In the Valley of the Blind...

When you think you are doing a really nifty thing and only you are doing it, well, just look ahead and behind at bit, because there are always others doing it too.

Lesson learned for me is that here in Kathmandu as I prepare for my first trek (A 7 day trek up to Langtang--3,800 metres) I wanted to find out more about the more grisly Mt. Everest Base Camp trek. I looked at a website and noted that as I write, there are a group of mentally and physically handicapped trekkers about an hour away from the Base Camp. So, what's all the hubbub?

I met a clinical psychologist from Northern California (female, 28) who I am going up with. Could be fun.

Not many people around here in Kathmandu at all--a spattering of Americans, lots of Israelis (which causes me some problem when I want to eat somewhere--I mean, who wants to be in a restaurant full of Israelis these days with the Iraq thing going on--another reason to be down on George, Jr.) and Fins, Swedes, and the occasional Canadian and Frenchie. Not too many Brits (thank God!). Getting around is very easy and laid back.

I guess this war thing and SARS has people more reluctant to be free to travel around-- that, and the fact that we have to work to make the money to pay for the kids to go to school and feed them, buy the gas for the car, pay the rent/mortgage, and buy, buy, buy like the good consumers we are. Another thank you to the American way!

More later after the exploits on the trail. I am sure I will be humbled when I see a one-legged midget hobbling down from Everest.

Keep your perspective folks.