Everest 2009: ExWeb Posts Expedition List

A month from now the already bustling streets of Kathmandu will become even more hectic, as teams of climbers from around the world descend on the city in preparation for their various climbs throughout the Himalaya. Most will be headed to Everest, where they'll be spending several weeks acclimatizing and eventually, if all goes according to plan, making an attempt on the summit.

As is typical for this time of year, Explorers Web has released their definitive list of Everest Expeditions for the Spring of 2009, as well as other peaks in the region that will be seeing some traffic as well. All told, there are more than 40 expeditions on the South Side of the mountain alone, while on the North, 8 optimistic teams hold out hope for access to the mountain from that side. Those plans all hinge on what happens in Tibet this month.

Some of the more interesting stories include David Liaño's attempt at a South-North-South double traverse, as well as American Bill Burke's attempt at a South to North traverse at the age of 67. Of course we also have the Sherpas attempting to stay on the summit for 24 hours straight, as well as a variety of attempts sans supplemental oxygen, and the news that I reported earlier today that Ed Viesturs will be returning for another go, climbing with Dave Hahn and Peter Whittaker.

Everest is never short on stories or drama. The mountain just attracts attention of course, but it isn't the only game in town when it comes to spring climbing in the Himalaya. The expedition list also has the scoop on the teams headed to Kangchenjunga, Annapurna, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Lhotse, Shisha Pangma, and Cho Oyu. I also personally have a friend headed to Island Peak for a climb of his own, which I'm looking forward to following as well.

Only a few more weeks before things get really interesting. Looks to be another wild year in the Himalaya.

3 day in HoChiMinh city - Holiday in VietNam

ietnam's biggest city has sprawled from the little Khmer town of Prey Nokor, once encompassed by lurking tigers, during a time of opium-raddled French pioneerism, to today's manic, cutting edge city stalked by shiny high rises – a voracious industrialist machine driving an one-gathering communist republic.

Related post: Vietnam travel packages

When you've accommodated the tropical high temperature with a city for all time garlanded in Christmas pixie lights, and comprehended how to wade through the streams of motorbikes moving through the city's avenues (simply dispatch into the movement and don't stop or waver), grasp the addictive frenzy in one of south-east Asia's most energizing urban areas.

Morning 

The French put their new capital of Cochin China once again on the staging phase. Either side are the Hotel Continental, acclaimed as Graham Greene's bolthole (this is the place he considered The Quiet American), and the towering Hotel Caravelle, where outside reporters would sink drinks at the tenth floor bar amid the Vietnam War. Disregarding the basilica is the Saigon Central Post Office, adorned with Khmer and French stresses, and commanded inside its extraordinary corridor by a tremendous representation of Vietnam's socialist pioneer Ho Chi Minh.

Break for espresso, or a cooling squeeze in La Fenêtre Soleil (44 Ly Tu Trong, corner of Pasteur, +84 8 3824 5994), a shabby-chic French hideout, before investigating the boutiques of Dong Khoi and District 1: adornments, style and collectibles at L'usine, French earthenware and strings at pretty Liti, and the exceptional Saigon Socialite cut shoes of reasonable exchange Fashion4freedom at the House of Saigon. Post-buys, lunch on Vietnamese caramelized pork greens and mango, and energy products of the soil smoothie in L'usine's modern chic encompasses, which are overflowed with light.

Evening 

At Le Duan's eastern end, by the herbal arrangements, is the exquisite Museum of Vietnamese History. Near the Reunification Palace, is the War Remnants Museum, showing all the repulsions of Vietnam's war. Authoritative opinion's promulgation prints and T-shirts are presently on special here.

Fascinating, and minimal known, is the Weapons Store, a mystery fortification in an unassuming house that was stashed with weapons and fighters to get ready for the 1968 Tet Offensive. Veteran Nguyen Quang Vinh guides guests through the floor portal to the dugout in the occupied fix (rear way) at 287/70 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3.

