them all home with me.

Chitwan to Lumbini

Not too early start today as the bus doesn't leave until 9.15am so we had a shower then some breakfast. The lodge gave us a lift to the bus park where we got our bus to Lumbini, got chatting to an Australian girl and we all shared a taxi from bus stop to the hotel which was 20km away. The bus journey was as bad as all the others, hot, smelly and packed. This was a public bus so it took forever as it kept stopping and starting for people.

Very hot when we arrived at 2.30pm but we dumped our kit and headed off for some sight seeing. We are noticing the lack of western tourist here so we stick out like sore thumbs. Lumbini is like the rest of Nepal, dirty, a lot of poverty, no power or water but good wi-fi. 

Went straight to Buddha's birthplace, it's just a building built around a stone where they say he was born and the pool where his mother bathed before giving birth to him. It's one of the four places in the world for Buddhists to pay homage to him. As it was getting late we visited a couple of Buddhists temples, they are very impressive as each one is from a different country so I think they try and out do each other. There is a lot of work going on in the area and still more temples being built, no British one I notice.

Back at hotel for a beer and some dinner, guess what egg and chips. Time for bed.

3rd Day in Chitwan

Surprise surprise we had the potatoes left from our dinner last night fried up for breakfast along with egg on toast, nice. 

Today's activities started with an hour an half of bird watching along the bank of the river, not something I've ever been into I must say but I played along with the guides excitement of spotting certain birds.

Had a short break while it rained and then we headed off to bath some elephants in the river. I went in first and it was brilliant, they are so rough but you can feel the warmth through there thick shin. I was soaked and then it was Sally's turn, she was given the same treatment. We then watched while other guys had a go and then wet and cold we headed back to the lodge for a warm shower and some lunch. Requested soup today and we got mushroom soup and a plate of chips, really nice. After lunch we headed back to the river for a canoe ride which was nice apart from it raining on and off, saw a big croc on the river bank. After that we went on a jungle walk for a couple of hours which again was good but we didn't see anything apart from rain. Then onto the elephant breeding sanctuary where Nepal are trying to help keep the elephants going in their country. While there a rhino just wandered up to the fence and allowed us to take photos then just wandered off back into the jungle, highlight.

Home for dinner and what delights will they have in store for us today?two bowls of soup!!

2nd Day in Chitwan

Finally had a good sleep apart waking in the night with it raining heavy and the ducks quacking, but I fill good. Had a nice shower, clean clothes and a nice breakfast, what more could a girl ask for? Off for an elephant ride in the jungle, my second time on an elephant and I can't recall it being that uncomfortable or am I just getting too old? Anyway off we go in the rain on a smelly elephant and what did we see? A wild chicken, deer, wild boar and a peacock, not quite the great white hunter. Back for lunch and yet again it's the same as yesterday rice, chips, spaghetti and veg, I just can't eat that combination.

Back out on the hunt for the big game but this time in a jeep but first we had to cross the river in a dug out canoe, not good. After 4 hours in an old jeep bouncing around we saw peacocks, chickens, deer, monkeys, sloth bear x 2 and some crocs (not the shoes) This is by no means a safari, if you want a real one go to Kenya, it was entertaining for sure and we finished the day with a lovely sunset. 

Dinner was the same again as yesterday and we didn't eat it but had a beer instead. Tomorrow going to tell them not to bother but cook us omelettes instead as they were nice.

Kathmandu to Chitwan

Well yesterday I had the most frightening flight of my life and today it's the most frightening bus trip of my life. If we make it there and back without a hitch I'll be amazed. Arrive at Wildlife Adventure Resort at 1pm after a 6 hour scary bus ride, had some lunch and we finally found out what egg drop soup was (not nice) At 4pm we had a meeting with our guide.

Just relaxing at the river bank watching some elephants crossing, think that calls for a beer.

Just before we went on a guided walk of the local Tharu village we spotted a rhino from our room but it was walking back into the jungle so didn't get a good shot at it (with my camera not a gun!!) Had a nice walk around the village that survives just from the river and the land. We watched the sunset over the river and then we were taken to a Tharu cultural show which lasted an hour too long, it was just local dancing and singing. Back to camp for a buffet dinner and I settled for a plate of plain rice as every dish was some form of curry. I think they took pity on me as they made me a omelette which was very nice. Electricity and wifi is still a problem here, they only put it on at 8pm so we spent the rest of the evening on line catching up with things. One of our latest nights as we turned the lights out at 10 o'clock. 

