: namaste! :

As I write this, the delirium that is jet-lag is causing surreal hallucinations. Or maybe it is that combined with the altitude.

We finally arrived in Kathmandu via Delhi yesterday and then flew into the mountain village of Lukla this morning. The days leading up to this have been unapologetically chaotic. The ash cloud affecting our flight from Chicago to Delhi. The news that our flight from Delhi to Kathmandu could not be honored since we were late (even though we were told by two different people that it could), and having to purchase a one-way ticket on a different airline. The insanity that is the Delhi airport. Considering ourselves seasoned travelers, we were totally at wits end with it all. I think we are ready for the Amazing Race. Seriously.

Last night we stayed at the Yak & Yeti Hotel, which is famous for something or other. It is old, musty and charming. The grounds are beautifully manicured and have amenities like clay tennis courts. Sadly, tennis rackets were not on our pack list. You have to love a place that has a happy hour pianist that plays Hotel California over and over again.

This morning we met our guide, Mingma Nuru Sherpa in the lobby and off we drove to the airport once again. I can say that I remained strangely calm, and somewhat excited, about the flight to Lukla. There are fourteen seats on the plane, and while I usually am balling my eyes out, this time I was not nervous at all. I just videotaped some of the flight, took pictures and kept reciting The Lord is my Shepard Prayer. It was awesome, and when we touched down, the plane lurched to a stop before it hit a stone wall at the end of the 165 foot runway. I was grinning ear to ear.

We had an easy hike today to the town of Phakding (about 8700 feet). Along the way, we saw hints of beautiful things to come. Occasionally a snow-cap mountain peaks out between the lower mountains. We drank about twenty cups of mint tea and had our first meal of Dal Baht, which is a lentil soup over rice, and vegetables. It is a great meal to have when you need energy. We need a lot of energy right now.

Will try to post up some photos soon - the internet is really slow and our rupees only go so far... xoxo