Step Away
You know you have arrived in Thamel, Kathmandu when you find yourself in the 90 degree heat sharing a one lane road filled with taxis, cars, rickshaws, motorcycles and tourists, your eyes are burning from the smog and exhaust, you hear horns honking every second, surrounded by a zillion souvenir shops with incense burning and sellers motioning you to check out their wares. I keep reminding myself, step to the side, if a motor vehicle runs over your toes, kiss the trek goodbye.
Ah, finally here in Kathmandu after 30+ hours of flights and airports. As always, the weeks prior to our departure I was worried about taking time away from work. Then, during the first flight, I filled my journal with new goals and aspirations of what's next. This reminded me how my best and creative ideas and solutions to problems do not come while sitting behind a desk. Going for a hike or traveling allows me to step away from the business at hand and think about the big picture and, bingo, the right answer presents itself every time.
We found our way through the streets of Thamel to the Rum Doodle for our first dinner. Rarely can I use my Rum Doodle card, but this evening dinner was free. We found our signatures where we signed the board eight years ago, and I was excited to see our board is one of the older boards now under glass. After climbing Everest, a local historian verifies that you actually made the summit and then you can sign the board, one of my best memories from our past climb.
This time we are accompanying climbers, as far as base camp, who aspire to reach the summit. Eric Simonson, my husband's partner at IMG, is the Director of this 2010 Everest expedition, a large team comprised of 35+ western climbers and 50+ Sherpas. Eric's experience in coordinating and leading Everest teams is extensive. For this expedition, he has already coordinated the movement of over 7,500 kilos of food, fuel, rope, oxygen and equipment onto the mountain. For more details go to http://www.mountainguides.com/
Last night, we enjoyed a big team dinner with the climbers. This expedition reminds me of why I climb, the People! Generally speaking, climbers are in great physical condition, often professionals in business, positive, and intensely focused on the goal yet always up for a good time. I hope every one of them has the opportunity to stand on top.
Conclusion: No more guilt, this is a great way to spend a couple weeks of your life! Okay, back to shopping in Thamel, watch your toes! Stay tuned, tomorrow we fly onto the mountain...
Susan Ershler
International Speaker
Ershler International
425-889-2333
