And now to Everest Base Camp: onward and upward

Being the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest has a mystique and reputation that sets it apart from any other mountain. It is just over 60 years since Edmund Hillary and Tanzing Norgay first reached the summit. We are very conscious of the fact that many others have paid a high price for trying to do the same, or in making preparations for others who want to. We feel we are as ready as we are ever going to be, to tackle getting to the Base Camp. Who would have thought we would ever be doing this?

Our last week of work for 2014 has just finished. Its hard to believe we have been here three years already; so much discovered, so much still to enjoy as we see it. We have said goodbye to a number of good friends who have finished up with MAE this week. Of our intake year, we are the only 2 returning. It was also Richard's birthday on Thursday so we joined him at the Crazy Elephant for the last time for the year. 

Then Eric arranged a farewell from MAE for Peter on Saturday night.

The year wouldn't be complete without a final social event at Sque Bar in Clarke Quay. 

And today we leave for Kathmandu. On our trek we will get to enjoy many of the awe-inspiring views that Hillary and the other mountaineers have seen without being subjected to the physical traumas and dangers that they endured as we are only going to the base of the famous mountain. Along the way, we will trek past remote monasteries and isolated villages that have changed little over the centuries.

After 3 nights in Kathmandu we take a 45-minute mountain flight to Lukla. 
Following the valley of the Dudh Kosi River, the winding path will take us upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and its 1600 residents. We stay here a second night to help acclimatize.
We will get our first glimpse of Mount Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nupstse Ridge as we continue up but the base of the mountain is still many days away.
Slowly ascending in order to acclimatize to the high attitude, we will pass through small villages on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sagarmatha National Park and the Tengboche Monastery. Tenzing Norgay grew up in this village and the connection with Hillary’s Foundation remains strong. We stay a second night to help acclimatize at Dingboche.
Ascending further, we will arrive at Kala Pattar, a rocky outcrop west of Everest. This vantage point offers fantastic views of Everest’s Ice Fall and the South Col. The journey continues, climbing gradually until we reach the base camp. If all goes well it will take us 8 days to get up, though the next day at Kalapattar is actualy our greatest height, then 4 days to return to Lukla along the same route.

• Day 01: Dec 1 Arrive in Kathmandu– late. Overnight Potala Guest House. 

• Day 02: Dec 2 Kathmandu sightseeing. O/N Potala Guest House. 

• Day 03: Dec 3 Kathmandu  hire/ buy equipment etc.O/N Potala Guest House.

• Day 04: Dec 4 Fly to Lukla (2,795 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m). 

• Day 05: Dec 5 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480m). 

• Day 06: Dec 6 Namche Bazaar - acclimatization day. 

• Day 07: Dec 7 Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860m). 

• Day 08: Dec 8 Trek to Dingboche (4,350m). 

• Day 09: Dec 9 Day trip to Chhukung valley (4,710m) and return trek to Dingboche. 

• Day 10: Dec 10 Trek to Lobuche (4,920m). 

• Day 11: Dec 11 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,300m), then back to Gorak Shep. 

• Day 12: Dec 12 Visit Kalapattar (5,545m), and trek to Pheriche (4,240m). 

• Day 13: Dec 13 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480m). 

• Day 14: Dec 14 Trek to Phakding (2,610m). 

• Day 15: Dec 15 Trek to Lukla (2,795 m). 

• Day 16: Dec 16 Flight to Kathmandu. O/N Potala Guest House

• Day 17: Dec 17  Depart Kathmandu late to arrive in Singapore on the 18th. 

Peter's days with MAE are numbered

The news that Peter's contract is to be broken at the end of our teaching year was made public on Wednesday, much to the dismay of many of our colleagues.  Eric and I have known for a short time but are still getting used to the idea that he won't be around in the supporting role next year. As can always be expected of him, he is acting very professionally and trying to be upbeat. We hope it turns out to be a positive for him, the start of a new chapter. He hopes to stay on in Singapore so is now considering his options. Eric has organised a bit of a send-off for him at the end of next week. He will say a few words on our behalf and I am going to sing a song! 
Thursday morning saw Heather, Peter and the two of us tackling the Southern Ridges walk from Kent Ridge to Harbourfront. Kent Ridge has a rich history of battles fought during WWII but we particularly love the canopy walk. Next time we might explore it at ground level though just because you can.