Returning to Kathmandu

OMG, the flight out of Lukla was unbelievable, have you ever taken off downhill and of a mountainside? Well that's what it was, not something I want to experience again. At least the weather was good and the first flight in was a 5 minute turn around and we were in the air heading for Kathmandu . Back here we checked into our hotel and collected our left luggage, repacked ready for our 7am bus tomorrow for Chitwan for a 4 day safari. Chilled on the baloney for a few hours while I checked emails and updated my blog. Power stayed on all afternoon but its just gone off now 6pm Had a gorgeous meal of chicken and chips this afternoon but 2 beers later I feel a bit light headed.

After a nice evening celebrating Sally's birthday we headed back to the hotel for an early night as we were up at 6am to get our bus to Chitwan. Very little sleep due to dogs barking all night but one good thing was it was warm and the power stayed on most of the night.

12th Day of our Trek

We left Phakding at 8am with our puppy dog in tow, god knows where he spent the night and I knew it was going to be a hard day of walking uphill as I remember the first day of hiking was all downhill. Had a big bowl of porridge to get me started but it didn't help as I think my knees have had it now. It started out a lovely day with blue skies and warm sunshine but it didn't last as we headed up to Lukla it started to snow and it didn't stop. Got into Lukla at lunchtime and when we were shown our room in a little courtyard we nearly fainted, it had an en-suite shower room. We stayed at Paradise Lodge at 2840 meters in Lukla. We had gone from no water or frozen water to water so hot you couldn't stand under it, but we showered and it felt soooooooooo good. After lunch went for a walk around the little town and settled for a coffee and biscuit to waste some time. Still snowing we are now concerned about if our flight will leave tomorrow. Nemo our porter couldn't get a flight to his village so he had a 2 day walk to get home. It was a long day hanging around, in the evening we watch the King Kong film along with people we had seen at various times during the past 2 weeks. Kadi our guide was hassling us for a tip that evening but we were not giving in as the more he hassled the more we ignored him, shame as it had been a good trip and he was a good guide, we tipped Nemo our porter as he was excellent.  

11th Day of our Trek

Leaving Namche Bazar early as we had a long walk all downhill and over bridges and the weather wasn't looking too good. It was going to be market day the following day so there was a lot of villages coming up the mountain trek to sell their wears as we were going down. Sometimes we had to wait for the yak or donkey train to pass which can take forever. I was feeling quite exhausted this morning and I fell over twice, once onto my knees and the second time my ankle just gave way, I'm so tired. The weather was very overcast and not very warm at all. We picked up a puppy dog on route and he followed us for the rest of the day, feeding him at every break. For stray dogs they are very friendly and playful but just too many of them.

Stopped for lunch at the Everest Mini Lodge 2730 meters and the heavens opened up. After a bowl of soup and plate of chips (which puppy had half) we left in heavy snow for a 2 hour walk, glad I had gore-tex clothing, puppy was soaked through. It was hard working in the snow as it was settling and you couldn't see what you were walking on. Finally made it to See You Lodge in Phakding at 2652 meters that afternoon, puppy sneaked upstairs and hid while he dried off then he vanished. Our lock broke on our door and the owner had to saw it off so we could get into the our room. Spent the evening chatting with the owner and her sister around the stove before we went to bed at 7ish, still no sign of puppy....... 

10th Day of our Trek

Had a warm night for the first time and our pampers were not frozen, things are looking up. I was woken at 1am with something moving around under the floor or in the wall, was told it was rats, nice. Anyway had eggs on toast for breakfast, very nice. We set off at 8am and straight away I hit a brick wall climbing a very steep hill but after that it was mostly flat or down hill. Everything before my knees is now hurting, time for some bio freeze as tomorrow it's all downhill and I know my knees are going to kill me.

