At the airport we're "helped" with our bags by two guys - I'm about to walk through the metal detector when Jen physically grabs me and says that they want a tip for their help. It's extortionary, but I'm trying to hurry so I give them what they want and walk through.
Then we spend an hour and a half standing. I'd say standing in line, but there's no order to the proceedings and it turns out that the people who know what's going on aren't standing in line. Finally we're led through security (his and hers pat-downs) and then we take a bus onto the tarmac to board the plane. This is where it starts to get interesting.
We're flying on a Twin Otter, and the first row of seats is filled with extra cargo. Before the engines are started the stewardess (I don't think it's enlightened enough hear to use "flight attendant") offers everyone a piece of candy and some cotton for their ears. Thanks to Yvonne, from our China trip, we knew to sit on the left-hand side of the aircraft for the good scenery.
I knew that Lukla was a challenging airport from the guidebooks, but didn't realize that it was widely considered to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world. We also didn't know that there was a terrible plane crash there less than a week ago, killing all but one person on the plane. We were fortunate, though, and our flight went off without issue. If you'd like to see what it's like there, just look up Lukla on YouTube.
Here's a picture of porters loading up yaks by the airstrip:
And on the trek we passed lots of teahouses with stickers from around this world. My friends from 'consin, this one's for you:
Good night Wisconsin!
1 comment:
I am sure Billy is going to really appreciate your "consin" reference. We miss you terribly but are thoroughly enjoying reading about all of your exciting adventures! :)
Love ya!
Court
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