Everest day 1 – London to Kathmandu

Not much to say about the start of my latest adventure. I think I’ve become desensitised to the while airport routine. It struck me once on the plane just how easy it is to get anywhere these days.

The flight to Doha’s only point to note was the movie titles not matching the playing film. After some serious time wasting I figured out the offset to the correct film.

Doha airport is pretty dull and very hot. Thankfully the wait was only couple of hours. Sandy and I managed to blah emergency exit seats for the 4 hour flight to Kathmandu. Overall I was very impressed with Quatar Airways service.

Arriving in Kathmandu we were met with a barrage of paperwork, from swine flu forms to entry visas.

Devindra, the lead guide, met us at the airport and took us to the hotel. My first view of the city, from the van, was an immediate jolt back to some of the South American cities I visited. Poverty is clearly visible and driving is insane. The main difference I noticed came from the visual Hindu elements.

Mark Wood, the company owner, met us at the hotel and sorted out our rooms before briefing the group.

Final task of the day was for everyone to go out for a welcome meal. Although tired from a day’s travelling I managed to devour a juicy steak.

During the night I was awoken by a strange noise and the smell of smoke. The Air conditioning had burned out, taking out the electricity and half filling the room with acrid smoke. There were no smoke alarms and Sandy slept right through. I ended up opening the windows and wafting the door. All great when we were due a 04.30 start.

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