A view of Everest this morning! I was the first to enter the dining room around 5:45, and I had Man (pronounced "Mon") point out the top of Everest peeking up from behind Lhotse. Another in our group arrived and poured herself some tea. "Would you like to know which one is Everest?" I asked. "Not really," she replied and left the room. Wow.
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| center: the top of Everest poking up behind Lhotse |
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We set out at 8:00 so we could get an early blessing from the Lama Geisha in Pangboche. The river rapids accompanied us all day, the water a glacial blue. We stopped at the Lama's house for a more formal khata ceremony. The khata is folded accordion style, with money tucked in near the end of the sash. We each approached the Lama; he unfolded the khata, dropping our donated money into a pile; put the khata and a red string around our neck; and then head-bumped each of us. The red string is meant to stay around our neck until it falls off. The khata should be kept clean and if in our pack, should be packed near the top.
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| the climbers and their relatives folding their khatas | | |
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| Ben receiving his blessing |
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| Lama Geisha |
Ate a great lunch—Ramen, tuna, steamed vegetables, fried bread with peanut butter, and half a Mars bar. About 3/4 hour later, I felt the dreaded stomach rumble. Ignored it for as long as I could and then had to dive behind a rock. Hoping this passes through my system quickly.
Went to an Internet cafe in Dingboche, but the connection was painfully slow. Managed to read three emails but couldn't even get a reply off. Was told it was due to the weather. Hmmm.
At about 14,400' now. Cold and gray. Acclimatization hike tomorrow and then another night here.
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