 Must have cost a fortune to install

The Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge, spanning Henderson Rd and joining Telok Blangah Hill Park to Mt Faber always impresses me, no matter what angle you view it from.

 On another Mt Faber outlook

 

This has always been a favourite walk but this time we added a few more steps and explored Faber Point. We found a multiple deck plaza that provides great panoramic views from the top deck while murals on the first level depict the history of Singapore.

 

Altogether there are five Merlion statues authorised by the Singapore Tourist Board at separate locations in Singapore. For the first time we found the 3 m one located at Mount Faber.
More steps at the condo was how I started Friday. Up to the 10th floor, down to our 5th, up to the 9th floor, down to our 5th......and so it goes on to the basement and back. Ugh! So tedious. Then got the alterations finished on the latest purchases from Sams in Penang before going to work. Eric walked the streets and dicovered another nearby grocer that is very handy. 
The weekend flew by as usual with full classes; lot of students doing replacement classes for ones they have missed through the year and some free trial lessons we offer as a promotion for the new year. On Sunday night I explored the new outlet that has replaced our popular Bliss Bar but discovered they don't serve wine, so Eric and I ended up at Joe's, another old favourite. 
Our Monday walk was from Bishan to Ang Mo Kio and we had 10 starters which was surprising for this time of the year. Michael returned on Saturday.  

In the afternoon we caught up with both Luke and Adrian through skype. Luke has started his new manager's job in the city and seems very happy but busy training new staff (both of whom he headhunted from JB). Adrian has just finished his latest guitar. We were able to listen to him play it and we both felt very proud of both his skills in making it and ability to play. He has made the decision to move to Alice Springs at the end of January. In the evening we met at Kinara Halal Restaurant in Holland Village for some authentic North Indian food and then finished up back at Peter's. 

To continue in the Silly Season Theme, someone organised a Boys Night Out for the Tuesday assembling at Hooters in Clarke Quay. Not to be outdone, Heather and I set up a Girls Night Out too, assembling at Kinki's in Collyer Quay. 

Step training thwarted again

Where to next for step training for Everest? Not only have they closed Bukit Timah but on Thursday we discovered they have now also closed the pagoda at Chinese Gardens! JTC Corporation has planned a year-long "redecoration and refurbishment" project starting at the end of 2014 and it seems they are beginning with the 7 storey pagoda. 

You can see how upset Peter was. Instead, we did multiple summits of the twin pagodas which are each only 3 storeys high and tripped over each other in the process, there barely being enough room to pass on the spiraling staircases.  

 They are known as Moon Receiving Tower and the Cloud Wrapped Pavilion.

Heather joined us for the walk and then Bev met us for coffee at Jurong East. On the way home Eric called in to the Starhub Service Centre to discuss new contracts and came home with 2 new phones. So there's a new challenge for us; a different brand and a different on/off button, not to mention the rest. 




After work in the evening we had dinner with Peter at Kovan and then went back to his place where the boys cracked a new bottle of Sullivan's Cove single malt whiskey. They sent pictures to Michael in Lismore and he apparently went straight online to book tickets to return in a week. Peter flew off to KL on Friday for the last time for the year. 

Our trekking buddy June, who recently had a stint in hospital, dropped in to the Kovan Branch on Saturday for a social visit and stayed to share lunch and thank people for their kind gifts and best wishes while she has been recovering. It was great to see her looking much better. The rest of the working week was spent holding a cold at bay and getting all the ironing done. Where does it come from?

On Monday we walked from Bukit Gombak to Bukit Batok (Singapore's second and third highest points after Bukit Timah) and on to Jurong East. It was a lovely walk, mostly shaded and much of it through parkland. There weren't as many of us as usual but it was good to have June back for her first test run. 

Bukit Gombak is locally known as Little Guilin because of the rugged granite outcrops and contrasting backdrop of green hills that gave it a similar look to Guilin in China. It was once used as a quarry but today the only outbursts you hear are not explosions but the calls of the crested laughing thrush. We didn't find any this time but we certainly heard them.  

