We are going to my favorite place on earth, Pebble Beach, on the Monterey coast and Seventeen Mile Drive. We visit the area often, this time without Buddy (our dog), since the golf carts at Pebble would drive him and the nearby golfers insane.

We are staying at the Lodge at Pebble Beach, thanks to the friends and family discount. As many of you know, I worked there for about two years, back when they had a pharmacy on site in the gift shop, just across from the lobby. At that time, we generally stayed at a company apartment provided by Pebble Beach Companies, and ate in the employee cafeteria. My noon walk consisted of strolling down the cart path along the 18th fairway, past the par 3 seventeenth, and then cut over between the second and third fairways.

We are here just to relax, probably not play golf. It will be just the two of us. We plan to make ample use of the indoor facilities, since rain is in the forecast all weekend. This would include use of the Beach Club, and its pool that sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

I still remember my first round of golf here with my friend Mike. It was on my 50th birthday. No doubt, it was the best and most magical round of my life. The morning started out gray and foggy. About the time we teed off, the sun broke through. Sheri drove the cart, while Mike and I walked every foot on the course. Last year, I got to play here with my son for his 28th birthday. It is a special place.

We were so surprised when we arrived, as we were upgraded to the Alvarado Suite on the 18th green here at Pebble Beach. Just as the sun broke through the clouds, we discovered an ice bucket with champagne, and a jacuzzi tub. Life is good here!

The rooms here all have a fireplace, ready to light and enjoy. All the snacks and beverages, except for alcohol, are included. No tipping is required, since we pay a resort fee. And I can practice my putting on the practice green at Pebble at NO charge!

We will also see preparations for the U.S. Open in June, where Tiger will defend his 2000 runaway victory. I have tickets to attend the first day of the tournament.

We also take a leisurely stroll through downtown Carmel. We never buy much anymore, just look. And we also take our complimentary Lexus convertible on a drive down the coast or up the Carmel Valley. We plan to have dinner at Roy’s on Friday, and the Vineyard Bistro in Carmel Valley on Saturday. See you there!

Seventeen Mile Drive

What is so magical about the Monterey Peninsula’s Seventeen Mile Drive? We have taken the drive numerous times in the past. Sheri drove it once or twice daily when I worked at Pebble Beach. She would drive between our company apartment and the Lodge at lunch time and again to pick me up after work.

This is Yahoo’s description: One of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, this stretch of highway runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. You will see incredible beaches, six golf courses and more mansions than you can count. You will drive by several epicurean restaurants, all of which will refund the USD8 toll fee that you pay to drive this road. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free. The road snakes its way like a serpent, along the California coast and then through the Del Monte Forest. This drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula. See website for visitor details.

I never get tired of seeing this, whether bathed in brilliant sunlight or covered with a blanket of fog. And if you want to avoid the fee at the gate, tell the ranger that you are going to the post office at Pebble Beach. The park personnel cannot keep you away from a Federal office by charging a fee.

When we stay at the Lodge at Pebble or Inn at Spanish Bay, we get the free use of a Lexus, preferably a red convertible, when we stay here. On any nice day, the drive is enhanced by a sprint on Seventeen Mile Drive with the top down. A stop for some refreshments is always welcome.

The forest is impressive by reason of its rich abundance of cypress trees and the Monterey pines. You will also drive past picturesque beaches, isolated cliffs, the famous and often photographed “Lone Cypress”, the Pebble Beach Golf Course (my favorite in the entire world) and the “Lodge at Pebble Beach” Hotel, where rooms cost $500. Many kinds of gulls live in the Seal and Bird Rocks. Often you can spot deer, sea lions, and harbor seals there too. The Cypress Lookout offers a particularly beautiful view north and south along the Pacific coast.

You will get a glimpse of all the famous Pebble Beach golf courses, along with Monterey Peninsula Golf Club (36 holes), Poppy Hills, and the ultra exclusive Cypress Point Golf Club. My uncles have played here, thanks to connections who are no longer alive. My day in the sun will occur someday soon.

Why So Special?

What really makes the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel so special? It has been a favorite day trip or weekend getaway as long as I can remember. Yes, it is romantic. It also has its share of good places to eat. And lots of interesting places to shop. It is very dog friendly. It has an abundance of world-class golf. The scenery is breathtaking. And it is only about two hours drive away.

