An Introduction (Training, Gear, Hygiene, Money Matters)
This is how it all started...
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| don't judge my FB likes :P |
I entered a contest with REI. I didn't expect to win because who do you know that ever wins contests or the lotto? I gave it a try anyway. One week later, Friday afternoon, I got a phone call from a Seattle based area code I did not recognize. I actually let it to go to voice-mail because they tend to be telemarketers or recruiters.
Well when I did call back, I found out the most amazing news in my life. It was pretty sad though because instead of a direct yes, I had to ask him if it was ok to let him know on Monday so I can find out from my employer if I can leave. If my employer said no, I might have given my resignation letter.
If I live my life so that it's all about work and earning a paycheck, what kind of life is that?Thankfully I did not have to make that hard decision. They said yes. I've been at my firm 8+ years so suddenly resigning would've been a huge change in my life... one that I was not ready to make thanks to some other major personal changes that were happening.
One month later, I was in Kathmandu thanks to #1 REI and #2 my employer for letting me go on one month's notice for 3 weeks to let me live my dream.
Training
I had exactly one month to prepare. After Machu Picchu, I did not hike much. I went on some occasional SoCal hikes with friends but nothing that could really prepare me for the biggest international trek of my life. Unfortunately, I got sick the last two weeks before departure day! That didn't leave me much for training.
I was pretty nervous. I saw some pictures of the other REI winners (there were a total of 6 winners, 3 female, 3 male) and they looked like they did this kind of stuff all the time.
This was my itinerary that I couldn't prepare for:
Gear
I had no serious trekking gear. I was not going to wear my blister causing boots after trekking for 3 days in Peru. I rented the rest of the gear in Peru because I thought I may not do something like this again.
What I ended up doing was purchasing A LOT of gear at REI. Almost the value of what my trip would've been worth! I am normally a bargain hunter and would not buy anything that's not on sale but I had no problem this time paying full price at REI. You know what that means if you shop at REI.
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| one days worth of online shopping delivered :| |
Well REI provides you a gear list (most outfitters should). I know REI made it mandatory for me to have the following (so I had to go buy this stuff):
- Zero degree sleeping bag
- Down jacket
- Sturdy boots
- Backpack to carry day stuff and Nalgene water bottle (it can handle hot just boiled water)
- Baby wipes!
Here is what I do remember needing for every day clothing
- One down jacket
- Water repellant medium/thin jacket
- Couple of hiking pants
- Couple of long sleeve base layers
- Long underwear
- Several pairs of easily washable underwear
There are many places in Kathmandu, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar to buy "The North Face" and "Mountain Hardware" clothes for cheap. I place quotes because they are not necessarily the original but the Nepalese versions. Regardless, something "fake" made out of polyester is the same as people in India/China making a polyester top, exporting it to the US and marking it up 500%. I still have my Namche Bazaar "North Face" purple thermal that's VERY warm :)
Don't skimp on the shoes. When you are on the trail, there are very rare moments where the ground is nicely paved and even. Most of the time, you're walking over small and big rocks. It gets tiring. You want sturdy shoes that will support you.
Bring liner socks and wool socks. Bring beanies for your head. Be able to layer up clothing.
The weather in March was not hot but the sun beats down on you and you sweat it up. It's good to be able to take a layer off. The higher up you go, the colder it becomes so it's good to be able to put your layer on.
Hygiene
This will go down in the history books. I could not take a shower for 10 days. I did not wash my hair for 5 days. My max days without a shower was 3 and that was because of Peru!
Our guide very highly suggested that we do not wash our hair or take showers while we are ascending. It gets colder the higher up you go and it will take longer for everything to dry. You don't want to risk getting a cold.
Baby wipes will be your best friend. Our porters brought us warm water at the end of the day everyday to wash up so bring a small wash cloth towel that you can dip in the water to wash yourself.
Female matters - I got extremely lucky. That's all I'll say. I hope for the same for Kilimanjaro.
Bathroom
Get ready to strengthen your thighs because you are not going to sit on a toilet for at least 2 weeks! (unless you get lucky and placed in a nicer hotel)
Guys, this is no problem. Just aim correctly. Girls, it's not so bad. It's a lil weird at first but you get used to it. Crap - guys and girls. hm... you just get used to it. Don't forget to bring toilet paper and baby wipes for a more cleaner feel.
Money
The banks at the airport are a rip off but you may need to exchange some money for transportation if your outfitter does not provide that. We exchanged money at a local exchange store next to our hotel for the best rate. Hotels will also exchange money.
Credit cards are not used regularly so bring enough. One member had to borrow from our guide because that person ran out of money.
Make sure you get good crisp Nepalese rupees. One vendor in Namche Bazaar had her money rejected by the bank because it had a tear in it. When we returned from our trek, back to Namche Bazaar, she tracked us down. We felt terrible for her. Our trekker, the buyer was able to give the vendor a clean bill after money exchange. Don't forget Nepal is a 3rd world country. A dollar to me is not much but it could be the world for the hard working Nepalese.
Shots/Immunizations/Prescriptions
I didn't need any special immunizations. It so happened to be my time that I needed an updated tetanus shot so I got a TDAP but nothing else.
I did get a prescription of (1) Diamox - High altitude sickness; and (2) Antibiotics - in case you get sick with diarrhea, as recommended by REI Travel.
Off to the Airport
My flight went from LAX to Houston to Qatar to Kathmandu.
My total flight time was 46 hours. Boy was that a LONG flight.
I had a 12 hour lay over in Qatar. Invest in the airport lounges. I didn't and regretted it. I tried to sleep but could not. I did chair dips for fun. I read but had a very short attention span. It was hell.
You will have to pay for a visitors visa when you enter Nepal. I think it cost $30 for a tourist visa.
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| "Male" mosque at Qatar airport - Females not allowed :| |
Next Post: Kathmandu and Mount Everest Base Camp
In the meantime, my fellow trekker journalized his day by day adventures. Check it out!
http://tsouzaadventures.blogspot.com/
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