Firat Eren

From a series of dispatches from the Alpine Ascents 2007 Everest Expedition team.

Namaste friends, family and loved ones,

Sleep is coming easier now that the team is adjusting to the rarified atmosphere. Of course, sleeping in the home of the most accomplished Everest climber in the world may help to put our minds at ease as well. Pancakes and eggs for breakfast also has a wonderfully calming effect on us. So, we were in a delightful mood as we climbed up to the ancient Thengbo monastery above Thame. This particular Gompa was established over 350 years ago by three Tibetian monk brothers. Inside is an exquisite hand written library, ornate murals and a multitude of religious relics and musical instruments. The gregarious Lama prayed for our safe return and blessed each of us with Kata scarfs and Shrudis(prayer strings). This ceremony was accompanied by his drum and bell playing and affected us deeply as we meditated on the days to come.

Afterwards we scrambled up to the top of the ridge where we had some great views up toward the Nangpa La and the mountains of the Tibetian border. The tallest of which is Cho-oyu, a lovely peak that Ferat, Amy and I climbed last October. I suppose you could call us “repeat ascenders”. It was then our appitites called and we ran down to Apa’s for lunch. Our Sirdar and good friend Lhakpa is originally from Thame so we were eager to visit when his mother invited us all over for tea. Her home was a simple stone structure yet it was filled with love and human warmth. It’s easy to understand how Lakpa became such a wonderful man, one we have all become quite fond of.

The trekker went to the Gompa or monastery as well in the afternoon and visited with Lakpa’s family. They will be calling in their own cybercasts from now.

Stay tuned,
Vern