Made it to Kathmandu

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Well after a very very long journey we have finally made it to Kathmandu. We have had quite the adventure along the way and we are still quite jet legged.

Our 13 hour flight to Hong Kong was definitely a long one. We sat at the back of the plane in the middle, he plane was jammed pack. So sleep was not easily come by. We met another couple on our plane who was heading to Nepal as well. They are traveling to complete the Annapurna trek. Since we had a 24 hour lay over in Hong Kong we decided to head into town and ended up in Kalwoon. We stayed in a hostel recommended in the lonely planet. This hostel was so disgusting. The entire building smelled like human waste, had garbage and stray cats filling the halls. But at this time we were too tired to look around and the room looked clean and decent enough.

Since this was my first time in Hong Kong I decided I wanted to go out and see the town for a bit. We traveled through the busy streets and got to take in some views of the lit up night sky. However it didn't take long before we were too tired to stand and had to go to bed. The next day we did a quick tour around downtown Hong Kong, then head up to see the giant Buddha. To get there we had to take a tram which was very nice and gave us some pretty good views. This Buddha was enormous, weighing over 200 tons and made of bronze. It was an impressive sight to see.

We got to Kathmandu late Tuesday night, which still felt like Monday to us. Thankfully I made an online reservation and got us into a hostel. Kathmandu is a busy busy city, which definitely shows signs of poverty but also shows a very rich culture. While overwhelming I'm quickly growing to like the feel of this city.

Jason and I have booked a tour to do the Everest Base Camp trek with a side trip to a glacier lake. We are doing the whole thing in 16 days. We are also considering adding on summiting the near by mountain, Island mountain. From here you get amazing views. We are a bit concerned if we are in shape enough to take up this task. We may decide on route. We don't leave for this trip until Oct 24. So for now we will be deciding what to do for the next couple of days.

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Photos

Tram
Big Buddha in back ground

Wishing tree
Where Buddha first found enlightenment...I thought I'd give it a try

Kathmandu's busy streets
Full vans and bikes...

Comments

[BJ]

When I read your Blog I feel like I am on the tour myself. also great photos! Love

[BJ]

When I read your Blog I feel like I am on the tour myself. also great photos! Love

[anonymous]

Wow! It sounds amazing and it's only your first couple of days. I hope you guys have a wonderful trip. I look forward to the updates Ruth

[anonymous]

Wow! It sounds amazing and it's only your first couple of days. I hope you guys have a wonderful trip. I look forward to the updates Ruth

[Kristina]

Incredible! I'd love to see that wishing tree. I heard there were some beautiful temples in Kathmandu.. I'm stoked you're doing this bloggeroo. Now I can cyber stalk you! hehe. Love you guys!! K

[Annette and Grandpa B]

hey gal we missed you
Hi there You had our old email so we weren't getting the blogs..so glad your dad rectified things. Needless to say we missed you at Poppa John's celebration of life yesterday! It was wonderful. Lorraine's house was packed, I hear 67 people. Just about all of John's first family came--we didn't know most of them, but thankfully your grandma did and introduced us the best she could. I said a few words and read a poem I wrote about my friend Johnny Johnston. God we miss him so much already. Also your dad and John's son Tom and one of his grandsons said a few words. It was most touching and I barely got through it but forced myself. Breeda has been very strong through this whole thing-a real trooper. I must tell you after we saw you last time in the hospital and you had told him all about your planned trip, after you left he said "amazing I'm in awe of THAT one!!! meaning you of course. He was so unbelievably proud. So I think it was most a propro that you were standing on the toppest part of the planet as he was making his way up to heaven. I'm sure you made contact somehow. We're off to take your grandma to say her last goodbyes to Poppa at the funeral home in aldergrove, near where we used to live. then we plan to take her to aldergrove lake park where my mom and dad's ashes are scattered. It's a lovely serene place but of course it's raining and foggy, a typical Vancouver fall day! BTW did you gain any enlightenment sitting in front of Buddha? Would you care to share? Take care of yourselves but continue to have a wonderful time. Love Annette and Grandpa Brennan