We survived!!! (so far...)

Hey everyone! Just thought we'd leave a quick message to say we're back in civilisation after completing all of our goals on the trek! We both found it an absolutely amazing experience, with one or two death-defying moments to tell you about when we get home. Happy to say neither of us had any altitude sickness, in fact Mel seemed to be healthier at high altitude than she is at sea level! Can't write much more cos we're late for tea and biccies... oh the life of an adventurer! Will post photos after we get back to Kathmandu on Tuesday - we've got some awesome pics! x

Scary planes & Zo avoidance

Lots has happened, we can't believe we've only been trekking for 3 days! The plane ride into Lukla was a bit hairy, and I was glad to land in one piece. Mel wasn't bothered by it at all & thought it was rather fun!

Scenery has been lovely so far, sky has been clear so we've seen lots of big snowy mountains. Caught our first sight of the summit of Everest today which was amazing. We arrived in Namche Bazaar (3443m) today and we're both acclimatising well. Had to dodge a few Zo (cow-yak crossbreeds) on the way up, they can be a bit temperamental!

Probably won't be able to blog again until we arrive back here in Namche in a couple of weeks - my plan to blog via text has been scuppered because my phone can't seem to find a data connection... humph!!!

The journey so far...

Reached Kathmandu last night, journey from airport to hotel was hair-raising but we arrived in one piece :-) Had lovely evening eating tasty food in a nice chilled restaurant then got some well-earned kip. Spent today sightseeing, including visiting Swayambunath (a.k.a. the monkey temple) where Mel was a little freaked out by the monkeys but was very brave (she told me to put that hee hee!). Also visited old Kathmandu & enjoyed a guided tour from a very knowledgeable local. Setting off bright(!) and early tomorrow morning for our 35 minute flight to the Everest region, the plane will be titchy but we've both jumped out of smaller planes before so we reckon we can handle it!

Next blog to follow when there's internet access... mobile internet's not playing ball, so try not to worry if we don't post anything for a while! xx

The wonderful Delhi Airport... That they still seem to be building.

Arrived safely even though Monty decided to freak me out about all the
scary countries we would be flying over...just as we were in the air!
:-) We are now sitting in the transfer lounge listening to the
relaxing sound of a hammer! X

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The journey begins!

On the plane, Mel has her slippers on & is hoping Pretty Woman is the
in-flight chick flick :-o I am a bit jealous of Mel's slippers. That
is all, next time we blog we'll be in Delhi, woot! x

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Mobile blogging test

Wahey, technology WIN! This means we're all set up to blog our
progress via mobile phone :-D

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Less then a week to go!!!

I am so excited! Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored us and for the cards and very handy gifts, especially my Mummy who has been fantastic!

Nearly ready to go...just need last minute things such as solid shampoo...my poor hair! Although I did treat it to a expensive haircut yesterday which was completely unnecessary as I very much doubt a good hair style is going to help me on the trek :-).

The fundraising is doing so well we have decided to increase our target! Remember all the money is going directly to the charity on our return from the trek so still plenty of time to Sponsor us!!!

Less than a week to go!!!

Wow, this has come around so quickly! This time next week Mel & I will be arriving in Delhi to catch our connecting flight to Kathmandu. We're super excited!!!

I'd like to say another huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far - we've raised well over $1,000 and we're on track to reach our target of $1,500. Your donations will make a big difference to the lives of the kids at the Shining Stars home so give yourselves a big pat on the back! x

3 weeks and counting!

Just thought I'd say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far! ChipIn seems to be having a few problems with their widgets today, so if the little counter on the right says we haven't raised any money, it fibs! We've raised $257 so far which is brilliant - we'd still like to raise another $1,243 so please dig deep and support our efforts! Remember, every single bit of your donation goes to the charity because Mel and I are funding the trek ourselves :-)

In the last week I've been emailing our excellent Nepalese mountain guide Krishna to finalise the arrangements. He's a real pro and I know he'll take good care of us.

I can't wait to see how Kathmandu has changed in the two and a half years since I was last there. I've been told that it looks more prosperous and there are more Chelsea tractors negotiating the roads... though I'll bet that any apparent prosperity is tempered somewhat by the abundance of open drains, cow poo and stinking piles of rubbish in the streets!

4 Weeks to go and Passport plus Indian Visa back in my hands!

After a very hectic and nervous week involving a trek to the Indian Visa office in London I now have both passports with Visa's in my hands...Very happy. Now time to choose a jacket!!!