I’m sat at one of those faceless airports again, that’s not strictly true, Kathmandu is unlike most other International Airports. It’s small and the immigration officers actually talk to you, most of all they smile. Maybe the American officers need to come to Nepal for some customer service training although I suspect the rudeness is a job requirement. 

Another trip over. I’ll never say never, but maybe it’s time to try other parts of the world! I’m hoping Greenland could be one of my next stops, that’s wholly down to a young lady called Ann Foulkes and Trek Mountains, I’m just going to sit back and relax as far as the organising of that trip is concerned. The Himalaya hold a part of me that’s struggles to let go, the people and the scenery are like no other. The only thing I am sure of is that I won’t go back on my own again…..it was just a little too lonely. I’ve also built up a relationship with Tshering over the last few years, a relationship that I believe is special. Although I have to admit, it was tested on this trip. A misunderstanding that really should not have happened if communication had been better. That aside he pulled off a great trip, despite the weather and although we only summited one of the two peaks. There is part of me that regrets not being able to attempt Baruntse, but the weather and more importantly the amount of soft lying snow, dictated our itinerary and all decisions were discussed with myself and their advice was always noted and 100% of the time taken. as I’ve said before a partnership of trust. 

Up until at least a week after we left Mera Peak, no other group or team had summited, I’m sure one of the many teams attempting Mera Peak this season will have summited by now as the snow was melting on the lower slopes rapidly even as we were helicoptered off from Dig Kharka. Being the first to summit this season, is a good feeling, though and it’s great to wear that smug smile and look at those that failed, not really because of the snow, but because of the tight time limit that the companies put on these expeditions. For a team to lose three or four days, for whatever reason is two days too many in most itineraries and therefore the summit stays a dream! 

Nearly home, on the last leg. In the past I’ve had great service in Oman. This time, though has been a bit of a nightmare. More to do with bad timing and a couple of late planes from other destinations led to a three hour wait to get to my hotel room. I’ve slatted the immigration officials on the U.S. before, as you know. I think they might have learned speed control, manners and service from the Oman Officials!!! The Oman computer system is either extremely antiquated or an imbecile programmed it and last night an imbecile, quite obviously was operates it! It took and I’m not exaggerating 4 to 5 minutes to process each passport. 

Anyway…

Sat at the Ibis waiting for the bus to the airport……..

Uncle Les, I have so much to be grumpy about, looking forward to catchup and having a good moan with you….we can do it in unison! 

Still a fantastic trip, though

Sat in, what is probably, the most frequented restaurant in Kathmandu. I hate to say it but it’s another Pizzarrier, I personally don’t think they cook the best Pizzas in Kathmandu, but it seems my opinion doesn’t count for much judging from the fact it’s always busy and tonight is no exception. 

Being single I’ve been put on a table with another single person. Les knows how I feel, forced to sit with someone I’ve never met ……nightmare! I know I said in my last blog that it would be nice to converse with the people sat around and that one should make the effort, well, who do I get but a paranoid Mid-twenties French Introvert! I tried, dear god, I tried….but after four or five attemps at engaging her in conversation and failing miserably even I feel as if my conversation is both unwanted and an irritation! 

So we sit in stoney silence, while all around us is laughter and apparent happyness, Whereas I’m isolated on a table of silence and suspicion…..oh no she’s ordered a pudding, do I or do I cut and run, I’ve found a pudding on the menus that takes 20 minutes to prepare, I scream with inner joy as she orders a pancake…..I think I can out silence her, surely she’ll leave before my pudding arrives!!! 

Phew, she’s gone. I know it sounds daft, but peace at last! All around me is still laughter, talk and joy. Me I’ve just been granted inner peace as the nightmare stranger walks away into the Kathmandu night.