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Date: 15th June 2011
You went to Satun for the border crossing - yes?
You didn't mention where you were at the border crossing - but the title says Satun. Is that right? I'll try it on motorbike from krabi in a few months. Cheers...
From Blog: Visa Run at Satun
You went to Satun for the border crossing - yes?
You didn't mention where you were at the border crossing - but the title says Satun. Is that right? I'll try it on motorbike from krabi in a few months. Cheers...
From Blog: Visa Run at Satun
Date: 16th February 2011
Hmong
Hi Kurt, Sorry for the late reply, i have had inconsistent internet for some time. We are in Morocco at the moment trying to get to the Sahara desert. There are many other things to see in Lao. We have fond memories of Lao and their people. I would include Cambodia (Angkor Wat) and possibly Vietnam (North and South) in a trip to Lao. I would forget about Thailand as it is too touristic and has lost a lot of appeal; unless you like drinking, partying and or head for the island beaches, besides you will have a better time tubing in Vang Viang Lao; so much fun. Northern Thailand is nice but you can see the same in Lao and its much better. Allow a bit of time in Lao as its hard to get around. When i say hard i mean it can take 6hrs to travel 150-200km, the pigs, chickens and goats slow you down a lot. Make sure you spend a couple days in a Hmong village. We really regret not having enough time with these beautiful gentle Hmong village people. Do your self a favor and give yourself at least two weeks in Lao, three days in Cambodia just to see Angkor Wat, this is still on our top ten things we have seen in the world, and a minimum of two weeks in Vietnam traveling from North to south. You are quiet a distance from Asia so its worth the extra time in this area. Best of luck Dan
Hmong
Hi Kurt, Sorry for the late reply, i have had inconsistent internet for some time. We are in Morocco at the moment trying to get to the Sahara desert. There are many other things to see in Lao. We have fond memories of Lao and their people. I would include Cambodia (Angkor Wat) and possibly Vietnam (North and South) in a trip to Lao. I would forget about Thailand as it is too touristic and has lost a lot of appeal; unless you like drinking, partying and or head for the island beaches, besides you will have a better time tubing in Vang Viang Lao; so much fun. Northern Thailand is nice but you can see the same in Lao and its much better. Allow a bit of time in Lao as its hard to get around. When i say hard i mean it can take 6hrs to travel 150-200km, the pigs, chickens and goats slow you down a lot. Make sure you spend a couple days in a Hmong village. We really regret not having enough time with these beautiful gentle Hmong village people. Do your self a favor and give yourself at least two weeks in Lao, three days in Cambodia just to see Angkor Wat, this is still on our top ten things we have seen in the world, and a minimum of two weeks in Vietnam traveling from North to south. You are quiet a distance from Asia so its worth the extra time in this area. Best of luck Dan
Date: 17th January 2011
Trip to Laos
I just came upon your blog. Outstanding!! Fast question: I am a teacher in Slinger, Wisconsin and this semester I have a student who is Hmong. He said that I should make a trip to his relatives in the mountains of Laos. I am not at all a veteran of exotic trips.......but it intrigues me. Do you think that a trip to this area is really worth the time & money?? Best Regards, Kurt Luedke
Trip to Laos
I just came upon your blog. Outstanding!! Fast question: I am a teacher in Slinger, Wisconsin and this semester I have a student who is Hmong. He said that I should make a trip to his relatives in the mountains of Laos. I am not at all a veteran of exotic trips.......but it intrigues me. Do you think that a trip to this area is really worth the time & money?? Best Regards, Kurt Luedke
Date: 3rd December 2010
LINKING THE WORLD
Dear Daniel & Kondra Your photo shoot Post is indeed an award winning task mighty enough to entice anybody to undertake intensive travel trips worldwide. With a view to render help and enable adventurous people accomplish their travel safely and comfortably Citymedia foundation (http://citymediafoundation.org) has launched www.city.vi , a network of 68,000 city specific video sites, where you can share videos about cities and regions across the world. like for Xingjiang videos you can visit http://Xingjiang.vi . You can also find out about other cities that you are interested . hope to see you there
From Blog: Turpan China
LINKING THE WORLD
Dear Daniel & Kondra Your photo shoot Post is indeed an award winning task mighty enough to entice anybody to undertake intensive travel trips worldwide. With a view to render help and enable adventurous people accomplish their travel safely and comfortably Citymedia foundation (http://citymediafoundation.org) has launched www.city.vi , a network of 68,000 city specific video sites, where you can share videos about cities and regions across the world. like for Xingjiang videos you can visit http://Xingjiang.vi . You can also find out about other cities that you are interested . hope to see you there
