This morning Pemba called to tell us we may be going to Namche by helicopter. Could we be ready in a half an hour? Bags were packed and unpacked, gifts counted, high altitude pills put in day pack, batteries charged and we are ready to go. Now we are waiting for confirmation. Rebecca and I had already decided to spend a quiet day reading and writing. Pemba's company is going to keep a helicopter in Lukla for rescue this trekking season. The monsoons are not officially over but we are dry here in Kathmandu. It will be really spectacular if we arrive by helicopter.
Sadly everything people said about Kathmandu is true. A few days here are enough. Twenty five years ago Richard and I really enjoyed our time here wandering around the city. There are far fewer begging children in the city. The paper estimated about 1000 homeless children in Kathmandu. Many children who live in the orphanges are begging in the streets. Lots of criticism about the protection that the orphanges alledgedly provide but I for one am happy to see fewer kids on the streets. There are many more people selling things. Toiletries, batteries and snacks all are available. These are all good things. The newspaper is regularly carrying editorial comments about the progress of the new government and I hope that they are listening. Social changes are coming and that can only mean a better quality of life for the Nepalese.
And I don't miss news of our candidates at all but if we wait here any longer I probably will turn on CNN. Last chance before we begin the uphill part of our trip.
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