Post written January 3: It’s been a relaxing few days. After a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, and a short stop at Swacon to obtain my discharge papers, it was back to the Royal Penguin Hotel 2 in Kathmandu to meet up with the group. They all looked freshly showered and out of ‘trekking’ mode. With hugs all around, it was great to see them.
Post written December 25: Well Merry Christmas to all.
Today I awoke after a really nice sleep. A light breakfast of toast and jam was served, and my daily medications were brought to me. I had a “Merry Christmas” chat with my family via Skype, which was really nice and needed. I was feeling much better today and ended up being discharged in the morning. I can honestly say that it was a great 2+ days in the hospital. In fact, it was similar to a hotel. I can’t say enough good things about the doctor, nurses and staff at Swacon International. They were so caring, attentive, and the service was great. I do have to return for a follow-up appointment, but until then, I was off to be my old self.
Post written December 18: Now that was the longest day ever. I don’t even know what happened on that last flight from Guangzhou to Kathmandu. I think I passed out and missed dinner. Then I passed out again. Then suddenly I was at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 11 pm waiting to pay my $40 Visa entrance fee. I met my driver and we were off through the sparse night streets of the city. And then I grinned a large ecstatic grin. It had been many months in the making, and I was finally in Kathmandu, about to begin a trip that I’ve been dreaming about for a long time.
The trip is here! I’m currently at a Priority Pass lounge in the Vancouver airport awaiting my long flight to Guangzhou, China. From there, it’s off to Nepal! Admittedly, I’m a bit concerned. There’s a 40 minute delay, which puts me at 1 hour and 10 minutes to navigate the large Guangzhou airport and catch my connection. But that’s future Rick’s problem.
I think it’s fair to say that my mind is slowly checking out. That’s what happens when a trip I’ve been thinking about for years is right around the corner!
It’s the last minute dash to make sure I have everything I need. My vaccinations are up-to-date, and I’ve even added the fancy and expensive rabies vaccine to my list. I’m still deciding on what luggage to bring, how much fleece will be needed for those frigidly cold Himalayan nights, and what comfort snacks I’ll throw in my day pack. I’m sure the dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) will be tasty throughout the trek, but after many days and the inevitable bouts of altitude sickness and diarrhea, a protein bar or Real Fruit gummies will taste like a king’s dinner.
Continue reading “Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp: The Itinerary”
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