Perhaps it is all of these things, or none of these things. Memories of past trips have much to do with my reasons. We first drove down here when we were dating. We had some drinks at the Tap Room at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Then, we had dinner down on the Monterey Wharf at Abalonetti’s. Friday night, we had dinner at Roy’s over at the Inn at Spanish Bay. It is the best Roy’s in his entire empire.

We were so fortunate to see our dear friend and resident Brazilian hottie, Marci’a. We found out that her new flame lives by us in Walnut Creek. And that she is going back home for a visit in April. Sheri gave her some durian candy to try. She said they have a similar fruit in Brazil, though we never saw it when we were there.

When the kids were youngsters, they loved the Monterey Wharf, Carmel Beach, and Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey. They enjoyed renting a four-wheeled cycle that we pedaled along the path between the Monterey Wharf and Lover’s Point. Then we would eat squid and chips down on the Wharf.

I have been fortunate to play most of the famous golf courses down here, including Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Poppy Hills, and Spanish Bay. We have enjoyed great meals at Roy’s, Abalonetti’s, and the Vineyard Bistro in Carmel Valley. And don’t forget the croissants at the Paris Bakery in Monterey. Or the great breakfast burritos at Toastie’s in Pacific Grove.

The walk through downtown Carmel is always interesting. Besides several places to eat and drink, several unusual shops can be found. One of my favorites is the Talbot Shirt and Tie store on Ocean Avenue. Another is Red Haute, with all the latest youth driven men’s wear. I don’t buy much anymore in retirement, but I like to look.

We have found several travel stores that pique our interest as well. We never know when we might find something handy to take on one of our trips. Or, we may just get a good idea, and find a less expensive alternative elsewhere.

The area is quite photogenic, as it is almost impossible to take a bad photo of the area. The characters and dogs along Ocean Avenue are enough to fill pages and pages. And the various scenes on Seventeen Mile Drive, and the many homes and golf courses are too numerous.

If you decide to take off on foot or bicycle, many trails exist. I prefer staying near Monterey or Pacific Grove, as Seventeen Mile Drive is a little too narrow to share with cars and buses. The 4 wheel cycle rentals on the Monterey Wharf are the safest and easiest way to get a little exercise, take a few photos, and stop here and there along the way.

The recent ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament featured beautiful, sunfilled photos of the Monterey Peninsula, 17 Mile Drive, and Pebble Beach. The U.S. Open is arriving in June, its fifth time as host venue for golf’s greatest championship. We hope to enjoy some of those same views.

The sun has broken through the clouds, and it is another glorious day here in paradise. Or am I really in Heaven? I should be so fortunate.

We Hate To Leave

Our weekend here has been so nice. Even without all of the great amenities extended to us, we enjoy the area and the great weather. As I watch each foursome approach the green, I can just imagine their thrill on these famous Links. Many of you may not know that the tree here on the 18th green is really a transplant from elsewhere in the forest. The original tree was taken down due to both disease and destruction.

Though the bleachers, tents and concession stands from the ATT tournament are being dismantled, the US Open comes back in June. I plan to be down here for at least one day of the tournament. Of course, retailers here love both the ATT and the Open, for all of the people it brings into the area. Many would not survive, if not for the big events here.

Though it is winter, it is slower than usual here. The dining room at Roy’s was about half full, and hardly any tour buses prowl Seventeen Mile Drive here. But on a positive note, the Japanese tourists seem to be back in all of their splendor. It looks to me like the economy over in Japan and Hong Kong is better than here.

The water out on Carmel Bay has changed color about a hundred times already today. It just depends on the sun, the fog, the clouds, and the tide. It ranges from bright blue to dull gray. Or is it the amount of adult beverages one has consumed during that time?

The streets of downtown Carmel are filled with our little four legged friends. It just makes us miss our little Buddy even more. Just about every business here has a water bowl out by the door. And most have a plate of doggie treats at the ready. All of the restaurants with outdoor seating, allow dogs. And the famous Cypress Inn, owned by Doris Day, allows dogs everywhere, including the bar.

Last night, we headed into Carmel Valley for dinner at Jimmy and Carol Ugaz’s restaurant, Vineyard Bistro. They spent most of January in their native Peru visiting family and friends. But believe it or not, they met here in California, got married, and have two nice teenage boys. It is so nice to see friends do well in business, raise a nice family, and, and be so terrifically nice.

