[#AmaDablamTour, Day 10] Lobuche

It's just a matter of time when your body gives in to the days of hiking, climbing, cold weather, lack of sleep and improper nutrition.  When we started our hike to Lobuche this morning, my thighs cramped up abruptly but slightly. After an hour, I could feel my leg muscles aching. I regret pushing myself within my limit yesterday on the climb and descent to Nankerzong. The order for the next few days is to take a step back and slow down, rest, and stretch more.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 9] Pheriche

Internet connection has been nada since we left Namche Bazaar three days ago. So I am only able to post again now. Ncell's mobile data service is said to resume in Gorak Shep, which is two days away. Another problem is battery power of all our gadgets. Charging and wifi rates are ever increasing as we get closer to the base camp. Technology really brings both convenience and hassle to a connected expedition.

Here's what has happened so far:

Day 7 - We headed out for Tengboche (3875masl), but not before saying goodbye to Krista and Adrian, whose tour ends here. They are headed to Lukla, then the Philippines.  It was a long hike day with significant elevation loss and gain, as Tengboche is separated from Namnche by a river. It was a slog up the final slope and by the time everyone got there, it was already overcast and cold. The visit inside the monastery was the highlight of the hike. We stayed in Daboche, which was about 20 minutes further down.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 6] Hike to Khumjung

Namche Bazaar - We're back from our acclimatization hike up to Khumjung through the Everest View Hotel. Luck did not bring us snow,  but it was still a beautiful morning, with only a spattering of clouds around the peaks. 

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 5] Chumoa to Namche Bazaar

Sunday - From Chumoa to Namche is a lighter trek day compared to if we stayed in Phakding. Ang Kami Sherpa, our head guide, said we'll be up at Namche in time for lunch.

Our porter preparing for the long walk up

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 4] A Day at the Monjo School

Saturday - Today was sort of a rest day for us, after the long hike yesterday. But instead of just lazing around waiting to acclimatize, we spent the day with the kids at the Monjo School.

I posted a while ago that we were raising funds to help with the reconstruction of the school rooms ruined during the May earthquake in Nepal. All the members of the team chipped in to contribute and get donors to raise $10,000, which is just enough to build one room in a 4-room school building.

Inside of the classrooms

With the help of Dawa, our outfitter, we got in touch with the administrators of the school. Despite being a Saturday, and a holiday at that, the school kids took the time to meet us. I'm sure the teachers asked them to come, but we still appreciate their effort. 

We started out by handing out the supplies we collected.  Some crayons, writing pad, pencils, and other instructional materials. We talked to them briefly; everyone trying their best to understand what each other was saying. 

Before they left, we told the teachers that we were able to raise more than $6,000. Not yet enough to build one room, but it was better than expected, given the short time we had to raise funds. Dawa suggested that we partner up with the Himalayan Trust, which is also raising funds for the school. With their collection and ours, it might be possible to get enough money for the construction (fingers crossed).

The rest of the day was spent painting the facade of the building. We were given blue paint for the doors and windows, and white plaster mix for the mud walls. Half an hour into the work, the group working on the plaster were asked instead to just paint the doors. The traditional way they apply the white wash was too messy if one is not familiar with the method. But even with the blue paint and conventional brushes, we still managed to make a mess. I don't know if the teachers were happy with our work in the end.

(photo: Xamavee Pummuang)

We left satisfied that somehow we were able to affect the lives of a few children. I'm sure their needs cannot be fulfilled by a few thousand dollars and cosmetic repairs of their school, but it's a start. This wouldn'tbe possible if not for the donors who shared their blessings to these kids. (I'll post the full list of donors after our trip.)

***

Back at the lodge, we were tired and our hands smelled of kerosene. Our clothes had splatters of plaster and paint, but we didn't mind it too much. I felt grimy, though, so I decided to take a quick bath without asking for hot water. I wouldn't  say I regretted the decision, but man the water was cold! I don't think I can repeat that stunt for the rest of the trek.

Tomorrow, we're bound for Namche Bazaar!