Market, Monastery, Music

After settling in at the Everest Hotel in Phaplu, we had lunch (boy, you are well fed in Nepal!) and then split into 2 groups for the afternoon.

Half the crew set off down the hill on a walk to visit the nearby town of Salleri and its market, basking in the gorgeous hillside and valley views. Salleri is the main administrative town of the district and on the alternative route to Everest Base Camp.

Views on the walk to Salleri. Rick, a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) himself, made some friends.

Mary, Allison and Paul arriving in Salleri. In this place, wherever it’s not uphill, it’s downhill! (Pics: Vicky Bell)

The other half of the crew went by Jeep with Principal Lhakpa Sherpa to visit the nearby Chiwang Monastery.

Pics: Kristie Gill

Virginia (pic: George Barrington)

George, Virginia, Kristie, Heather, Erica

But this brilliant day (which had begun at 5 a.m., with the ride to the airport in Kathmandu!) wasn’t over yet. Back at the hotel, the teachers from Zeke O’Connor junior and senior schools came to visit. We had tea, followed by dinner, followed by a glorious cake (did we mention how well fed one is in Nepal)? It was also an opportunity to exchange gifts, get to know each other, play cribbage and throw down on the dance floor!

Tea with the teachers (pic: Virginia Elliott)

Words of welcome from Dr. Mingmar G Sherpa (pic: Vicky Bell).

Susan and Rick brought along some soccer balls to donate to the schools. Dr. Mingmar got the first one! (Pic: Shelagh Barrington)

The cake!

Dr. Mingmar and Mary cutting the cake, with Principal Lhakpa looking on (pic: Virginia Elliott)

The cribbage lesson. Note the brand-new Zeke O’Connor School caps worn by the teachers! (Pic: Vicky Bell)

Kristie and teacher Teena got the dancing started, but Allison and everyone else were pretty quick to join in!

Phaplu mountain view (pic: Mary Kaye)