The trail takes you on to Bukit Batok where the Japanese erected their victory monument at what is now the lookout point. There isn't actually a view to be had but a good workout for the legs. 

Lunch was at a hawker centre in Jurong East where we caught the MRT home for a short rest before heading off to the Shangri La for our Branch End of Year Dinner. Once again it was at the Line Restaurant and the food and wine was fabulous, all enjoyed on the proceeds of our weekly raffle. 

It is now time to confess that I have managed to not win the wine raffle even once all year. One would think that was an impossible task with only 7 balls to be drawn but it is true. I know I am in for a big win of something very special to compensate soon. Fortunately Peter has been generously sharing his winnings with me from time to time. Secret Santa was a hoot, everyone seemed to be very happy with their gifts.

How lucky am I? Some yellow and green coloured pencils for the classroom! My parcel also contained a fold-up backpack and a framed Bollywood night picture. Eric scored a bottle of whiskey.









On Tuesday Eric joined Peter for a walk from Bukit Timah to Upper Thompson Rd near Marymount. It rained almost all morning so they were drenched, but that's nothing new. Just rainwater this time, instead of sweat. 

 Taking shelter at McRitchie

The monkeys don't mind a bit of rain.












They finished up at Thompson Plaza where Eric found a Madelines Cake shop who sell ridgy-didge Portuguese tarts so now he has undone all the good work! Meanwhile, I was back at the National Skin Clinic having some more spots removed and then later at the dentist having the final fitting of a bridge. Now that's a day to put behind me.  

Fortunately it all finished up well when we attended 'An Acoustic Evening with Jason Mraz and Raining Jane'. The 5,0000 seat theatre is in the Star Vista complex at Buona Vista which is very easy for us to get to on the yellow line. Fancy building isn't it. We planned to get a bit to eat in one of the outlets before the show but the place was seething with people and queues at all the dining options so we settled for a sandwich.














Mraz is an excellent entertainer and his lyrics are profoundly cheerful but what perhaps stole the show was the all-female band who have been together for fifteen years and now collaborate with Jason. They were all very talented, playing multiple instruments and providing beautiful harmonies.

Penang revisited

I hate to admit it but I have been experiencing some pain in my left knee lately so am tapering off on the walking. Hitting the pool instead which I'm so lucky to have right at the doorstep and usually exclusively at that. Eric and Peter went back to the pagoda again on Thursday, now a regular routine but Eric reports it is not getting any easier. 

So the good news, better than expected, was that June was able to be released on Friday. When we went to visit her on Thursday she had just heard the news. Very happy as once they moved her from ICU she found she couldn't sleep and the staff were too busy to engage in conversation so the hours ticked by very slowly. She now plans to spend some time in Australia with family while the rest of us trek in Nepal and the Dr has given her the all clear to do that.
On Thursday evening after work we had dinner with Heather at Kovan as she is on her way to Sydney for a wedding and will be gone for a few days. On Friday night Peter joined us and then came to our place to share in the opening of another bottle of whiskey he and Eric bought. We had both the guitar and ukulele going so no doubt the neighbours were impressed by our talent. 
After work on Sunday we met Leonie and Peter at the airport and flew to Penang for our 'weekend'. There aren't many left now before the end of the year and they are returning to Aust in December. We thought we were off to a good start when the plane landed 20 mins early only to have the taxi driver blow it trying to locate the correct hotel. This time we stayed at The Royal Bintang Hotel very close to the familiar Butterworth ferry terminal. The Royal Bintang operates out of a heritage property that was once a warehouse belonging to a business trading in spices, coconut, tin, tobacco, tea and silk conveniently located close to Sweetman Pier in the Weld Quay area. 

In the morning we shared breakfast and then Eric and I went walking. First we explored the the Clan Jetties. Forming part of the Heritage Trail, they are billed as one of the last bastions of old Chinese settlements on the island; a waterfront society where homes over a century old are built on stilts. Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan.