From Blog: Turpan China
Date: 3rd December 2010
Responce to question
Hi, From memory it only took three days to get down from ABC, ABC to Bamboo, bamboo to Jinu (hot springs), and from there to Nayapul. It would be a very hard slog to get from ABC to Chomrong in one day, at the most you would reach Sinuwa. Yes there are two ways, on the way up we went from Nayapul to Gandruk and from there we went through Kumron, it was harder but you got to see more village life along the way. I think you would not need a mattress, it depends on the seasons. If it is peak season then i would bring something to sleep on just in case, this will be helpful if you don't get a room in time and are forced to sleep on the common room floor. But usually they have everything there, including mattresses. If you take a tent just make sure the weather is not to cold; you will freeze, its best just to stay in a lodge, you get to meet other people and make great friends. You can take a heap of noodles, soup and dried fruit, also consider boiled eggs they work great. If you take a stove to boil water it is more to carry, the higher you go the longer it will take to boil a simple cup of tea. Just keep in mind that although they charge for boiled water and you are taking food, you will still have to buy at least one meal from the lodges. They have in small writing on the bottom of the menu, it says that if you do not buy a meal from them they will charge you two nights accommodation, and you cant eat in other lodges just the one you are staying in. Plan to take something for breakfast and lunch and pay for a meal in the lodges when you are tired in the afternoon. You can always get a cheap plate of fried rice and add stuff to it to make a bigger meal. Just remember that accommodation is cheap it's the food they will sting you on. We didnt take any porter or guides, everyone knows the way and it is relatively safe. The down side of not taking a local is you miss out on some of their culture, porters and guides, well the English speaking ones, can teach you things along the way which is a bonus. We were there for a total of one and a half months and we experienced a lot of culture. Also remember that you will not be alone in the lodges and you are able to talk to other guides and porters while you eat like and elephant. You burn a lot of energy when you trek so don't be surprised when the food runs out quicker than what you thought.
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Responce to question
Hi, From memory it only took three days to get down from ABC, ABC to Bamboo, bamboo to Jinu (hot springs), and from there to Nayapul. It would be a very hard slog to get from ABC to Chomrong in one day, at the most you would reach Sinuwa. Yes there are two ways, on the way up we went from Nayapul to Gandruk and from there we went through Kumron, it was harder but you got to see more village life along the way. I think you would not need a mattress, it depends on the seasons. If it is peak season then i would bring something to sleep on just in case, this will be helpful if you don't get a room in time and are forced to sleep on the common room floor. But usually they have everything there, including mattresses. If you take a tent just make sure the weather is not to cold; you will freeze, its best just to stay in a lodge, you get to meet other people and make great friends. You can take a heap of noodles, soup and dried fruit, also consider boiled eggs they work great. If you take a stove to boil water it is more to carry, the higher you go the longer it will take to boil a simple cup of tea. Just keep in mind that although they charge for boiled water and you are taking food, you will still have to buy at least one meal from the lodges. They have in small writing on the bottom of the menu, it says that if you do not buy a meal from them they will charge you two nights accommodation, and you cant eat in other lodges just the one you are staying in. Plan to take something for breakfast and lunch and pay for a meal in the lodges when you are tired in the afternoon. You can always get a cheap plate of fried rice and add stuff to it to make a bigger meal. Just remember that accommodation is cheap it's the food they will sting you on. We didnt take any porter or guides, everyone knows the way and it is relatively safe. The down side of not taking a local is you miss out on some of their culture, porters and guides, well the English speaking ones, can teach you things along the way which is a bonus. We were there for a total of one and a half months and we experienced a lot of culture. Also remember that you will not be alone in the lodges and you are able to talk to other guides and porters while you eat like and elephant. You burn a lot of energy when you trek so don't be surprised when the food runs out quicker than what you thought.