Stopped for lunch at a place in Kyangjuna 3600 meters and I had, yes you guess it soup and chips. They had a puppy there who was really cute and I fed her my chips, not that I think she went hungry. We had a downhill walk for about 1 1/2 hours to Namche Bazar where we arrived at 2pm. Walked around the little village as we needed some more loo roll and water, then headed back for a hot chocolate and a snickers bar. First running water for days so we washed face and hands with soap, I managed to wet my hair to get rid of some of the dust, boy it felt good to have fresh water on my face and head. Ordered spaghetti for dinner and it was very nice, we all sat around the fire until 7ish when we went to our room to watch The Unit on the ipad. Had a comfortable warm night and woke quite happy for once.

9th Day of our Trek

Day started as normal, everything was frozen but we don't care anymore. It had snowed during the night and we knew trekking in the snow would not be easy but off we went after another half eaten breakfast.

Left about 8.30 and it was hard going in the snow and ice, Sally went flying which is funny as its normally me that falls over. The sky is beautiful against the snow capped mountains but it was bloody freezing. I felt really good today surprising how ill I had been feeling the past couple of days. We trekked hard down the valley to place called Orsho 4020 meters for lunch, guess what I had soup and chips. An hour pasted and we were on the road again, all the snow left behind us now and it's getting warmer. Trek is now very dusty and our trousers are really looking worse for wear, I think my hair must be a different colour now due to it not being washed for 11 days, come to think about it lots of me hasn't been washed for 11 days. So if you fancy this trip come in the summer when the water supply isn't all frozen. 

Reach Deboche 3820 meters after walking 7 hours to the place we stayed before but they had to close due to everything frozen so we headed up a bit to Rivendell Lodge which is actually nicer. The only problem it has a mirror and we haven't looked in one for 9 days, dont we look lovely!!! I have ordered pizza for dinner, can't wait. 

Everest Base Camp Day

We both woke up feeling very rough, I had an upset tummy and my aim into a hole in the ground was way of course this morning, just what you want first thing. I had a bad headache and tummy upset so I tried to eat my eggs for breakfast but they were making me feel worst. So all wrapped up warm we headed of for base camp at 8am the trek started ok, nice and flat but I soon started to struggle. It was great views and we witnessed an avalanche, which was pretty amazing to watch. We arrived at base camp at 10.30 took some photos and headed back as it was -20 degrees. I was feeling very sick on the way back but still managed to take some photos of the mountains. Got back to tea house about 12.30 and had some soup and a rest before we headed of on a 2 hour walk to our next tea house for the night. Got to Lobuche about 4pm and was starting to feel better as we are now heading down the valley. 

Had soup, chips and bread for dinner and it was actually nice or I was past caring anymore. Went to a freezing room again about 7.30 but once I was in my bag and 2 blankets and all my clothes I was really warm. 

7th Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

It's my 50th birthday today and I'm living my dream.........

We woke to a freezing room, zips, cream, baby wipes, water all frozen it was really hard to get motivated but you have no choice. Woke feeling just as bad as when I went to bed and it wasn't long before I was in tears, not sure why I think it was everything the cold, not feeling well, very tired and the not being able to wash. Sally is a tower of strength and gets me going, got 2 birthday cards as well, so thank you Sally, Karen and Izzy xx

Couldn't eat any breakfast as feeling so down after being upset. So off we go again, it's very cold but the sun is out but got more layers of clothes on. It was a great walk, along side the glacier and then walked over it, shadowed by the mountains. The glacier is amazing sight, all the rich colours of blue and white. Feeling exhausted again when we arrived at Gorak Shep at 5110 meters and hungry. Had a bowl of soup and shared some chips, wanted to have a lie down but only had 45 minutes before we were leaving for the walk up to view point where was hoping to see the sunset over Everest. I started off ok but after a couple of hours of climbing up the side do a mountain I had enough and headed back down, which left Sally and guide to head to the top. Got back to the guest house where the stove was roaring and I had a hot lemon and waited for their return. They got back at 6.10 and we all sat around the fire. 

Still feeling very tired but more positive about tomorrow as we are heading for base camp which is about a 4 hour walk, some flat and a lot up hill. Then returning to Gorak Shep for lunch, we are hiking further down the valley to get out of the high altitude. 