 On the way we went by Church St Pier

 and the Ferry terminal

Initially, the area was a char hionh (wood yard) littered with planks and firewood. After the construction of the Quay in 1882, the waterfront was developed with short public landing stages or jetties. Settlements grew on these foundations and they were used for the loading and unloading of goods and for the mooring of sampans (boats). In the early 20th century, the jetty settlements expanded but as squatters, residents did not have basic amenities like water and electricity. It was only in 1957 that the Clan Jetties began to join the modern era; before that they carried their water in kerosene tins from the main road. To this day none of the families pay any tax as they are not living on land.

To tell you the truth, they were a bit disappointing in that it felt like walking up to Kek Lok Si Temple in the 80s, but without the steps. We wandered by shop after shop all selling pretty much the same thing. The uniqueness of the jetties has been spoilt by commercial interests. 

Low tide was perhaps not the most picturesque time to visit and take photographs.













We wandered further along Pangalan Weld to Fort Cornwalis and the Clock Tower before returning to meet up with Leonie and Peter and head out for a spot of shopping. Other than the jetties we had also come across some more wonderful street art. 

 In Armenian St, we walked into this little cafe and stopped for a cool drink. Not one of our orders appeared at the table as we had requested, but it didn't matter, the 71 year old chap who owns the place regaled us with tales of his life as a merchant seaman and kept us fully entertained. 

We returned to the hotel about 5 hours later, a bit leg weary and with multiple bags under our wings. Eric already has his Xmas present, a new lens for his camera. A dip in the pool was refreshing and I followed that up with a Thai massage. As I had turned up at the spa with just my bathers and a sarong it meant that after the massage I had the choice of putting on my wet bathers or just my sarong to return upstairs to the room. I chose the latter thinking I could manage that without bumping into anyone. Unfortunately I discovered that I couldn't move the lift without a door key-card. Stranded in the lobby on the second floor, I had no choice but to seek out the help of some cleaners in one of the rooms who of course turned out to be non-English speaking males. With some careful hand gestures, which I managed without dropping my sarong, I managed to convey to them that I needed to get one of them to get the lift going. I don't think they suspected that my sarong was all that was hanging between them and my dignity but I kept getting flashbacks to those comedy movies where characters get caught starkers in the hotel hallways. 
We met for dinner at one of the bars where an unfortunate waiter managed to spill beer all over Eric rather than have him drink it. Fortunately for him, all ended up with a few laughs and Eric smelling like a brewery.

 Since it was raining outside we ate in the hotel restaurant where we were entertained by Raj, our waiter who gave us lots of insights into growing up in a large Indian family in Penang.

Another walk the next morning began at the Jubilee Clock Tower, built to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee. Right beside it is the Fort which we clambered around and then searched for a path along the waterfront away from the traffic. It soon ran out so we diverted towards the ruins we had seen the day before near Komtar, passing more street art and restorations along the way.

 Recently renovated

 to be renovated

We took a coffee break in the Loke Thye Kee Kopitiam, an interesting building we had photographed from the pedestrian overpass last time we were here. We didn't realise until we entered that this is the oldest restaurant building in Penang and it has been beautifully restored. 

We must return here for a meal next time. Then we made our way home along Armenian St locating a lovely gallery and some more of the street art.









The four of us cruised around Gurney Plaza for a few hours and then found our way back to Sam's Batik in Penang Rd. Across the road at the Kashmir, Anita introduced herself to us and told us to mention her name at Sam's for a discount. 

Some time later, and with more parcels under our arms, we made it back to Anita's for refreshment. She then proceeded to organise us a driver back to the hotel and on to the airport. He turned out to be a real character too. Once a tailor for the air force, he now has his own tour service and just makes an odd tuxedo on the side. Talk about 'talk', he had a joke for every topic you could think of.


We were pleased to find that our Air Asia flight was still scheduled to fly at the appointed time, not cancelled like the last time we were there. The next morning it was difficult to drag myself out of bed for the 8:50 am appointment at the skin clinic in Novena (just the usual 12 month check up). 

Penang is certainly special; you can return time and time again and discover more jewels in the people and streetscape. We'll definitely be back.

What goes around comes around

Lorenzo Quinn, an Italian sculptor and the son of the famous actor Anthony Quinn, named this piece 'What comes around goes around' and it seems really apt this week as we reflect on our blessings and good fortune. When he created this piece, which we found while walking through the Barrage on Friday, he explained it as 'Life is like a mirror where everything we do is reflected back onto us. We might not be able to recognise it and at times that image is hidden, it may even take years and at times it may not even be during our lifetime, but it all comes around'.  

