First Class, Second Class, Third Class, Floor

Well we've made it safe and sound to the top of world...or so it seems. We are currently in the foothills of the Himalayas, 7000 feet up and literally with our heads in the clouds. The trip getting here is a story in itself. It all starts with a train ride, a social experiment in the making.

As we made our way through the crowded and dusty train station we were promptly advised by signage that there was to be no spitting and to notify any police of mysterious baggage since it could be a bomb. The Hawkers were there in all their glory and the mercury was quickly rising as we found ourselves showered in our own sweat yet again. After multiple stretches that inevitably led to the sniffing of our underarms to ensure that we had maintained that fresh and sure feeling...it was time to load the train. The entire group was assigned their seats until it came to the last four names on the list that was printed in alphabetical order. This meant that Eddsel, Deanna, Cari and Andrea were left to find car 1A. As we rushed down the tarmac trying to find the car we were hastily ordered that it would be the next one. With 5 minutes left to board we jumped on the train with the hopes of figuring it out as we went. After an hour of language barriers, backpacks and standing between cars, we were sure they would show us the way to the balcony of the caboose. We found the room, and to our shock and delight we were upgraded to a birth in first class.

INTERJECTION from Jeff: Did you ever see the movie TITANIC. You know, that part about first class sitting around drinking tea and doing not much of anything important, but second and third class - below the deck - playing music, drinking good drink, and having a heck of a time. The thing that those folks in first class didn't realize is that in addition to the unwashed dishes and the traces of E-Coli, we had a fantastic time with a few Nepali guys who were playing drums, singing Hindi songs, and just having a heck of a time. I am sure that those folks in first class had a good time, but really - when you die... And this is a real possibility sometimes - would you rather have lived a REAL life or had a nice cabin with A.C.... okay, don't answer.

INTERJECTION from Andrea: Fine I won't. But we did have a rather nice waiter, extra pillows, air freshener sprayed on the drapes, and I'm sure if they asked, they may have tucked us in at night. We seemed to have been fed every two hours and out of real dishes, not boxes. There seemed to be no lack of visits from those living and loving the real life, especially when it came to using out toilets.

INTERJECTION from Nadia: My spot was definitely the most peaceful. I was sitting on the top bunk, as the men bellow me were sharing a spot. So - I had all my luggage and my little space all to myself. Even the waiters ignored me. Having walked to the front of the train, we did see how they prepared the food, and washed the dishes without soap and in a little sink outside of the bathroom.

The trip up the mountain is another story.....