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Date: 1st December 2010
Great ABC blog, thanks.
How long did it take you to get down from ABC to NayPhul? There seems to be 2 routes from Ghandrung to Chomrong, did you go via New Bridge/Himalpani, Udi or via Kumron, Kyumnu ? Sinuwa to Deorali how long did this take you? Do we need matresses? Do we need a stove? I plan on taking a heap of noodles and soup to keep costs down. We are considering the folowing, any comments or thoughts or advise you'd like to share. There is 7 of us and we are going to take a couple of porter guides that I plan to arrange in Pokhara when we arrive. Thanks again for a great read and any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers,Andrew Day 1 - Naya Phul - Banthanti Day 2 - Banthanti - Ghorepani Day 3 - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani Day 4 - Tadapani - Chueley - Melanjey - Chomrong - maybe Sinuwa Day 5 - Sinuwa - Deorali Day 6 - Deorali - ABC Day 7 - ABC - Chomrong Day 8 - Chomrong - Landruk Day 9 - Landruk - Dhampus - Bus to Pokhara Day 10 - extra day if we need it
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Great ABC blog, thanks.
How long did it take you to get down from ABC to NayPhul? There seems to be 2 routes from Ghandrung to Chomrong, did you go via New Bridge/Himalpani, Udi or via Kumron, Kyumnu ? Sinuwa to Deorali how long did this take you? Do we need matresses? Do we need a stove? I plan on taking a heap of noodles and soup to keep costs down. We are considering the folowing, any comments or thoughts or advise you'd like to share. There is 7 of us and we are going to take a couple of porter guides that I plan to arrange in Pokhara when we arrive. Thanks again for a great read and any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers,Andrew Day 1 - Naya Phul - Banthanti Day 2 - Banthanti - Ghorepani Day 3 - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani Day 4 - Tadapani - Chueley - Melanjey - Chomrong - maybe Sinuwa Day 5 - Sinuwa - Deorali Day 6 - Deorali - ABC Day 7 - ABC - Chomrong Day 8 - Chomrong - Landruk Day 9 - Landruk - Dhampus - Bus to Pokhara Day 10 - extra day if we need it
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Date: 25th November 2010
Nice blog
Hi Dan, I have been reading you blog as it's a quiet day @ work and it look brilliant. I was in Panaji around the same time as you! Keep up the good work. (I am a stranger by the way so don't try and remember how you know me)
Nice blog
Hi Dan, I have been reading you blog as it's a quiet day @ work and it look brilliant. I was in Panaji around the same time as you! Keep up the good work. (I am a stranger by the way so don't try and remember how you know me)
Date: 8th November 2010
Marble Inlay
You have a talent and patience that i can only dream about. The work on the Taj and Golden Temple is some of the finest i have seen yet. It is a shame that we don't see more of this in the western world. Keep up with the skill Mohammad Azhar, it is a beautiful one.
From Blog: Amristar, Golden Temple, Border closing India and Pakistan
Marble Inlay
You have a talent and patience that i can only dream about. The work on the Taj and Golden Temple is some of the finest i have seen yet. It is a shame that we don't see more of this in the western world. Keep up with the skill Mohammad Azhar, it is a beautiful one.
From Blog: Amristar, Golden Temple, Border closing India and Pakistan
Date: 8th November 2010
Very different
It is almost impossible to compare these two countries. I think with all the frustrations and hassle, India is still my most favorite and most amazing place to travel. They say that you don't actually feel this until you have left India, for some that can be longer than others but for me I feel I'm ready to give it another shot; my wife will need another couple of years though.
From Blog: Lijiang China
Very different
It is almost impossible to compare these two countries. I think with all the frustrations and hassle, India is still my most favorite and most amazing place to travel. They say that you don't actually feel this until you have left India, for some that can be longer than others but for me I feel I'm ready to give it another shot; my wife will need another couple of years though.
From Blog: Lijiang China
I did this
Hi this is what i did couples of years ago. marble inlay art tiling and flooring as medallions.