We met their son, Jimmy, and had a great dinner. I had probably the best rack of lamb ever, and Sheri had their rich and utterly delightful seafood pasta. Then to top it off, they made a double chocolate torte birthday “cake” with vanilla ice cream, blueberries, and raspberry glaze. Wow. We encourage all of you to try their great place on your next trip down here.

So off to Toasties in PG for breakfast. Make sure you ask for the French Roast coffee instead of the house. Their breakfast burrito is exceelent, as well as their huevos, and seafood omelettes and Benedicts. And you may see some of the Peninsula’s bright lights here, like Johnny Denver (when he was alive), Alan Shepherd (before he died), Clint, and crew, or an offbeat personality like George Lopez or William Murray.

To show you how good the service is here at the lLodge, when we got back to our room yesterday, even my little portable ice chest was refilled with ice. The fireplaces were reset and ready for good things to happen. The only thing we are missing is our own butler!

So, as we bid farewell on Sunday morning, the air is clean and clear. Though it rained a bit last night, today is a crisp, slightly cloudy sunrise as an autumn morn in New England. The rough seas have calmed. And the soft green carpet of grass is inviting any and all to challenge its grasp. Yes, this is golfing heaven, but equally, it is a place to relax, reflect, read, and pray that it will always be here for us.

My most faithful reader has suggested a best of, worst of, accounting of our travel experiences this past year. While I do not want to bore you, I will try to hit just the highest of highlights, and the funniest of the low lights.

This past year was probably my most active travel year of my life. Three overseas trips, London, Japan, and Chile/Argentina. Several Vegas, Seattle, and Monterey trips and two car trips with Buddy, to Palm Desert and Oregon. So, let’s see what we experienced in the way of best (and worst or funniest) travel highlights.

Flights

I would not say that I had any real luxurious flights, even though most of my trips were in First or Business class, especially the long haul trips. The domestic airlines first and business classes are sorely lacking. My top choice has always been Singapore Airlines, but the other Asian carriers are pretty good, and certainly superior to the U.S. carriers.

The Air Canada flight from Toronto to Santiago, Chile was my best flight, though certainly not luxurious. The first class seating consisted of pods, with each seat folding flat, surrounded by an enclosure about 270 degrees. The meal was passable, and the sparkling wine was marginal. So comfort was an A, but food and beverage was a C. But the Air Canada lounge in Toronto was very good, with a variety of hot and cold foods, along with an open bar and comfortable seating. And quiet!!! Americans must be the only obnoxious cell phone users on the face of the earth! Admission to the lounge is free when ticketed on Business or First class. Just about any foreign airline’s lounge is better than a domestic airline lounge!!!

Almost consistently, US Scare (US Air) has the worst first class, and equally poor service from its flight attendants. It does not pay to upgrade on US Air, even though it costs only $50. No meals are served. Instead, a tray of cold pre-packaged snacks are offered. Though box lunches and other snacks are offered for sale in Coach, US Air does not offer these to first class patrons. I think they purposely hire people who are anti-social!

Hotels

By far, the best was the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Service, rooms, amenities like the free use of a Lexus, large bathroom, beautiful grounds, superb views, and high quality beds. We are never disappointed, even though we have stayed here numerous times. All rooms have a fireplace, ready to light, large sitting area, fully stocked and complimentary snack bar, a wet bar, and best of all, pet friendly. And no tipping either.

The most laughable hotel was the Larkspur Landing in San Jose. When we got ready to take a nap, we both landed in the center of the bed. It was impossible to lay on each side of the bed! Of course, we were told that the mattress was new! So, after some debate, they finally changed rooms for us. I am hoping to become their mattress vendor in the near future.

Car Rentals

I was a long time Budget Car rental customer, after decades with Hertz. But I have found Dollar Car Rental to be consistently less expensive, with a better selection of cars, and better, faster service. But here is the secret. I book a car rental as soon as I put a trip together. But, as the weeks go by, I check into promotional rates, and can save up to 50% of the rental price. Our last trip to Sedona and Scottsdale are proof. My first booking was about $250. I ended up with a rate of $155 for the 5 day rental, for the same car. Make sure you join Dollar Express, enabling you to bypass the rental counter, and head directly to the cars. Domestically, do not rent a GPS unit, as your cell phone will do the same thing.

