After a very early flight to Lukla with a total of only 150 kg luggage for the 5 of us (3 doctors, a physiotherapist and our guide/manager/translator Chhewang), we found ourselves local transport: 5 'dzjobkes' (a crossing between a cow and a yak) to carry the load. We only take our daypacks with water, sunscreen, sunnies, camera, some snacks and warm clothing. The temperature is getting remarkably cooler up here. We walked for two days with only the gentle sound of cow-bells in contrast to the horns, motorbikes, and fumes in Kathmandu. Today we have a day of rest to make sure we'll all acclimatise okay to the altitude. Namche Bazar is quite a big place with high raise buildings and a weekly market. The only roads to and from are foot-trails. It's a bit surreal to type this at a desktop computer in a concrete building where they also sell lots of books, cards, maps. Everything has been carried in by porters. Incredibly. The world definitely changed by the introduction of wireless internet and cell phones.
Hans is taking the long way home so he'll probably pass this village in 8-10 dys time. He might give you an update later on.
