Nicholas Rice: Xixabangma Dispatch

2007 Xixabangma Expedition

Dispatch One: August 28th, 2007

Day One: Arrival In Kathmandu, Nepal

After twenty-one hours of flights from Los Angles via Bangkok, Thailand to Kathmandu, I finally arrived quite exhausted in the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Nepal just after noon. I collected my five duffel bags, cleared immigration and customs, and exited the airport looking intently for the Monterosa Treks and Expeditions representative who was supposed to meet me. After circling the exit area a few times all the while pushing 200kg’s of equipment, I finally found him. We loaded the bags into a van and continued to the Manang Hotel in Thamel, the commercial heart of Kathmandu. I met Ganesh, the big boss of the company and then checked in and got settled. Wasting no time, I proceeded downstairs and walked the streets of Thamel (walking around and exposing yourself to the sun is the best way to prevent jetlag upon arrival in a new time zone). I purchased some snacks and waters from the “super market” and returned to my hotel. Afterwards, I had a much needed shower and had dinner. I fell asleep around 8:00pm.