Nov 18 – Lukla to Kathmandu

Well the journey from Lukla was not quite as easy as we’d hoped.  Because of the backlog of tourists waiting to fly out of Lukla, the airport was a complete zoo with everyone fighting for their spot on the next flight.  Eventually, it worked out that our group of seven got split up into four separate flights, which weren’t even set to take off until the afternoon.  Cloudy weather and backed up international flights in Kathmandu did not help our cause. In the end, only 3 of us made it out of Lukla (Alberto, Davide, and me).  I think I got on one of the last flights, and my other four colleagues have to stay in Lukla for one more night.  We are told they will fly out first thing tomorrow morning.  I got to the hotel in Kathmandu around 4pm.  The ride from the airport was a harsh introduction to city life after weeks in the mountains… polluted air, crazy traffic, and constant honking horns.  I missed the peace and tranquility of mountain life already.  I found Alberto and Davide at the hotel, and after much-needed showers we went out to find some dinner.  For some reason we were all craving pizza, so on one of our last nights in Nepal that is what we chose to eat (Italians… always craving their own cuisine).  It was delicious.  We then walked the streets a little bit and browsed the shops.  We had a very nice time together.  Tomorrow morning after breakfast we plan to head back to one of the big stupas we visited at the beginning of our trip and do a bit more shopping.  I am looking forward to this because it was one of my favorite sites that we visited before.  I am not sure what will be in store after that.  Then Sunday evening, homeward bound. Can't wait to see my hubs.