Namche Bazaar

Arrived just now in Namche, elev. 11,500ft. After climbing 6 hours, it is a welcome resting spot. It was a brutal -but pleasing-3000 ft elevation gain from breakfast and included several bridge crossings and encounters with dzopkyos (yak crossbreeds who carry supplies). This teahouse is called Hotel Camp de Base and has flush toilets and hot showers in the room, a total luxury. Tomorrow is an acclimatization day- climbing slightly higher for 3 hrs then retreating back to Namche for the night. Climb high, sleep low. Made brief phone call home tonite from cell phone. C was at orchestra practice but I got to talk to B! There is an internet cafe here so will try to log on tomorrow if we have downtime. We get oxygen saturation and pulse monitored at night and in the morning at breakfast. So far I'm doing very well in that regard. We apparently will start feeling the effects of altitude on a regular basis from here on out so they want to have a baseline for us. Medical checks also involve reporting if you've taken any kind of medication, how much water you have consumed, and stating how you are feeling or any concerns you have.
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