Sitting at home in a parcel is a pair of glacier sunglasses – for the higher altitudes. The parcel didn’t arrive in time, so am off shopping in crazy Kathmandu for a pair. Daylight on the streets of Kathmandu in a taxi is pretty much the same as night time, except instead of dogs everywhere there are people. The taxi driver drops me off at the main shopping district – which is noticeable in its complete lack of any kind of shop you would recognize in the UK. The driver and I have some kind of conversation in broken English about whether he is going to wait for me or not. I wasn’t expecting that he would, but he seemed to think he was. Waving some notes around seems to end the conversation abruptly and I ... read more

Arrived at the Hotel Swanker safe and sound. It looked more impressive at a distance than it did close up. As a former palace it was clearly a very majestic building, but now as a Hotel it has seen better days. But this is Kathmandu, so probably one of the finest hotels in the city. The taxi stops at the front door, after which follows a ballet of staff hauling my luggage out of the taxi, I get saluted by another at the front door, a third person opens the door and the fourth person ushers me to the reception desk. I begin to wonder if all jobs in Nepal are shared by 4 people! At reception I am greeted with a cheery “Namestay” and a dubious looking red drink appears carried on a tray by ... read more

Armed with my completed visa application form, a photo and some cash I patiently waited in the visa queue with all the other westerners. A nice little Nepalese man wondered down the queue with his stapler, and stapled my photo to the paperwork I had. I shuffled ever closer to the counter, and after what was probably an hour arrived at the front and presented my paperwork with a confident smile. There were 4 officials in a line and they processed my paperwork and passport, handing it along the line in whatever mysterious process they use for allowing foreigners into their country. I shuffled slowly along the counter keeping pace with my paperwork and passport until I reach official number 4. I waited patiently and expectantly for the ”thump thump” of the visa stamp – but ... read more

Overnight flight from London to Bahrain (new destination) was OK. As I have 5 hours to kill before next flight to Kathmandu, I thought checking into the Business lounge would be a sensible option. $26 later and I have free access to showers, food, newspapers and peace and quiet. Shame there is no beer included! Many of fellow business class lounge lizards have been casting the occasional glance at me as I pad around the lounge in my socks. Due to space and weight concerns I travelled in my walking boots and full winter gear (as it is quite heavy), which are now sitting in the corner having a rest. How many plates of croissants is considered too many I wonder. I limit my croissant eating to just 3 plates.....well I need to get my $26 ... read more

Bags are packed. Double checked I have everything. Finally time to say goodbye to the family who I won’t see for 3 weeks. My 4 year old hyperactive twins were shouting "Take me with you...I want to climb a mountain" My 18 year old daughter was "Yeah whatever, see you when you get back" as she was busy fixing her headphones to her ears. My lovely wife (and me too) were a bit emotional - but probably for different reasons. For me, the excitement and trepidation of the journey I was embarking on, and that I would miss the family whilst away, And for my wife the thought of having to manage 2 mini tornadoes single handily for the next 3 weeks.... read more