EBC

Some destinations are just meant to be visited ONCE only. Nothing special - been there, done that sort of deal.

Dubai, in my list is one of them. 

I was in Dubai earlier this year and that was it. Been there, done that. I will not go there again unless it is necessary. 

Dubai is dry. No spirit. Just shopping malls. You can hardly interact with the locals. Its not easy to immerse yourself into their culture.

Places like Paris and Cape Town are in my frequent list. I can go there many times. There are many things to do and see. Character, culture, landscape, hiking, cycling, museums, galleries, art.

Now, Nepal is added into my frequent list. It is a destination that offers a lot of things. Beautiful landscape of majestic mountains, people rich with culture, scenic villages, friendly local. 

I wish I could go to Nepal like - every year.

EBC

Both physical and mental strengths required in a journey to EBC. 

It is not as straight forward as it might seem. Not as complex as organizing my France cycling trip but complex enough to make you carefully plan it.

Logistics is always a major issue. To get there and away, as Lonely Planet likes to put it in their guides.

One of the critical issues is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla - the only gateway by plane to Mount Everest.

While doing my preliminary research, I googled Lukla airport. I bumped in a countdown of the most dangerous airport in the world on Youtube. From 10 to 1. 1 being the most dangerous.

Guess Lukla is what number?

Yes,

1

EBC

The closer to the date to fly off to Nepal, the more communication we have with our trusted  guide Binod who is always on the move throughout the Himalayas.

Quite a polished gentlemen, very soft spoken and polite, yet very capable. Quite an intelligent man I would say.

I spoke to him along the trails, during break at the tea houses and after dinner chatting session. He is quite a thinker. I think he loves the mountain, the Himalayas. He is very passionate about it.

He enjoys philosophy, I think.

Who wouldn't be if one is surrounded 360 degree view of the several majestic peaks of the world?

The first time I experienced 180 degree view of the Himalayas, I literally teared - it was a very humbling experience. GOD is indeed VERY GREAT.

EBC

My friends and I have decided to trek the Himalayas again. The five of us are flying off on 10 Nov 2012.

I have been slowly packing and make sure i don't miss any important gear and clothing. I still cannot find my damn gloves. They are a very good pair of gloves for extreme weather. Combed my place several times but still cant find it.

Bloody annoying. 

I guess I have to buy a new pair in Kathmandu.

"Don't only practice your art,
but force your way into its secrets
for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine" 
- Ludwig van Beethoven