When was the last time you hand rolled a window? Or pay for a hubcap that fell off the wheel? Mike and I secured the last car available in San Pedro de Atacama. It was likely the worst car as well, a Toyota Yaris, that lost a hubcap, and would not start when we were in the desert. If not for a stick shift, I would not have been able to push Mike and get the car started. So, I paid $25 for a plastic hub cap that is now lying somewhere in the Atacama Desert. It could have been the worst walk of our lives!

Meals

By far, the best meal of the year was at the LeGarde Winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Though we arrived about 2 to 3 hours late, they treated us like kings. We were the only patrons there! We met the chef, had an excellent lunch, paired with a different wine at each course, and then enjoyed a private tour after. We bought two bottles of champagne to drink later on the trip. This is certainly a welcome change from the harsh and high priced tours of Napa Valley and southern France.

Our trip to Japan included numerous excellent meals. Perhaps the most enjoyable were at a place called Gonpachi in Tokyo. I would describe it as ultra modern sushi and space age Asian with a nod to tradition and folklore. Every dish seems to have a signature touch, whether a plate of edamame, or a broiled hamachi head. Sitting at the bar is a delight since we got to see the entire process. It is almost like filling a prescription! And who can forget the Asadachi, featured on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.

Just about every sandwich in Chile was downright dreadful. The reason: Frozen French cut string beans! Every sandwich, burger, or cold plate had a huge pile of string beans! We could never get a straight answer on why the string bean topping. I finally resorted to order a “plain” burger or sandwich. Another favorite topping is avocado. It is piled high and plentiful on hot dogs and burgers.

Best Wait Staff

We so enjoy our trips to Seattle and our meals at Lola (at Fourth and Virginia Streets). We have been so fortunate to meet and know Ben, Victoria, and Lori. We always get the royal treatment, and never leave hungry, thirsty or disappointed. This is the way it should be! We also enjoy Arlene and Suzie at the Blueberry Hill Pancake House in Vegas.

Again, not only are the French the worst tourists in the world, they are also the world’s worst wait staff. My last trip to Paris and to the Louvre was punctuated by indifferent service, cold food and sloppy presentation. French food is waaaaay over rated!

Most Beautiful Sight

This could be a tie among several of the following: the green grass courts at Wimbledon, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks in Utah, the beautiful peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile, the beef and red wine of Argentina, sunrise and sunset in Maui and Kauai, smiles and laughs from our friends, and our dog Buddy when we get home from a trip.

If there are ugly things to see, most are man made. Whether it is unsightly garbage dumps, cement jungles in the city, homeless on the streets, bad news that dominates the airwaves, we are thankful we live here, in the greatest country in the world.

Trains

Needless to say, the Shinkansen or bullet train in Japan is the most superior rail system on earth. Trains are always on time, never early, never late. The ride is more comfortable than a plane ride. The attendants are friendly, and serve food and drink. The restrooms are clean, and your baggage is safe. I can only pray that we someday have a bullet train between LA and SF.
The Eurostar train from London to Paris is okay, not great. But it sure beats having to deal with the airport stuff.

The worst train rides of the year were on the London Underground. Although they serve many areas quite conveniently, they are NOT air conditioned! The ride is rather rickety, and unplanned stops are common. Trains can change platforms on a few seconds notice. So, please pay attention!

Tours

This is easy, the best was the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. It is the world’s largest wholesale fish market, and was certainly one of the best and most interesting things we did in Japan. We even got to try whale sashimi, see the tuna and uni auctions, and see the master cutter carve a large tuna. I have seen that many fish since I watched the World Series of Poker in Vegas.

The worst tour was the bus ride to Stonehenge, outside of London. I do not know what exactly I was expecting, but it was a big disappointment. It turns out that it is much smaller than I expected, and rather simplistic in design. I just did not “get” it. If the theory is correct, it served as a burial place. Thus, much research and excavation must be done to unearth the hidden secrets and mysticism of the place.

Most Interesting Person

It has to be Barry Varkel, the former barrister, turned comedian from Cape Town, South Africa. We met him in Santiago, had drinks and dinner, and we were rolling on the ground with laughter all evening. He is now trying stand up comedy after a world wide tour. He still sends these comedic videos via email that I have not a clue about. Go Barry!

To any of the rest of you, do not be offended. Barry is so funny and crazy, he is OUT there!! I can’t wait to see him again when Mike and I visit Africa next year. The rest of you, please stay the way ou are!

