Saw the largest standing Buddha yesterday on the island of Lantau off of HK yesterday. Quite a serene setting with the adjacent monastery. It is accessible by this really long cable car that goes up and over several large hills and it was beautiful with the setting sun. Have probably walked close to 10 miles a day since I have been here, no wonder everyone is so thin here. Last full day in HK today and then fly tomorrow evening to Nepal which I am looking forward to with great anticipation.
Less than 48 hours until departure! Checking in online to my first two flights, pdx to san francisco and then sf to hong kong. Once the next leg to Nepal departs, I will literally be going halfway around the world. Final packing efforts today and tomorrow. Starting to get the pre-journey jitters but really just excited for an amazing adventure.
Trip is coming up in 10 days! Last minute travel changes… Sarah and I are now headed to Everest base camp after the medical trek!! It’ll be a 2 week journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then start acclimating as we head up to a max of 5545 meters which is well over 17,000 ft. Looks like I will be filling that prescription for Diamox after all (to avoid high altitude mtn. sickness). Wow, I have dreamed of going to these places for a long time and they are nearly coming to fruition. Enjoying a few more days of rest at home and then will get into packing mode.
Good to be back in New York, took the red eye last night. Was sleeping fitfully until the man in the window seat needed the facilities. Still got some zzz’s and was able to drop my bag off at Janine’s before embarking into Manhattan. Was able to get my visa for Nepal at the consulate in literally five minutes, I wasn’t expecting that. Then walked cross town to the camera mecca, B&H, and picked up a sweet little waterproof digital. Heading upstate with nieces in tow in the afternoon tomorrow and looking forward to some R&R.
2 days post resignation day, feeling good. Flying to NY tonight to visit my family. Back for a week and then fly to Hong Kong for 3 nights en route to Nepal!
Less than a week left at my job in Portland, nice to be winding down. Made a lot of friends at the hospital and you all will be missed. Looking forward to a change of pace for a few months and on down the road. Am interested in exploring some non-hospital nursing jobs for at least part of the year in the future. Ideally something that will have an aspect of travel, humanitarian efforts, and some time off for outdoor pursuits. Know of any unique nursing jobs out there?
5 weeks until departure for Nepal. Gathering what is needed for the trip. Tested new water purifier (the Steri-Pen) using UV light treatment yesterday at Eagle Creek. Drank half a liter of Oregon river water and GI system a-ok! Added whitewater rafting after the trek to the itinerary.
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