Same old Sama – Rest for the Wicked (2nd blog today)

A late breakfast at 8am, after an iffy night sleep. It had rained heavily during the night and clouds were still hanging around.

After breakfast I had a solid discharge which confirmed that the virus had passed. I had guessed so as I was feeling stronger and hadn’t released my doo dah for the previous two days. Hope you’re enjoying this update and not eating your dinner whilst you’re reading it.

A hot shower was a real treat and then I took a risk on the weather and washed all my clothes, except the ones I had on and my thermal clobber for the pass. There was a courtyard on two levels at the teahouse and a rope across the second level was a perfect clothes line. Then we were ready to walk up to the monastery on the hill above town and float around a bit. The sun came out and Buddha looked pleased. There was a large incense burning crucible that was churning out smoke from juniper branches. Fabulous smell.

Looking down from the hill, the village was doing that nestling thing again in the sun.

I was wrapped up today as the temperature could change very quickly, and I was protecting my eyes from the sun.

We went back to the teahouse for lunch, just as a group carrying the old statue of Buddha for relocation came past, blowing horns and banging drums. We’re not far from Tibet and most of the population round here are Tibetan or of Tibetan extract, and the Buddhist influence is strong here.

Another afternoon walk, folding up my dry clothes, more food for dinner, and teaming up with an Aussie from Perth, originally from Sale in England, who was climbing Manaslu over the next few weeks. Kevin Farebrother was in the fire service and was able to take extended holidays by swapping shifts. He had climbed Everest to the summit, three times. He was a great bloke and we talked for ages when the WiFi was out. But don’t interrupt my blogging when it’s working Kevin. You ball tampering criminal.

Night night.