From Blog: Amristar, Golden Temple, Border closing India and Pakistan
Date: 28th October 2010
china looks better than india
china looks better than india
From Blog: Lijiang China
china looks better than india
china looks better than india
From Blog: Lijiang China
Date: 27th October 2010
Tourist or Traveler
Hi Gavin, Just to respond to your pathetic email. I am more Aussie than you will ever be so do not insult others and their country of origin because that in itself is un Australian. The fact that my wife and I took the plunge and went to Nepal, spent money in their country, learned about their culture, made Nepali life friends is more than I bet you have done for Nepal or any other country for that fact. It would have been my pleasure to eat three lovely meals a day, spend money on a nice room with a hot shower after a hard days trek after carrying a 24kg pack of plain noodles on my back that i could have payed a porter or a guide to carry. If I did all of these things we would have only be able to stay in Nepal for one week and not one and a half months. We had one meal at every lodge and spent well over $3000.00 for the time we were in Nepal; how much have you spent? I am contributing to cultures and countries that you can only dream or read about. The sacrifices we have made in the last five years and continue to make just to travel in many countries is more than you could ever or bare to imagine. In the two years we are traveling we will have spent over $100 000 Australian with no incoming income so don't lecture me about spending money for the local community or making sacrifices; Spending little money in a country is better than not going at all. The fact that you cant even understand this makes me believe that you are a tourist and not a traveler. You have wasted enough of my precious time. Dan
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Tourist or Traveler
Hi Gavin, Just to respond to your pathetic email. I am more Aussie than you will ever be so do not insult others and their country of origin because that in itself is un Australian. The fact that my wife and I took the plunge and went to Nepal, spent money in their country, learned about their culture, made Nepali life friends is more than I bet you have done for Nepal or any other country for that fact. It would have been my pleasure to eat three lovely meals a day, spend money on a nice room with a hot shower after a hard days trek after carrying a 24kg pack of plain noodles on my back that i could have payed a porter or a guide to carry. If I did all of these things we would have only be able to stay in Nepal for one week and not one and a half months. We had one meal at every lodge and spent well over $3000.00 for the time we were in Nepal; how much have you spent? I am contributing to cultures and countries that you can only dream or read about. The sacrifices we have made in the last five years and continue to make just to travel in many countries is more than you could ever or bare to imagine. In the two years we are traveling we will have spent over $100 000 Australian with no incoming income so don't lecture me about spending money for the local community or making sacrifices; Spending little money in a country is better than not going at all. The fact that you cant even understand this makes me believe that you are a tourist and not a traveler. You have wasted enough of my precious time. Dan
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Date: 18th October 2010
Prices
So, let me get this straight. You and your girlfriend are paying $AUD 3 a night for a bed. Presumably you are enjoying the company of the locals and other interesting people from around the globe in a nice heated dining room. You complain about the (free?) shower not being hot and then complain about the fact that you have to pay for boiled water to heat up your own noodles. Who should pay for the cost of heating the water? Oh, right, it comes out of your 3 bucks! Haven't you heard about the accepted practice of buying food from the guest house when you enjoy their ridiculously cheap lodgings? Or didn't you realise that these people are probably trying to pay the rent or interest on the lodge whilst supporting their family and trying to get ahead? Please don't identify yourself as an Aussie. Gavin
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Prices
So, let me get this straight. You and your girlfriend are paying $AUD 3 a night for a bed. Presumably you are enjoying the company of the locals and other interesting people from around the globe in a nice heated dining room. You complain about the (free?) shower not being hot and then complain about the fact that you have to pay for boiled water to heat up your own noodles. Who should pay for the cost of heating the water? Oh, right, it comes out of your 3 bucks! Haven't you heard about the accepted practice of buying food from the guest house when you enjoy their ridiculously cheap lodgings? Or didn't you realise that these people are probably trying to pay the rent or interest on the lodge whilst supporting their family and trying to get ahead? Please don't identify yourself as an Aussie. Gavin
From Blog: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Pokhara (part 1)
Date: 16th August 2010
Back water trip at affordable price
Two days Kumarakom-Alappuzha Back water tour package starts from Rs.650 Only visit:- http://www.kumarakom.tk
