The Nepalese

Nepalese...Nepali?  Not sure.  Wikipedia tells me Nepali is the correct term for the people of Nepal.  Sherpa describes a Nepali ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Nepal.  Fascinating people.

They've been hiking these vigorous trails as part of their "daily commute" for millennia.  They are built for the altitude and the mountains.  They are short in stature.  I wonder if the lower center of gravity gives them an advantage when hiking at altitude?  It definitely makes it easier to carry large loads of cargo supported by woven baskets and bands around their heads.  They must have incredible neck muscles.  A common "job" for boys and men is as a porter.  Porters get paid by the pound of the load they carry.  It is not unusual for porters to carry twice their body weight up and down these steep Himalayan slopes.  And often time they are just wearing flip-flops.  The young porters carry their mp3 players on their load and hike to music. 

My mom next to a Sherpa porter.  That entire load is supported on his forehead.  Amazing!

All the "rigs idling at the truck stop".

While altitude sickness is not a big issue for the local Sherpas, the government posts plenty of literature to educate the silly tourists.  Recent reports from 2012 Everest Expeditions indicate that there may be a record number of illness or deaths from altitude sickness.

Enjoying a cup of hot tea at 15,100'.  The highest point of my trek.  Amu Dablam Base Camp.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu

Waiting for my laundry to finish in the wash...perfect time for a quick blog post.

Below are a collection of photos from Nepal.  These ones were when we were sight-seeing around the capital, Kathmandu.

Miss Me?

I'll be the first to admit that I've been slacking.

I can assign blame to my busy work schedule, my fabulous vacation (to Nepal), catching up once I got back, playing for a regional semi-pro volleyball team, and sitting in my hammock (which encourages me to nap rather than blog).

My sister is talking about starting up a blog (url coming soon), so I figured I was in need of a fresh blog post.

Let's talk Nepal.

Amazing trip.  Rafting, trekking, sight seeing.  Mountains, small planes, lots of tea, Buddha, sherpas, Everest, altitude, warm down jackets, wood stoves, etc...

I have lots of pictures in a Facebook album.   Below are some of my favorites:

Mani Stones

Boudhanath - Largest Stupa in the World - In Kathmandu

Thangka Art

Blossoms

And now...I need you assistance.  Which of the next two photos do you like better...#1 or #2?  Leave your vote in the comments section.  Thanks for your help!

#1

#2

I'll post some more Nepal photos and videos soon.  There is definitely enough Nepal material to support at least a dozen blog posts.

Sister's blog coming soon....