November 1, 2012

 Day 22.  Lukla to Kathmandu.

At 6:30am I started to hear activity at the nearby airport; a good sign that the weather is good for flying.  We had our last breakfast - fried egg and white toast.  Then waited downstairs for a while as the porters gradually took our bags down the street to the airport.  While we were waiting we went into the coffee shop which happened to have a TV.  We caught some BBC news, and saw a report of "Superstorm Sandy".  Holy cow!  We eventually walked over to the airport.  I'm still amazed at the runway (the slope of it), how close it is to the village & lodges, the quick turnaround of the flights, the level of activity (the number of flights coming & going, helicopters, yaks or dzopkios going by the end of the runway, etc.), the apparent chaos inside the terminal building, and then ability to get the right bags on the right flights.  

At about 10 a green and white plane came in, we were beckoned and moments later we were on the plane (about 16 seats) and headed "down" the runway.  It's an interesting feeling, once you know the angle of the runway, to let gravity do its thing and then instead of lifting off, we essentially fall off the end of the runway before lifting back up and into flight.  

Once again, I really enjoyed the views of the landscape from above and all the little specks of civilization, the terraced hillsides and the switchbacked roads - just beautiful!  We had a smooth transition at the airport.  One of Amber's people was there to meet us with a van and driver to take us to our hotel.  Amazing driving - just honk and go amongst no real lanes and lots of cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cows.  Our rooms weren't ready yet so we had lunch first - chicken fried rice and tibetan bread for me - yum!  I got a room with two beds, so will have to change tomorrow to a single.  Best of all - a shower! and clean clothes!!  The lack of facilities of the last 3 weeks quickly melts away.....

I watched a bit more about Superstorm Sandy on CNN and then we took a van to Bodhnath.  Bodhnath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and is home to a thriving Tibetan community.  I picked up some prayer flags and a few DVDs about Tibet.  I'm obviously quite ignorant when it comes to the Tibetan situation.  I need to learn more.....  I spent some time just people-watching.  Lots of monks, women in traditional dress with very colourful aprons, lots of ritual touching of the various pieces around the stupa and lots of prostrating.

We took a taxi back to the hotel (rush hour traffic - yikes!) and then walked with Sangye to dinner at Pilgrim's.  It was mostly Indian food and was ok, but I ate way too much.  Before heading to bed I repacked my stinky clothes bag.  The smell should be enough to keep customs at bay!  Almost 10:30 before heading to; waaay past my bedtime!