Everest 2006: N. Ireland and England Everest 2006 Expedition Update

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Thursday Third Dispatch

Well after a good nights sleep it was a freezing shower for those that were brave enough (only Kate was stupid enough), and down to a hearty breakfast of omelettes, curried potatoes and pancakes.

We headed down the hundreds of steps that we were drudged up in the pitch black last night to the 4x4s, and off to the Nepal/ Tibet border. After standing in torrential rain storm for 2 hours we were finally issued with our exit visa after parting with some extra cash to speed up the exit process, only then were we allowed pass over the world famous Friendship Bridge.
As we entered Tibet there was an immediate difference in the living conditions and not for the better, but unfortunately not in the conditions of the roads, these were equally as poor as in Nepal.

While waiting, our luggage was portaged across by what seemed like a few hundred men, women and children. Vehicles are not allowed to pass over the bridge loaded; hence all the loads were carried across (quite bizarre I must say). After being carried the luggage was then transferred into two lorries, and we were transported in 3 all terrain mini vans. These vans would be right at home on the dirtiest farm lanes in Fermanagh! The road conditions went from bad to worse as the last traces of concrete disappeared in the rear view mirror. This road got continually worse until the vans got stuck and we all had to get out to push, eventually arriving safely in Zhangmu and checking into another five star hotel.

ah this mountaineering is a tough life!

Ps. Having been on Nepal time for the past 3 days, we are now on Bejing time- whatever that is.

Dispatches

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