From Blog: Kerala, Allepy and House boats
Back water trip at affordable price
Two days Kumarakom-Alappuzha Back water tour package starts from Rs.650 Only visit:- http://www.kumarakom.tk
From Blog: Kerala, Allepy and House boats
Date: 1st August 2010
Thanks
Thanks for the word of encouragement. I will remember your tips in the future. We are in China at the moment and it certainly test out the whole communication thing. Not much English here but its fun trying to speak Chinese and communicate with what ever is available. China is amazing and the people are so friendly but shy and curious at the same time. All the best Dan
From Blog: Around Hampi part two
Thanks
Thanks for the word of encouragement. I will remember your tips in the future. We are in China at the moment and it certainly test out the whole communication thing. Not much English here but its fun trying to speak Chinese and communicate with what ever is available. China is amazing and the people are so friendly but shy and curious at the same time. All the best Dan
From Blog: Around Hampi part two
Date: 1st August 2010
It's all fine
It's just a different culture that Im not used too. Being in any place that your not used to can heighten emotions to a braking point. India certainly does do things different to the rest of the world but that's what makes it so unique. India stands alone, simply nothing can compare to it. Your fellow country men are great, we found some of the nicest people in India, just the odd one or two can spoil things but that can, and does happen in every country. Out of all the countries, India is the one we talk about the most, just because it is so amazing. Regards Dan
From Blog: AGRA & TAJ FRUSTRATIONS
It's all fine
It's just a different culture that Im not used too. Being in any place that your not used to can heighten emotions to a braking point. India certainly does do things different to the rest of the world but that's what makes it so unique. India stands alone, simply nothing can compare to it. Your fellow country men are great, we found some of the nicest people in India, just the odd one or two can spoil things but that can, and does happen in every country. Out of all the countries, India is the one we talk about the most, just because it is so amazing. Regards Dan
From Blog: AGRA & TAJ FRUSTRATIONS
Date: 30th July 2010
well mr Dan...ur blogs r incredibly funny...in start i read a few entries n now can't resist myself to read al of them...like in this entry i laughed for 15 min on tis line-"My later attempts to convince Jacinta to buy a tuktuk to drive around India failed miserably" i do understand how hard it wud b 4 u to remain calm, when u hav 2 bear so much n tht too when u r on a trip... only one piece of advice- nxt tym try to indulge common people whenever having some argument local agents, thy wil b more then happy 2 help.. njoy ur trip... n one question...y u r nt having any child yet???...;-) hehehehee...
From Blog: Around Hampi part two
well mr Dan...ur blogs r incredibly funny...in start i read a few entries n now can't resist myself to read al of them...like in this entry i laughed for 15 min on tis line-"My later attempts to convince Jacinta to buy a tuktuk to drive around India failed miserably" i do understand how hard it wud b 4 u to remain calm, when u hav 2 bear so much n tht too when u r on a trip... only one piece of advice- nxt tym try to indulge common people whenever having some argument local agents, thy wil b more then happy 2 help.. njoy ur trip... n one question...y u r nt having any child yet???...;-) hehehehee...
From Blog: Around Hampi part two
Date: 30th July 2010
hell of a blog..kudos
From Blog: Amristar, Golden Temple, Border closing India and Pakistan
hell of a blog..kudos
From Blog: Amristar, Golden Temple, Border closing India and Pakistan
Date: 29th July 2010
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences... wish my countrymen are more considerate to the tourists.. things will change for the better
From Blog: AGRA & TAJ FRUSTRATIONS
Sorry to hear about your bad experiences... wish my countrymen are more considerate to the tourists.. things will change for the better
From Blog: AGRA & TAJ FRUSTRATIONS
Date: 20th May 2010
How are you??
I have only just got your message, I havent checked the messages for some time on Travelblog and I usualy go through facebook or hotmail. Yeah he is a slack arse. How is the boy? Is his arse as big as his gut in the xmas photo Matt sent me? We just got back from a 7day hike to Annapurna Base Camp. We are stuffed but it was worth every step. The glaciers were amazing. We are off to Everest Base camp in a few days; that will be an 18day trek and very tough to finish. We will be trekking 5500m high and the altitude really makes it hard. It was hard enough at 4200m high so I'm not sure how we will go. We are vey fit now and Jacinta has lost between 15-20kg; maybe Richard should come with us? If he can ever get off the couch. Can you also get him to ask about the container with B1 and B2 I sent Richard many messages and i havent heard from him. I'm getting worried about it. Have you got a Facebook account or Skype account yet? Sign up so we can keep in touch how you are doing. Gotta go but will try to catch up when we get back from Everest
From Blog: Around Kolkata Part Three
How are you??
