This post features student writing.

Day 8: Monday, July 23

This morning the clouds gave way to the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Himalaya. After breakfast we shared a heartfelt goodbye with Sonam’s children, and our new friend, Lion, the dog. Our much anticipated trek was soon to commence. We parted the town of Salleri at approximately 9:20 AM. Our journey consisted of trekking up and down the mountainsides and through the valleys of Solukhumbu. It was visually pleasing. By midday we came to the realization that we could not go on without replenishing our hunger and thirst. Lunch came just in time. We enjoyed tea, rice, and noodles before venturing further. In the later half of today’s trek we crossed a river, which was rushing really hard, via a long bridge. For much of the remaining journey the road inclined leaving us very exhausted. Thankfully, and to much of our delight, the scenery was spectacular. Along the final stretch clouds ominously appeared and precipitation fell upon us; rain to be precise. Not long after, we were rather wet, but it felt good after a long day’s trek. And with that we had approached tonight’s destination, the quiet village of Junbesi. Our accommodation was very comfortable. Much of the group enjoyed hot showers, a rarity in these parts, while others sipped on hot mint tea. Dinner followed with rice, potatoes, and other vegetables. To our luxury, the television was turned on. Brain Games on the National Geographic channel would be the evening’s entertainment and kept our undivided attention. Following the distraction that is technology, Mingmar educated us on Sherpa names. It will greatly benefit us with the knowledge that Mingmar’s is not Mingma, a girl’s name for Tuesday, but Mingmar, a boy’s name for Tuesday. Night time activities followed. I, for one, played a game with Daniela and Nora that to this moment I still don’t entirely comprehend. It requires one to begin spelling a word but not actually complete it…it’s all very confusing. Tomorrow we trek another six hours in to the vast Himalaya of Nepal. Thus, I shall, at last, get some rest.

— Timothy F.

Day 9: Tuesday, July 24

Note: We trekked the Classic Everest Base Camp trek. Before flights became available, this route was taken by all mountaineers headed up to Mount Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa walked this path on their way to make the first successful Everest summit in 1953.

Today was a good day. We spent the day hiking and the uphill wasn’t too bad. It started raining so I put my raincoat over my backpack so my stuff wouldn’t get all wet and gross. We finally got to Phurba’s (one of our guides) homes and most of us got to take a hot shower, which was nice. Then we ate dinner and sat next to the fire. After dinner we had family meeting and had a long conversation about technology use and our feelings on being disconnected. Then I went to bed.

— Audrey F.

Day 10: Wednesday, July 25

The day began at about 5:30 AM when we were woken up to see the mountains. From the monk bells to cows, the early morning was full of noise. After breakfast from 8:30-9:30, we went to the monastery for a talk given by the monastery’s resident lama. We learned the proper way to meditate and some different aspects of the Buddhist religion. We came back for lunch and a nice time to relax. Following lunch we split into groups and interviewed people who lived/worked on the monastery grounds. This gave us a better understanding of life in this area as well as the amazing stories of the interviewees. After some more rest time (and eating Jada’s almonds), we went to the evening Puja ceremony. This was the first ceremony we went to with real music and a variety of instruments. Today was a relaxing day, which was good for everyone. We leave for the host village tomorrow!

— Daniella R.