We’re still here

Hi everyone I know it must seem like ages since we've been in touch but this is our first wifi op.  We left for Bhulebule on a "tourist deluxe " bus.  When they say deluxe they mean a bus crammed with as many people as it can seat and a DVD player so you can endure 6/7 hours of very loud wailing films or music DVDs in Nepalese.  We were booked onto the 6:45 bus but it was cancelled so we went on the 8:30 instead with 2aussies and an American who were also meant to be on the earlier bus.  Mustn't be enough people for the earlier bus so dumped us on the later one. A cold start to the morning waiting around in the open bus station but someone got us some tea.

The bus ride was different ,they charge extra to put luggage in the boot but really they should give us money to have our luggage cleaned.  It was filthy covered in dust but we've now come to expect that as everywhere is dusty.  Our bus journey took 81/2 hours longer than flying from London to Kathmandu but at least we got there in one piece.  We found a nice tea house to stay in very quaint with a lovely hostess.  Prices crazy if you eat the room is next to nothing.

Started our walking ,the bags feel very heavy but it's life in a bag!!!!!!!!! We've met some lovely people and stayed in a variety of places some brilliant some not so.  It's amazing how much value you put on a hot shower at the end of a long days walk ( always uphill until through the pass)  no trouble sleeping though as tired out by 7:30/8 and up for breakfast at 7.  Foods not bad in fact some has been very nice and freshly made when you order so you have to take a break while it's cooked. We've mastered the art of ordering meals when we stop so we get them about the time we want.

We've reached our rest stops and decided to stay just outside Manang in a medieval village called Baraka.  It has a bakery attached to the hotel and the goods are delicious as Dave can testify to.  Celebratory Apple pie en-route for his birthday.  We've attended a safety talk about altitude sickness and had a check over both fighting fit and no symptoms of altitude sickness or anything else including the dreaded"Delhi belly".  You wouldn't think it though if you heard me puffing and panting up the very steep inclines.  As I said the bags are heavy mies about20kg and Daves about 24kg. I know mines lighter but in relation to body size/percentage not so.  We've organised a porter to take 1backpack and the tent for the next stage to the top of the pass to ease the weight for us both as we will put essentials in the daypack.

At the moment we have been for a walk(up a steep hill/mountain) as usual and Dave is taking photos around Ganggapurna Lake(Turquoise Lake) while I compose this for you.  Then climb into Manang  for a hot lemon tea and snickers before returning to hotel for some r&r!!!!!!!!!! 

This post was due to be sent on 25/11/14 but local wifi failed.