Pakding-Namche: Day 2

Cutest Sherpa kids ever!! They were fighting the whole time I was trying to take a photo =)


Team walk the line and sherpa kids: Evan, me, Gary, John

The boys at lunch: from the left: John, Evan, Subba (our guide) and Gary.



Porters carrying their loads. Check out their footwear...

Today was probably the hardest hiking day (supposedly) from Phakding to Namche. The elevation in Namche is 3400m and we will spend two nights here to acclimatize. We are staying at this cute little mountain hut with a wood fireplace.

I feel much better today. No headache or nausea. We were all quite tired after today’s hike and it was frigid cold towards the end. We were all soooo happy to arrive. The lads (Evan, John, and Gary) are not wimpy boys by the way. They’re hearty boys who play rugby and hurling and have good appetites. I told them this morning it has been awhile since I’ve hung out with boys I didn’t out eat!! Tiff and I would be having lunch or dinner with some boys and we’d both finish our meal. On more than one occasion the guy we were eating would leave something on his plate and we’d be like, “are you going to finish that?” haha.

I’m having fun with these boys and they are all so sweet, asking me many times today how I was doing and such. I couldn’t be doing this with nicer, non-sketchy boys. I’m very fortunate to have met them! My aunt Rosemary would be proud b/c they are Irish! I enjoy hearing about Ireland and one day I’ll make it there. They are from Gort (Southern Ireland) and are all really good friends from secondary school.

We have just enjoyed some hot tea and soup and are now reading and I’m writing. It’s been really crazy to see the sherpas carrying their huge loads in baskets all by the strength of their necks and heads. I bet some are carrying loads heavier than themselves! They get paid 5-6 rupees per kg.

Our guide Subba is cool. He’s 32 and a wiry guy who weighs 10kg less than me! I’m carrying a heavier bag than he is! Haha. We really don’t need a guide on this trip but I kind-of like having him b/c he’s fun and he answers my questions about Nepalese and Sherpa culture.