Big Brothers Big Sisters Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 19, 2010 – Rest Day in Namche

This is Leila Silveira reporting from Namche. We have been in Namche for a couple of days just resting and enjoying the city. Everyone had been looking forward to being back here because of the lower altitude, warmer temperatures, bedrooms with a private bathroom and hot showers, bakeries, internet cafes on every corner and much-needed massage for those aching muscles. It is definitely refreshing to be here after having spent many nights at the higher altitude lodges such as Gorak Shep.

Our group had a small farewell party for three staff members who are not going down to Lukla with us. Our yak drivers are leaving us because the yaks don’t go lower than Namche due to the warm conditions. Pasang, Mingma’s wife, who has been Brenda’s personal assistant for the past few weeks, is also heading home.

It is really nice being back at this lower elevation, not having to sleep in sleeping bags and just walking around Namche. It is hard to believe that some people camp at Namche. Everyone is really enjoying the relaxation and luxuries that this town has to offer.

Chris and Marta on the other hand are still full of energy; yesterday they went for a long half day hike to Khumjung, the village above Namche.

Most of us spent our time down here at the bakery, internet cafes, shopping and catching up with our diaries. We are still staying in touch with Base Camp where Jamie, Scott and our Sherpa team has successfully returned today. George had a phone conversation with Jamie today and he is doing great and is happy to be back at Base Camp.

I wanted to mention that Trevor has been playing a lot of pool, which he says is quite challenging being that the table is not completely flat...

Well, tomorrow we are going to Lukla where the adventure continues. The Lukla airport has been closed for the past few days due to bad weather and it might be quite a challenge to leave the region! Stay tuned, we will keep you updated!