Rest and Recuperation
Namche Bazaar, Nepal
Namche Bazaar, Nepal
Yet again, we woke up early around 6 and messed around for a few hours before breakfast. Ed and I quickly ran to get our favorite coffee at Himalayan and got back just before breakfast at 8. I ordered the standard breakfast of toast, egg (more like 1/3 of an egg) and potatoes. Still quite good! To embrace the local culture, we decided to have a Nepali start time for the easy day hike. however, I think we even pushed it! We were suppose to leave at 830, but didn't leave till 915.
Our first stop on this easy day hike was the Sherpa museum. We didn't actually go inside any museum, but I think it just means awesome viewing pointing. Today was relatively clear so we were able to see the whole valley and even little mt Everest!
We did some research and heard from our guides and Nepal has 8 out of the 14 mountains that are above 8,000m. They call that elevation the "death zone" as there isn't enough oxygen to support life. I like the views from down here!
Our next stop was the top of the ridge where it overlooked Namche and the same views. It was about 300m up so we slowly walked up and enjoyed the views.
When we started out in the town, it was hot (meaning I only needed 1 colder layer). As we got further up, it turned extremely windy and cold. Thank goodness for layers! When we reached the top, it was a perfect view of the town and even the mountains! I broke a promise to not go near ledges and took some awesome pictures of Namche from there.
We stayed up there until it got too cold and we had enough pictures. We began our descent and unsurprisingly did not take us that long. It didn't even take half the time! When we got back, we had lunch and I wasn't even that hungry nor did I want a carb filled lunch which put me to sleep. So we all got sandwiches. Plus, the menu is getting pretty old here. Probably the best part about the veggie sandwiches was discovering the fries that came with it. It's the little things in life.
After lunch, we decided to explore Namche. We first went back to our favorite coffee shop and hung out there. Then it got way too crowded (aka the wifi was slowing down!) so we went to a German bakery. Instead of getting my usual chocolate, I branched out and got apple strudel. It was a good decision! Once we were there, all of us either read or wrote in our journals at some point.
While there were some annoying patrons occasionally, it was really nice to just sit back and relax. And obviously eavesdrop on certain conversations. Today is the Nepali New Year and certain groups guides had partaken in some of the festivities! Welcome to 2074 everyone! I haven't asked yet about what calendar they use but I have noticed a lot of the food or water packaging will have a 2017 and 2074 expiration date.
We had an early dinner again and met more people from America! They were from South Carolina and on their anniversary trip. Safe to say this year was the guys turn to plan... the wife made it clear next year was a tropical paradise rather than a cold teahouse. Either way it was really nice to chat with some Americans. For lunch, I got garlic soup and veggie spring rolls. In hindsight, I could have chosen better... spring rolls looked better than they were.
For perhaps a few reasons, I could tell morale was coming to a low point. I know I am getting sick, getting sick of the food, tired, and getting a little homesick. Also debating why on earth I chose to do this when I could be in a tropical paradise. One way to cheer people up is to watch the good times via GoPro videos.
Never Before Seen Footage!
We watched both Jenny and I's videos and some were hysterical. She shows her emotions so when she freaks out, it makes for a funny video. We watched all the videos of her crossing suspension bridges and then my favorite the Lukla landing. It was nice to take a break and remind ourselves that we have had fun and it will continue! We then all filled up our water bottles and called It a day. I couldn't sleep partially due to the spring rolls and partially to the rain.