Merry Christmas!

Hello Everyone.

It's December 24th and we've returned from the mountains safe and sound to the bustle of Kathmandu. We have about 20 more hours in Nepal before flying to Shanghai via Bangkok, but wanted to be sure to get out some holiday wishes for everyone before we hit the road. (more significant and hopefully humorous blogging will commence upon arrival in China - After all, if there's one thing China is known for it's their sense of humor). Topics I'm overdue on include Varanasi, Budgaya, Kathmandu, and Trekking.

Anyway, here's a little holiday cheer we captured during our recent weeks in the Himalaya.
That's Ingrid and I in the photo. The snow says "Merry Christmas 2006" (I thought it would be easier to read if it were in color, perhaps yellow, but Ingrid shot down the idea). We took this photo while returning from the 5545m (18,300ft) summit of Kala Patthar. We had to leave our camp at 5am to make the summit at dawn (more on this later). Oh, and one more thing, that towering dark peak in the background you may have heard of, it's a little known Mountain called Mt. Everest!

Merry Christmas to all and we hope you get to spend your holidays with Family and loved ones the World over. We're booked for a Christmas buffet at the hotel, Nothing says Christmas like curries and naan!