Someone must have been very good in the past and we are now benefiting. We are in good health, which we take for granted everyday, just complaining about sore feet or having eaten too much from time to time. We've just enjoyed a trip home to celebrate a wedding, where we were able to catch up with most of the family and they are all happy. Our own family unit in Darwin are brimming with good news too.  

Meanwhile, our good friend and trekking buddy June, is whiling away the days in hospital wondering what the outlook will be after all the examinations and tests she has been undergoing for the last week since her brain aneurysm. One thing is for sure; she will have to pull out of the trek to Everest Base Camp this year. We are all disappointed about that but it could have been so much worse. 

She has a host of good friends here who are all wishing her the best and whatever the prognosis it will be better than if she hadn't been keeping fit by walking all those kilometres. After our walk we went in search of The Australian Women's Weekly' because I know she always tries to get a copy at the airport. We found one in Holland Village and Peter took it in to her on his next visit. Not sure she is even up to looking at the pictures yet, but I hope it cheers her to know it is there when she feels she is ready. She's a good woman, her fortunes will change for the better.








It has been parent Teacher Mtgs this week so we have all done a lot of talking. On top of that the two of us have also done a lot of walking, so much so that I find myself hobbling at times so am going to cut it back a bit next week. On Thursday we returned to the pagoda in Chinese Gardens and wound our way up and down to exhaustion. It was after that exercise that I went out looking for the magazine for June. Having no luck at Dhoby Ghaut I then got on the MRT only to discover 4 stations later that I was travelling in the wrong direction and going to be perilously later for work!  My first time ever. Made it by a hair's breadth (Eric has another alternative description which includes a piece of a bee's anatomy). On Friday we discovered that you can walk from the new stadium to the barrage, but it is quite a long way if you start right back at Tai Seng!

With the MAE Annual Dinner on  Monday night we had a final dance rehearsal at Kovan after work  on the Saturday night and then a good number went over to Bliss for dinner. 

It was June's birthday on Sunday so after work a number of us went to visit her. Fortunately the staff are very accommodating and since she is in ICU, there is no restriction on the visiting hours. We didn't stay long but sang Happy Birthday and shared some cake.  She was looking much more chipper than the last time we saw her thank goodness. 

And then it was Monday again. A very depleted group, just 4 of us, walked through Bishan and Ang Mo Kio Parks. After an early lunch we went home for a swim and final run-through of the dance steps before attending the Annual Dinner which this year has a Bollywood theme. 

On our way to Little India, Bernard the florist in the HDB, insisted on a photograph.  I was thinking he would use his beautiful flowers as the background but instead he chose the fruit stall next door. It was a fun evening and by far the most colourful Annual Dinner we have ever attended! The dance was a blast, I think the audience were pretty amazed at our talent to tell you the truth. 

 Peter with Renee looking resplendent

 Peter and Leonie Evendon

 Robert and Maria who will be joining me at Kovan next year, and below the Cheng family.

The Bollywood Dance Troupe

After the event a number of us returned to the hospital where June was presented with her watch for 5 years service and we gave her another private rendition of the dance, all be it a very quiet version, which the staff also enjoyed.

We managed to back up once again the next morning, as we have for the previous 2 years, to join a noisy throng for the Melbourne Cup Chandon brunch. This year we were unable to secure tickets to the ANZA function at the track, so instead joined the Aussies at the Boomerang Bistro and Bar in Roberson Quay by the river. On the way to meeting the taxi on Serangoon Rd I called into the Pools Shop to try to put a bet on. Problem was I had no idea what race number the Cup was and they couldn't tell me. I took a guess and backed a horse in the 6th race only to discover later I should have opted for the seventh. Not to worry, that number didn't bring home the field in either event. It was a lovely setting, almost as colourful as the night before, so the complimentary Chandon shades were appreciated. 

 Food was good too.

 Someone was a winner! Joe collected in Fashions on the Field event.

 How did they not get a nomination

 Another winner if you forget what she spent to win it.

What a colourful start to the month!