I just don't care anymore what I look or smell like, so at bedtime I just took my boots and jacket off and got in my sleeping bag. My jacket went in bag as well so when I got up after a -30 degree sleep I just put boots and jacket on and off we went. Went to bed feeling a bit unwell but I think it's mountain sickness.

6th Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

Day started again at 7am and breakfast at 7.30 I had eggs on toast again. No water again but stove was on so got a cup of hot water to brush teeth with. God my hair needs a wash!!! A very cold start but within half an hour we were stripping off as we had caught up with the sun and it became very hot but there was a cold chill in the air. We walked for 3 hours and then stopped for a drink before a monster hill we had to climb. I started alright but soon started to struggle with it and needing regular stops to catch my breathe and control my breathing. It reminded me of the day at Mount Kili when we walked across the saddle, it's like you hit a brick wall and really can't go on anymore but you have no choice. Made it to the top which was a vast area filled with shines to those who have lost their lives in the area. It was quite flat after that, we mainly followed a frozen river which was fun crossing. We are now in Lobuche in the Hotel Peak XV at 4910 meters, it makes me die when they call these places hotels as I think a London homeless shelter is far better.

Have ordered spaghetti with mushroom sauce again so let's wait and see. Well my dinner was spaghetti but with a red sauce which was nice but it was cold so could only eat a small amount. The wind was really strong and temperature  went to -20 and I was cold all night. I am starting to feel exhausted and wanting to give up but that's not my nature. 

5th Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

5th Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

Day started at 7am with really thick ice on window in our room and toilet still blocked but we did get some hot water to brush our teeth with. I had eggs and toast for breakfast and it was really nice. Headed out on our 6 hour trek which started mainly on the level with a few steep bits thrown in. The trek today has been more icy and more snow on the ground but the sun is still brazing down on us. We are starting to see the same people going up as this seems to be the main route to base camp, saw some young yak and a foal on the hill side. The place we stopped for lunch had a toilet outside in a shed, well it was a hole which went straight down the mountain and the sides were full of yak poo as that's what they burn for fuel. After lunch (eggs and chips) it was hard again for about 2 hours where we are stopping for the night in a place called Alpine Resort in Dingboche at 4410 meters. All the rooms so far are the same square box boarded out in unpainted hardboard and a light with 2 beds which are softer than the hotel in Kathmandu.

Finally had some company in our tea house, 2 Trekkers from the UK so it was good to sit around the yak poo burning stove for a chat. We stayed up to 8 sitting around the fire with the porters, guides and the local family. I had ordered spaghetti with mushroom sauce for a change but it came with a spicey tomato sauce so I had to swap with Sally and ended up with a pizza again. It's day five and still not had a wash, thank god for baby wipes. 

4th Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

Left tea house at 8.30 for a long hard slog up and over mountains and across rivers which are mainly frozen. Today started very cold and had about 5 layers of clothes on but within an hour I was down to 2 as the day was extremely hot and I was struggling to keep up. We stopped by an army check point for lunch (tomato soup) and rested for an hour in preparation for a very hard climb up to a monastery and the monks accommodation. A lot of Trekkers stayed there but we headed down through the woods to a place called Rhododendron Lodge tea in Debuche 3820 meters, very new place but again unfinished as no running water just an hose pipe outside. I had a lay down while Sally went for a walk around the little village. I had pizza for dinner, a bit of a pattern forming here with my food, then we sat around the wood burning stove until we went to bed. The inside toilet is now blocked and we could only go for a wee in it.

3rd Day of our Trek to Everest Base Camp

Started the day nice and relaxed as this is our rest day before the push to base camp. We woke to find ice on the windows inside the room but still not as cold as the night before. Had a nice bowl of porridge for breakfast and then we headed out for a 2 hour walk up to a museum on the local history of the area and a brilliant view point of Mount Everest. Really warm and sunny day, can't fault the weather so far just hope it stays that way for the whole trip. Back at the hotel for lunch and then heading into town to find some wi-fi and a cobbler for Sally's boot, as the sole has come unstuck. Wi-fi found and blog updated, few messages sent and Facebook check-in done. Walked around the town and headed back to hotel to sort a few bits out ready for an early start tomorrow. Kit all sorted and had a bit of a wash with baby wipes, spent the evening around a log burning stove and headed for bed around 7 to watch something on ipad.