Nepal

After spending a relaxing day at the Queen spa we headed to Nepal. We arrived in Kathmandu quite late. The airport is small and basic. We had no idea that they were currently on strike (this is like a monthly occurrence) so there were no taxis, buses, etc. Luckily there was a guy from the hostel we were staying at picking up some other guest. He arranged a car for us and took care of everything. The hostel was great and as was the owner. They even had a cute little puppy. He over fed us and even upgraded our rooms at no additional charge. Since they were on strike NOTHING was open. No banks, shops, restaurants, money exchanges, etc. We were finally able to find an ATM, luckily! We walked around and watched all the protest that were going on. They were not violent or anything. They were singing dancing and marching down the street. They go from early in the morning till 6 at night when they allow the stores to open for 2 hours. It feels really safe in Nepal.

The next day we took a 6 am flight to Lukla. This is where we would start our hike to Everest base camp. It was a little puddle jumper with an open cockpit that we took. We were the only 4 on the plane and they filled the other seats with bags of rice and flour for more weight I guess. It was amazing flying in because we got to see a view of the snow capped mountains. The pilots were great and took pictures for us through the front window. The landing was a bit nerve racking. The landing strip is SMALL and if the brakes don't work you smash into the mountain. But we made it safe and sound.

Once we got our bags we started the trek from Lukla to Phakding where we would spend the night. It was tough and long with lots of ups and downs. The scenery was beautiful. It took us about 3 hours to reach the little town. While trekking on this route you spend the night in little teahouses. Our first night cost US 70 cents!!!! And the food is so good. The eat the best fried potatoes, which taste delicious after a long day of trekking. We were asleep by 5 pm and up at 3:30 am the next morning.

We started day two about 7 am. This was the hardest day and will be one of the hardest the whole trek. We had to go all the way to Namche Bazzar. It was about and hour and a half to the first stop then an additional 2 to Namche, at least that is what the book said. At 6:30 pm I finally arrived in Namche. That's right it took us almost 10 hours. In our defense we are from Florida (no altitude there) and have warm weather year round. We climbed UP 1000 meters past rivers and mountains. If it were not for the scenery then it would be absolutely horrible. The last part called the Namche wall was the hardest, it was zig after zag all up hill. Sometimes it was rock right next to the edge of the mountain. We were also carrying our 25 pound packs which did not help. We met many people along the way who hired porters and were doing just fine.

I had many emotional moments on yesterdays trek. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done and never thought that I could actually do it. I cried tears of happiness when reached one point that you could see how high we were and how far we came. And then I cried tears of pure exhaustion when we would round a bend and see another hill to climb. I fell into bed last night and was so physically and mentally tired that I was not sure how I would be in the morning. But the important thing is that I did it!!!

Tomorrow is another hike and another day!

I made it

I finally made it to Hong Kong. We took a small detour but for good reason. While waiting for our plane in Newark we asked if they needed volunteers. Luckily for us they did and we could still make a good connection. For a $600 flight voucher we got rerouted through San Fran and arrived only 12 hours later.

I am so glad to be back in Hong Kong I really missed it. The city is so great. I am going to the Peak that over looks the city today and then tonight headed to Shenzhen, China. We are going to spend the night in this awesome spa instead of a hotel. We get all the free ice cream, fruit and tea, and a 1 and 1/2 hour massage for $20 US. Not bad.

I'm leavin on a jet plane...

So it is finally here. I am leaving Orlando in 6 hours bound for Asia. I am finally packed and ready. Well at least physically ready. It still has not quite sunk in where I am going.

It was tough packing because you really should only carry what you need but I think that I need everything. One thing that I almost had to part with was my peanut butter. I have never taken a trip out of the country without a jar of JIF, but some how I found some room.

I am getting no sleep tonight because I have waited till the last minute as usual to pack. I guess I can catch up on my sleep on the 16 hour flight to Hong Kong. It is off to bed. Please keep reading my blog and comment if you like.

Two Weeks and Counting!!!

OMG!!!! It is almost time, am I ready, yes, well maybe, ok mostly. Gear, check. Plan, sorta check. The plan has been reworded in order to save money and a little time. As of today here is the plan
May 1-4 Hong Kong/China
May 5-29 Nepal
May 30-31 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Jun 1-2 Singapore
June 3-4 Penang, Malaysia
June 5-15 Thailand
June 16-19 Cambodia
June 20-30 Vietnam
July 1-6 China
July 7-11 Tibet
July 12-17 China/Hong Kong

I am feeling about a thousand different emotions, everything from excitement to apprehension, but mostly excited. It is finally feeling real.

Travel Prep

Hi everyone.

I decided to create a blog this time instead of doing my usual weekly email. That is difficult for me to do and this way I can post pictures. For those of you who don't already know, I will be taking a big trip to Asia this summer. I just can't seem to get enough of that side of the world. This trip we are taking started out as 1 country for 3 weeks, but has grown to 7 countries for 2 and half months.

The plan as of now is to hit Nepal, China, Tibet, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. I am going with my boyfriend AJ, his buddy Trent, and my old travel companion Erin.

Our time in Nepal is going to be the longest because we are trekking to Everest Base Camp. This trek will take over 20 days and will take us over 75 miles along some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Can't say I was overly excited when we first talked about this part of the trip but I am warming up to the idea. I mean if we are going to be there then we have to do it.

This trip by far will be my biggest adventure and learning experience. I am choosing to do this one all on my own. No tours, no guides, just me and my friends.

Please follow me on this blog. I will be posting during our preparation for the trip as well as the trip itself. Hope you enjoy my little adventures and the world through my eyes.