I have only just got your message, I havent checked the messages for some time on Travelblog and I usualy go through facebook or hotmail. Yeah he is a slack arse. How is the boy? Is his arse as big as his gut in the xmas photo Matt sent me? We just got back from a 7day hike to Annapurna Base Camp. We are stuffed but it was worth every step. The glaciers were amazing. We are off to Everest Base camp in a few days; that will be an 18day trek and very tough to finish. We will be trekking 5500m high and the altitude really makes it hard. It was hard enough at 4200m high so I'm not sure how we will go. We are vey fit now and Jacinta has lost between 15-20kg; maybe Richard should come with us? If he can ever get off the couch. Can you also get him to ask about the container with B1 and B2 I sent Richard many messages and i havent heard from him. I'm getting worried about it. Have you got a Facebook account or Skype account yet? Sign up so we can keep in touch how you are doing. Gotta go but will try to catch up when we get back from Everest
From Blog: Around Kolkata Part Three
Date: 11th May 2010
Hey there!
nice blog! Good to see you all on travelblog. I guess we met on butterfuly/honeymoon beach near Agonda beach. It was early mrng on Tuesday. Hope you have nice time in your world trip Cheers Sunny
From Blog: Saying goodbye to Palolem
Hey there!
nice blog! Good to see you all on travelblog. I guess we met on butterfuly/honeymoon beach near Agonda beach. It was early mrng on Tuesday. Hope you have nice time in your world trip Cheers Sunny
From Blog: Saying goodbye to Palolem
Date: 15th April 2010
hello from the Geurts family
Hi guys, after realising that Richard will never bother to contact you, here is our first comment. Thinking of you both, hope that all is exciting and wonderous as you travel around. I try to read your blogs when I can and relay the information on to Richard. All is well back home after the wettest summer ever, dams at 98%. Ebony is at school and loving it, Jack has just received a string of awards for sport, maths and class work which is great. I am "the boss" for a term at work and Richard is doing the usual stuff, working with poo and water. We are heading away for a couple of nights without the kids for our 10th wedding anniversary, can't wait for the peace. Hope you're not getting too many of those asian gastro bugs, they are bad news. By the way, thanks for that nude photo Dan.......too much information. Anyway, it won't take as long for you to receive the next comment, sorry. Much love to you both from all of us xxxxx
From Blog: Around Kolkata Part Three
hello from the Geurts family
Hi guys, after realising that Richard will never bother to contact you, here is our first comment. Thinking of you both, hope that all is exciting and wonderous as you travel around. I try to read your blogs when I can and relay the information on to Richard. All is well back home after the wettest summer ever, dams at 98%. Ebony is at school and loving it, Jack has just received a string of awards for sport, maths and class work which is great. I am "the boss" for a term at work and Richard is doing the usual stuff, working with poo and water. We are heading away for a couple of nights without the kids for our 10th wedding anniversary, can't wait for the peace. Hope you're not getting too many of those asian gastro bugs, they are bad news. By the way, thanks for that nude photo Dan.......too much information. Anyway, it won't take as long for you to receive the next comment, sorry. Much love to you both from all of us xxxxx
From Blog: Around Kolkata Part Three
Date: 13th April 2010
Train
It will be great to watch Train, i have bought tickets from http://ticketfront.com/event/Train-tickets looking forward to it.
From Blog: Ariving by train at Bangkok
Train
It will be great to watch Train, i have bought tickets from http://ticketfront.com/event/Train-tickets looking forward to it.
From Blog: Ariving by train at Bangkok
rob12c
rob
thanks
mate thanks for the awsome travel blog, me and my wife are planning to got to Central asia in Novemeber and we both spent days reading your blogs. Very inspiring Thanks!!
From Blog: Everest Trek part eight, Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp