Back in Kathmandu

We are now back in Kathmandu. We got in mid-afternoon today, but for a while we weren't sure if we were going to make it. We got into a very rainy Lukla (probably just to prep us for London) to receive news that there had been no flights for 2 days. Shyam assured us that if flights were flying today, it wouldn't be a problem, because he had a friend at the airport....

We awoke today to sunny skies, and during our breakfast the first flights started arriving from Kathmandu. We made our way to the airport to find it packed with the backlog from the last 2 days. Shyam's friend was nowhere to be found, he was out of town on a family emergency, looks like we'd have to wait in line with the normal folks. Our stars were lucky and after 6 or so hours of waiting we got on the last flight for the day. The take off was even more adventurous than the landing in Lukla (remember the 12 dgree runway) Sitting at the top of it, you can see it drop off...and feel like shouting "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme, come on boys its bobsled time!" and the your stomach jumps into your throat and you watch the plane get off the ground with what seems to be about 3 meters until the runway drops off a cliff. Disembarkation in Kathmandu was smooth and we got back to the hotel in one piece.

We all spent the afternoon enjoying the luxuries of Discovery Channel and hot showers and then ate went back to that New Orleans restaurant that we ate at at the beginning of the trip. MEAT for all!!! mmmm bacon cheese burgers (buffalo-burgers) Tomorrow Shyam has promised to take us shopping and hunt out the good deals on souvenirs.

Since leaving Namche we had a short hike to Monjo (we left later in the day, Dave's GI system doesn't like Namche, but we've made it back to civilization still supplied with ample TP. We both wish that you never have to experience rationing out your squares) and then a good hike to Lukla.

Last night in Lukla we had a bit of a farewell party with our guides and porters. Dave, our Nepali friends, and I brought down the house with the funniest rendition of Dead Puppies anyone has ever heard, there was food and drink and Nepali dancing, and good times all around.

Its been an amazing time, but I think we're all looking forward to getting back to the western world. Onward to adventures in London!