Well, I've made it here to Kathmandu and I am so happy to be reunited with my family. A bit concerned that they didn't recognise me at the airport (well, it was dark, and I arrived without hair on my head and sporting some new spectacles so I guess I can forgive them). They had made me some welcome signs which really made me feel good.
Cody and Taiga really appear to be at home, taking me around the streets of Kathmandu. Being the newby, to me it just looks like absolute chaos with people, cars and bikes sharing (like sardines share a can) the street. Cars and motorcyles going the wrong way down one way streets, lots of tooting and yet the pedestrians (who appear to be taking their lives in their hands just being on the street) all seem so nonchalant. Amazingly, Lisa says she hasn't seen anyone hit by a car or motorcyle. Cody and Taiga duck and weave in and out of cars and people, the local shopkeepers know them and say hi, and now Dad is in tow struggling to keep up with them.
Today was my birthday and I was treated to cake at brunch at Cody and Taiga's favourite bakery. I requested that we go for lunch at the same place Lisa took me yesterday, actually a Tibetan themed restaurant, with real atmosphere and lovely local food.
As Lisa will post, today we went to the only Children's Oncology hospital in Kathmandu. Quite a humbling experience seeing the poor conditions in which these doctors have to try to cure the sick children. The soft toys donated by some of the staff at my workplace, The Gold Coast City Council, filled more than half my luggage travelling over here, and today they were so gratefully received by the little kids at the Oncology hospital. It really felt like we were doing something good, on my birthday. Seeing the sparkle in their tired eyes was uplifting. Lisa has made a great friend in Baba, and I am so proud to see my wife trying to make a positive contribution to the people of Nepal. Lisa is a brave, committed person with a huge heart, and this experience seems to have only driven her to want to do bigger and better things.
We are off on our Everest Base Camp trek tomorrow and are all packed and ready to go. We have worked through the itinerary with Kul, our travel agent and we have now met our guide Dawa. We will also have two porters to carry most of our gear so we are very lucky. Many of the people we have met are surprised that Cody and Taiga are planning to go all the way to base camp, as it is uncommon for children of their age to attempt it. We shall see. We are heading off with the best of intentions, whilst being cautious about our health. We plan to follow the recommended protocols in respect of hydration, acclimatisation and diet. We now have all the right gear (some last minute shopping today) and are all keen to get on the plane in the morning.
Steve (happy Dad)
Cody and Taiga really appear to be at home, taking me around the streets of Kathmandu. Being the newby, to me it just looks like absolute chaos with people, cars and bikes sharing (like sardines share a can) the street. Cars and motorcyles going the wrong way down one way streets, lots of tooting and yet the pedestrians (who appear to be taking their lives in their hands just being on the street) all seem so nonchalant. Amazingly, Lisa says she hasn't seen anyone hit by a car or motorcyle. Cody and Taiga duck and weave in and out of cars and people, the local shopkeepers know them and say hi, and now Dad is in tow struggling to keep up with them.
Today was my birthday and I was treated to cake at brunch at Cody and Taiga's favourite bakery. I requested that we go for lunch at the same place Lisa took me yesterday, actually a Tibetan themed restaurant, with real atmosphere and lovely local food.
As Lisa will post, today we went to the only Children's Oncology hospital in Kathmandu. Quite a humbling experience seeing the poor conditions in which these doctors have to try to cure the sick children. The soft toys donated by some of the staff at my workplace, The Gold Coast City Council, filled more than half my luggage travelling over here, and today they were so gratefully received by the little kids at the Oncology hospital. It really felt like we were doing something good, on my birthday. Seeing the sparkle in their tired eyes was uplifting. Lisa has made a great friend in Baba, and I am so proud to see my wife trying to make a positive contribution to the people of Nepal. Lisa is a brave, committed person with a huge heart, and this experience seems to have only driven her to want to do bigger and better things.
We are off on our Everest Base Camp trek tomorrow and are all packed and ready to go. We have worked through the itinerary with Kul, our travel agent and we have now met our guide Dawa. We will also have two porters to carry most of our gear so we are very lucky. Many of the people we have met are surprised that Cody and Taiga are planning to go all the way to base camp, as it is uncommon for children of their age to attempt it. We shall see. We are heading off with the best of intentions, whilst being cautious about our health. We plan to follow the recommended protocols in respect of hydration, acclimatisation and diet. We now have all the right gear (some last minute shopping today) and are all keen to get on the plane in the morning.
Steve (happy Dad)
 |
| Reunited |
Hi there son, so glad that you made it at last. How clever of the boys to make you those lovely signs. I'll bet they were all excited to see you. It also looks as though you had a wonderful day giving the toys, cookies etc to the children in the oncology hospital. I felt as though I was there with you sharing the momentous feelings that you Lisa and the boys experienced. Go get that maunga, stay safe, all our love mum and dad.
ReplyDelete