I hate to say there is a lesser light or worst person I encountered this past year. It would probably be the winery guide at Achaval Ferrer winery in Mendoza, Argentina. We were a few hours late, and he acted as if we stole his laptop, iPhone, and first born child.

Best Purchase

This was not a great shopping year in my opinion. Silly me! I forgot that I bought a fur lined leather hat in Buenos Aires. It makes me look like nanook of the North. But for $10, it served its purpose in the cold of Patagonia, in the Beagle Channel. Will I ever wear it again? If it gets cold, watch out! Or I could get a fortune for it on eBay.

The all time worst purchase of any trip in 2009 was a hub cap and tire in Chile. By now, you have all heard the story. We lost the hubcap in the Atacama Desert and blew a tire on the way back from Torres del Paine. Worst of all, I do not have the hub cap, as it is now probably sitting on some Chilean’s fireplace mantel in the middle of San Pedro de Atacama.

Funniest Moment

It has to be the evenings at Ken and Debbie’s 1)in Las Vegas where we were rolling on the ground playing a board game and 2)in Sherwood with the Salt Water Mexican (Pedro, the Cuban comedian), trying to hit golf balls over the nearby hill. We have not laughed that hard since I was wearing someone’s toupee on New Year’s Eve, oh so many years ago. I am already collecting old golf balls to use next year!

Saddest Moment

When traveling to third world countries, these moments are far too numerous, and sometimes painful. Poverty is one thing, downright idiotic or obnoxious behavior is even worse, in my opinion. Drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes, children begging on the street, disabled people crawling down the street, stray dogs looking for warm and dry shelter: all are gut wrenching in some way.

“Wish I Was Not There” Moment

On a puddle jumper between Kauai and Honolulu, we observed the most audacious act of all time. A woman with a three year old proceeded to breast feed her kid, AFTER baring BOTH breasts in a row of seats with two strangers!!!! I wrote the airline and they quoted Hawaiian law which protects her “freedom to feed”. I do not think it protects us from her unsightly breasts and her overgrown kid sucking like Mr.Thirsty.

Longest Bus Ride of My Life

From Ushuaia, Argentina in Patagonia to Punta Arenas, Chile, the only way to get there is a 12 hour bus ride, that only took 11.5 hours. It was not only the longest bus ride of my life, it was both the best and the worst. We covered ourselves with horse hair blankets to stay warm on the first leg. We transferred to a newer bus with a heater, and were served coffee and pastries. We went through check points in both Argentina and Chile. At lunch time, we got a cheese sandwich and a non alcoholic beverage. We saw every mile of farm land hither and yon between the two points, save for the frequent naps due to boredom. We crossed the Straits of Magellan on a ferry. After this long trip, we were dropped off at the side of the road, no bus station in this town! A story that can be believed only because it is TRUE and I lived to tell about it.

“Aha” Moment

There are so many. But going to Japan, and visiting my ancestors’ home in Nagoya was very special. It is rather difficult to imagine what this city was like at the turn of the last century (1900’s) when they left Japan by boat for the California. It helped me realize how fortunate I was that they decided to migrate to the United States. Would my grandparents have ever met had they stayed here? How would my Father have met my Mother? Too many possibilities to ponder, but so thankful it happened as it did.

Sick Moment

I do not recall getting sick this past year, except for a case of 24 hour malaise in Tokyo. Of course, it happened the day before we were scheduled to leave. Al of my proverbial last day purchases and activities were cancelled. I was stuck in our room, with just tea, toast, rice, and lots of medication. I was well enough to fly home the next day, knowing I would be in Business Class and could sleep the entire way home.

Worst Cab Ride

Mike and I hailed a collectivo in Valparaiso, Chile. The collectivo is a cheaper alternative to the bus or cab. At the base of one of the many hills in the city, these black cars wait for passengers. When 3 or 4 are gathered, they take off up the hill. They continuously drop and pick up passengers until they get to the top, then repeat it on the way down. Our guy got lost!! Mike had to tell him how to get to our hotel. Then he over charged us by a factor of 10 times!!!

How To

So, what is the secret to finding good places to stay or exceptional places to eat. Two things: ASK and READ! I am never afraid to ask friends, bellmen, cab drivers, or bus boys about the best places to eat or drink. But always read a travel guide or a Trip Adviser type of website to verify the information. Though sometimes the best meals or hotels are found on the fly, a consistently good result is achieved when some research is done.

