Kathmandu, Nepal

March 4, 2017

Namaste Family & Friends:

So far, this trip has gone just too perfect. I haven’t fallen asleep and missed a flight. I had a great time in Hong Kong. I enjoyed a full night of sleep last night in Kathmandu. The meeting at the Ministry of Tourism was fun, and I have the permit in hand. All my electronics checked out. My climbing-trekking bags are packed. And, I fly to Lukla tomorrow morning. Life is good!

Flight to Hong Kong

The flight passed by quickly. I watched 4 movies, including some featured in the Academy Awards. I don’t go to movies, so this is my way to catch up. I heard La La Land was awarded Best Picture. Hell or High Water was far better. Jeff Bridges is the best. Have you seen The Big Lebowski or True Grit? I didn’t think so.

When I arrived in Hong Kong, I had a 10-hour layover. So, I took the train into the City and enjoyed the day. Sharon and I lived in HK for 3 years-1996-1999. We loved this City. Sharon would go back and forth, not wanting to be away from our 14 grandchildren for long stretches. In the year 2000, I was asked to be Managing Partner of my Firm’s Tokyo office. So, I had offices in both HK and Tokyo. Those were some of my best years of practicing law. I really enjoyed my trip down memory lane in HK.

KTM

The flight from HK to KTM is 5 hours. I slept the whole way. The guy seated next to me was blowing his nose the whole way. That freaked me out as I can’t get sick. Fingers crossed.

I arrived in KTM at 11 pm last night. Believe it or not, I slept soundly until 6:30 am. Is that a good omen?

Ministry of Tourism

Kaju and I met at the Ministry at 10 am this morning. The Ministry is closed, so the officials came in just for me. How cool is that? I love the people of Nepal. The Chief Ministry Official asked about Trump. I said my motto is “Make Nepal Great Again.” That went over well. I left with Permit in hand.

Electronics

I take lots of electronics on these journeys, all the better to stay in touch with you. This includes, satellite telephones, mobile telephones, inReach satellite messaging devices, i-Pads, solar chargers, still photo cameras, video cameras and Go Pro cameras. So far, everything checks out AOK.

Burke-Khang Lift-Off

Tomorrow, I’m up a 6 am to get ready for a 7:30 am flight to Lukla. This flight is always exhilarating because Lukla is the most dangerous and deadly airport in the world. Once in Lukla, I’ll start the solo 50-mile trek to Burke Khang.

My next report will be from the village of Phakding.

I just can’t believe I’m back in Nepal for the 12th time in 12 years.

Bill

Our Queens Garden apartment in Hong Kong.

Our Queens Garden apartment in Hong Kong

Stanley Market in HK

Stanley Market in HK

Stanley Market in HK

Stanley Market in HK

Victoria Harbor

Victoria Harbor

The mid-level apartments overlooking Victoria Harbor

The mid-level apartments overlooking Victoria Harbor

 

One of our favorite restaurants

One of our favorite restaurants

Bill having breakfast at the Yak & Yeti

Bill having breakfast at the Yak & Yeti

Bill with the Ministry Official

Bill with the Ministry Official

Bill at the Ministry

Bill at the Ministry

Bill at the Ministry

Bill at the Ministry

The Permit

The Permit