just one more detour: march 16th: day 13- Namche Bazaar (3420m/11,220ft)

day 13: Namche Bazaar (3420m/11,220ft)/Rest Day

woke up for sunrise, and after yesterday's success, felt more positive than i had in a long saudi-while. accompanying, one of the clearest days in a bit so a day of vistas. walked the path up and over to the top of town, down. now the sights of namche impress, situated as it is in a bowl surrounded by impressive mountains...but as we cleared, moving into the next valley-mountain view, the giants came into view. not quite looking gigantic, everest peaking from behind. from this view, but a rock.

the walk was fantastically beautiful, graced with the an unseasonable crystal day. following a meandering, body-thankful train, the vistas were amazing, standing on the lower shoulders of the range. i walked slowly, trying to appreciate all that was the day, and of course what it took for me to be here. stopped at the japanese 80's era bubble hotel, the everest view, with its personal airport and amazing views cafe. settled on a pot of masala tea, and enjoyed being the first bunch to make it there that day. had a good 30 minutes of quiet, until the groups began to arrive.

we took the fullest of turns at what must be one of the grandest views serviced with a pot of tea, and the headed to the next destination, the khumjung monestary , home of a 'yeti' skull. of course a yak skull, but the everest region urban legend needed to be seen, 50 rupees well spent. then on to the legacy of altruism left behind by Hillary's climb, an area he donated to with schools and hospitals. and a stupa in his memory. we ended the day near sunset, with an equally view-filled walk back to namche. definitely the best *rest day* ever.