Thanksgiving Soup and fried rice

First day on the trek. We were transported to a spot where we met our guides and I think had some additional porters join us. Our group was now nine, or rather eighteen because of the three guides and six porters. At first this felt incredibly indulgent, but then when we saw the route and means of carrying stuff, it was a good thing there were many to share the burden.

The countryside is beautiful. There are paths-stone walkways through the trees. Rolling hills, and as the day progresses, the clouds sank to fill the valleys below.

We had an amazing lunch of vegetable soup with ramen noodles, then vegetable fried rice. It is easier in teas houses to order as a group, and although I am the only vegetarian in the group, all are happy to comply with a more limiting menu. No one is disappointed.

Dinner includes fried chicken for most of the crew, and a lively boy builds a fire for us outside. The guides set up chairs for us, and someone brings a guitar for Scott. He takes turns singing with the porters, who dance and sing traditional Nepali songs. A local drunk comes by to enjoy the light and the heat, dancing in and out of the flames and feeling no pain. This is another layer of getting to know one another in the clearness of mountain air.