Our Himalayan Trekking Expedition begins

We left Kathmandu on the 18th to fly to Lukla, the starting point of almost everyone's trek toward the Everest base camp. The plane ride was only 45 minutes which was more than enough on a small and crowded turbo prop plane. Just before we left the US one of these planes crashed on the approach to Lukla's airport. Tala was very concerned about this but Gelu reassured her that it would be ok since the airline had five planes and there are still four left. It was pretty crazy to be flying between the mountains and then all of a sudden you are landing on one of the shortest runways imaginable. After our safe landing the whole cabin clapped and cheered. We set off after a cup of black tea with our two new Nepali friends, Sheba (our guide) and Lukba (our porter). The first day's hike to Phakding was relatively easy and short. The views are amazing but you have to watch where you are walking because the ground is very rocky and uneven. Not to mention yak dung is almost always underfoot. I stepped in no less than two fresh piles yesterday while I was looking around. This part of the trail is also very busy. It is the trekking season so there are many tourists and there are just as many porters carrying gear, food, and all sorts of other equipment. There's also the yaks and occasional horse or donkey. Our guide told us that all the supplies for the villages are carried in on the backs of man or animal. I don't know how these guys do it.
Our second day of hiking started off with a moderate hike but after lunch the real tough part began. We had about 2 and a half hours of hiking up steep switchbacks. We did, however, get our first glimpse of Everest. Both Tala and I were extremely grateful to reach Namche Bazaar and get into our room. I was also grateful for a warm shower. This village is the largest sherpa settlement in the area. Hence the availability of Internet access.
The accommodations are ok. Its kind of like staying at a rustic camping lodge. The rooms are a bit drafty since there are gaps around the windows and sometimes window panes, however, we rented a couple of nice sleeping bags and they make all the difference. Probably the worst part of staying in these rooms has nothing to do with the guest house itself. No it's the stench of my feet and shoes. I can only hope we get used to it or maybe we'll have to invest in some incense. All the buildings here are built of hand hewn stone blocks and the windows are set in heavy wooden frames. Some of the guest houses here in Namche are quite impressive. Some as tall as four stories. Tomorrow we hike again. We don't know where we are going yet. That will be determined over dinner. Until I blog again, wish us luck.