Saturday 10/31
We are back in Namche Bazaar outfitting for the upcoming trek
to the wild Hongu. Boots and sleeping bag for Dawa are costing 60
Rupees a day rental. They wanted money up front which I was
reluctant to give. Instead we settled on leaving the American
Express card as collateral. They have absolutely no use for the
card, but they also know that I will be back for it.
Dawa asked for a pair of glacier glasses and at 350 Rupees I could
not say no. It is a good price.
Much of the gear that the Sherpa merchants sell is left over from
expeditions as partial payments or gifts for services rendered,
and therefore the prices are rock bottom.
There is little that is for free here and the long hot shower cost
me 60 rupees, money well spent. Cleaned and groomed, I spent the
evening having dinner with Mona. We have made tentative plans to
meet in Kathmandu but she is heading out shortly and I still have
three weeks ahead.
I
have not seen Dawa since we arrived in Namche, no doubt he has
found a friend. It is only 7:00 PM and even though I have had
dinner with Mona and she has headed for her Tea House, I am still
famished and am waiting for more.
I
am setting in the dining room at my lodge. There is an American
group gabbing it up. As with any large group it is nearly
impossible to blend into this culture. We bunch together on
familiar grounds and attempt to stay within our comfort zone. Perhaps, I would travel with one or two others with similar goals
and ideas, but never a large group. Being disruptive and at the
same time isolated is not my idea of a cultural experience.