Now, sometimes dumb luck plays a part, like our stay in San Pedro de Atacama. Arriving late to a dark motel like place, we checked in to a place for $30 a night. To our comfort and surprise, the bed had electric bed pads, making for a most comfortable night of sleep in the cold and howling desert wind.

We often let cab drivers find places for us when we get really desperate. It worked out well in Ushuaia, Argentina, but not so well in Puerto Montt. We had a great place, inexpensive, great location, friendly, warm, quiet, good breakfast in Ushuaia. In Puerto Montt, Chile, it might have been a brothel or a drunk tank asylum in a previous incarnation. Not only did I count my belongings and cash the next morning, I also counted my gold fillings, fingers and toes. But I made up for this on the unofficial tally of “right and wrong.” We walked into a nearby Holiday Inn and pretended to be guests. We had lots of hot coffee and a light breakfast, used the internet, and walked back to our dingey old hotel. Call us “even Steven” for Puerto Montt.

We rose early for the flight back to Bangkok, then on to Kathmandu, Nepal. We got here around 1 pm, and found a great guide named Raj, who formerly resided near Everest. We had a quiet and early evening, as we had a 5:45am appointment for a flight to Mt. Everest this morning. We arrived at the airport, only to find several fog delays. After several bad cups of coffee, we got on the 9:30am Buddha Airlines flight over the Himalayas, and on to Everest. Once up in the air, the flight attendant pointed out all of the various peaks. Then each of us (taking turns from our seat to the cockpit) got to see the mountains, including Everest from the cockpit of the plane!!! No way will they allow something like that back home. It is very important to point out that although Everest is spectacular, all of the major peaks are noteworthy, and interesting in their own way. We also saw Base Camp, and many small and large farms terraced in the mountains.

The ride got a little bumpy at high altitude, but we survived, and earned an Everest certificate!! Once back on the ground, our guide took us to downtown Kathmandu for a long needed meal. We had a fried rice dish, along with some grilled fish. It was the first meal that we enjoyed here, as the native spices are a little to strong and sour for us. We went on a walking tour of several temples in Durbar Square, including the famous golden pagoda. We also saw a few monkeys, and lots of stray dogs. The temples and pagodas in the Square were built about 500 years ago. They exhibit great craftsmanship in wood carvings, and metal etching, along with intricate brick work.

We also stopped by the famous “monkey” temple, near the top of the city. The view was fantastic. This area is much cooler than the SE Asia we normally see. A jacket is definitely needed at night. In fact, we had a huge thunder and lightning rainstorm last night as we were having dinner. The monkeys were very tame, and respond to noises, much like dogs. The number of beggars along the temple walkway numbered in the dozens, mostly older people, and handicapped. Sheri, as usual, had to give each person some money, for which they were very grateful. They look you in the eye when they thank you, and give a very appreciative bow as well.

From here, it was on the Thamel, an area known for shopping, tourist hotels, and great places to eat. But it is a traffic nightmare. The driver told us there are NO rules for driving the roads. It is a mix of pedestrians, trucks, cars, motorbikes, and bicycles, with everybody enjoying the use of their horn. We also drove through the wholesale fruit and produce area. By far, the most plentiful items are apples, oranges, cabbage, and cauliflower, by the thousands. Picture chaos, and traffic, terrible roads, noisy horns, and you have experienced Kathmandu at its best (or worst).

We had lunch the next day at the famous Rum Doodle Cafe in Thamel. Anyone making the climb to Everest Basecamp gets to put their name on a paper cutout of a foot. Those making it to the top of the world get free food for the rest of their lives. But the highlight was seeing Sir Edmund Hillary’s signature on the wall!

We plan to rest up today, as we may either head out to an animal reserve, or a famous and beautiful city called Baktapur, about 25 minutes away. We will also go back to Thamel to pick up a few souvenirs and T shirts. The country is truly depressed, due to heavy corruption by both the King and the Prime Minister. The young people cannot wait to get out. Yet, the mountains, temples, and forests here are among the world’s most spectacular. Oh, and just to make sure we get to see life as it really is here, our guide is having us for dinner before we leave. He wants us to see how the locals live and eat. We can’t wait!!!