Life Trove: Kathmandu before our Everest hike

Before leaving for our hike to Everest, we all met up in Kathmandu for two nights of bonding. Our wonderful team of hikers comprised of Gavin, Russell, Rajesh, Pillar, Joe and Mo. We stayed at a nice hotel called "Hotel Atlantic".

Memorable moments of our two days in Kathmandu:

Flying to Nepal with Rajesh on Southern China Airlines.
Having to fill in an extremely complicated online health declaration on our landing in China that was full of bugs and caused some stress! Also getting very intimately "felt up" by a Chinese female security guard. Can't say I didn't enjoy it just a little bit.
Arriving in Kathmandu late (after 11 pm). I had to fill in a long visa application but Rajesh, being Indian, waltzed right in.
Meeting our wonderful hiking guide, Mathbar, who Gavin knew well from his previous hikes, who picked us up from the airport despite the late hour.
A good night sleep and then reunited with Russell at breakfast the next day. So happy be could join us. Needless to say, he fitted immediately well into the group.
Meeting Mo, Joe and Pillar and liking them all very much. All good friends of Gavin.
Visiting Bhaktaphur with its ancient streets and temples. An incredible place. Afterwards, we enjoyed a lovely meal.
Our first meal of Dahl Bhat, Nepal's national dish, which comprises rice, dahl, curried potato, greens, pickles and a papadam. It became a frequent meal on our hikes, powering us up the hills.
Having a cider and listening to music at The Purple Haze, Kathmandu's best known night club. It's an enormous place with multiple levels looking down onto a stage.
Purchasing cheap hiking gear including a hiking Tshirt, trousers and a wide brimmed hat. Kathmandu is famous for its hiking stores.
A long drive and walk to a school at the top of a mountain. We were supposed to drive all the way there but the mountain road was too steep and hole ridden for the minivan we were in so had a very hot walk to start preparing us for the hiking ahead. We had all brought loads of stationery which we got to donate to the school. Our presence caused great excitement amongst the kids, who we got to greet personally, one by one. We also each got to read a story to groups of the kids from picture books we had brought. We were treated to an amazing meal (dahl baht) made by the local villagers, that was wholly authentic and totally delicious. Finally, we got to walk home with the children down the hill, back to our vehicle.

Reunited with Russell

Whenever we meet up, it feels like we've never been apart.

The hiking team together

After purchasing our hiking hats

Kathmandu scenes

Bhaktaphur

Bhaktapur, situated in the Kathmandu Valley, is like a step back in time. Its ancient streets, made of cobblestones, are lined with centuries-old buildings adorned with beautiful wood carvings. Walking through Bhaktapur feels like exploring a living museum, where every building has a story to tell through its intricate architecture. Aside from its historical charm, Bhaktapur also offers a lively atmosphere. Markets line the streets, selling handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, and pottery.