http://www.trek8848.com Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:28:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 http://www.trek8848.com/2011/08/a-first-time-traveler-to-everest/ http://www.trek8848.com/2011/08/a-first-time-traveler-to-everest/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:59:37 +0000 milindalafe@yahoo.com http://www.trek8848.com/?p=639 Continue Reading]]> Today I found out that I will be going on the trip to Mt. Everest Base Camp.  There are all kinds of things to consider!  I’m a bit nervous, wondering if I can actually do the trip.  How hard will it really be?  How will by body react at over 17,000 feet of elevation?  I’ve never been out of the USA, so there is a big unknown factor.  What will be different, or the same.  Lot’s of thoughts, feelings and emotions all mixed up.  Do the airplanes have the same oxygen mask thingeys in case of a water landing, and are the instruction card in English?! (lol)  How do I get a passport, what about a visa, what about insurance, what about the weather, should I pack a dress… oh never mind that’s silly.  I have a family here and I’ll be away from them for 3 weeks!  My son will miss me but I’m sure my husband will miss me more! With all these questions, why did I ever decide to to this trip?  Well, let me tell you!  The experience of a new culture, a new world, a new mountain and even new food.  I love hiking and backpacking because as I always say along the trail… “Think of how many people will never get to see this! I’m so lucky to be here.”  That’s how I feel on even a 10 mile hike.  Then when I get to go on a 20-40 mile backpacking trip I’m like a kid in a candy shop, filling my eyes with all the wonders that God has created in this amazing playground!  He’s given it to us to see, use, care for and enjoy.  Life is NOT a spectator sport, so get out there and live out loud! Other factors that helped me choose to do the trip are the fact that I believe anyone within reasonable health can do this.  Like I said, I’m a backpacker, and can carry 30-35 lbs on my back while walking 6-9 miles per day (honestly I prefer to only go 6).  On this trip, we only have to carry a small day pack!!  Yes!  Just whatever you will need for the day.  AND… I don’t have to cook the whole time!  woo hoo!  No freeze dried food!  AND…. we don’t have to set up tents every night!  I love that.  We get to sleep in tea houses of people that are just like family.  How rich of an experience that will be.   And I get to see Nepal, Katmandu and the way of life.  That’s priceless. Three weeks is a long time, yes (especially for non-retired Americans), but if it were only a week or two, then it would not be worth the air fare to leave the country!  There is so much to see, that you could spend a month or two in a new place and only touch on some of the beauty.  Three weeks?  TOTALLY necessary! Look for future posts about my trip planning progress.  I hope it will help other travelers prepare for their trips and answer their questions, because they will probably have a lot of the same questions as other travelers (including me).  I’ll tell you how I found my airline tickets, travel insurance, what I decide to bring and why…. and other things that will hopefully prepare you. Happy Trails, Milinda]]> http://www.trek8848.com/2011/08/a-first-time-traveler-to-everest/feed/ 0