Evening 

Vietnamese – and universal – cooking compliments HCMC's culinary notoriety. For more brilliant encompasses (and shaking porch parties), the jamón ibérico from oak seed sustained, dark footed pigs at Pacharan will submerge you in Hispanic terroir in downtown. Practically around the bend is Blanchy's Tash for Djs and mixed drinks in smooth encompasses. End the night finally Call Saigon with an exploratory mixed drink in this louche, downtown drinking lair – attempt the Mekong mojito or the U M

Travel DongXuan Market in tour VietNam Travel

With the playing point of having long history of Culture, customs and being placed in the group of old quarter of Hanoi, Dong Xuan Market is one of appealing vacationer ends of the line of capital.

This is likewise the greatest exchanging focuses of the North, having focal points of shabby and different items to pull in visitors.according to the detail of the vacationer office of Dong Xuan (Dong Xuan Travel, fitting in with Dong Xuan JSC, by and large for every month, Dong Xuan business gets 7.600 turns of remote guests. Essentially guests originating from Thailand, China, France, England; Japan… … .

To promote the picture of Dong Xuan business, making positive conditions for subjects to offer and purchase items ( purchaser items and crafted works), Dong Xuan JSC is presently arranging to adventure visits at the business sector. As of now, Dong Xuan travel is presently making visits to endeavor possibilities of tourism of the business to create the tourism of society, examination for improvement of visitor products.dong Xuan Travel has elevated to connection up visits with travel executors and is evaluated to put into operation in the soonest time.

Related post: Vietnam travel packages

The third floor of the business sector is currently being repaired to develop lodging and for unwinding for guests. Some retail chains in the business will be made in contract to develop as standard retail establishments to pull in guests. The organization is presently modifying the history by building books, Cds to acquaint with visitors.from 2010 on wards, the organization will develop Dong Xuan business to file the benchmarks of visitor end of the line of the city; research advancement of administrations and facilities of gue

Theyyam: Incarnate Deities | Maptia

I'm very pleased that Theyyam: Incarnate Deities, one of my most colorful photo essays, is now featured on Maptia.

A beautiful way to tell stories about places, Maptia is a new platform designed for thoughtful, inspiring stories that make us want to get out there and explore the world, and each story has its own unique map.

It's different from the crop of photo/storytelling platforms that have recently appeared, inasmuch as it makes easy for people and story tellers to share long-form stories about the places that matter to them, and by creating unique, visual maps of these stories.

In an interview with WIRED some 6 months ago, Maptia's founders indicated that the platform already had a community of 10,000 bloggers, photographers, and writers.

Theyyam is a popular ritual form of worship of North Malabar in the state of Kerala (India), and is essentially a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. 

In his book, Nine Lives, William Dalrymple wrote about the Theyyam. One of the stories, "The Dancer of Kannur", is of one of the Theyyam performers who's quoted as saying:

"...during the theyyam season, from December to February. We give up our jobs and become theyyam artists. For those months, we become gods. Though we are all Dalits (untouchables) even the most bigoted and casteist Namboodiri Brahmins worship us, and queue up to touch our feet."

The Theyyam prepares for his performance by meditating while his make up is applied, which usually takes a few hours. When it's ready and totally dry, he views himself in a hand mirror, and then enters in a sort of a trance, whereupon he walks (aided by assistants) over to the temple's shrine and gradually morphs into the shrine's deity. The Theyyam dances to the accompanying drum beat,  and goes deeper into his trance. At the appropriate time, the Theyyam is seated on a stool and devotees approach him with donations and solicit advice, which he provides in a raspy voice. I was also told that the Theyyams' advice is provided in a mixture of Sanskrit, Old Malayalam and Tamil. Both Theyyams and Kathakali performers use similar eye movements to convey emotions.

Nice Climbing Video

This video made it's way through the Twitterverse this morning. Apparently it's about a year old or so, but it's still beautifully shot and great to watch. It shows climber Natalija Gros working a wall with grace and skill. The music is a perfect accompaniment too. Enjoy!



Natalija Gros from Jure Breceljnik on Vimeo.

Welcome to Hanoi - Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital

11 days endeavor takes you off the beaten track, yet the trek is not troublesome. The neighborhood individuals you meet at their home and their ranch, the landscape, and the mixture of societies make this the get-away of a lifetime...

Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam's clamoring pilgrim capital. Your aide and driver will reach you outside the stuff case of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your inn in the downtown area. Toward the evening, go out for a stroll around the inside, going to some of Hanoi's fundamental attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. At night delight in a customary Water Puppet Performance – an extraordinary Vietnamese Art structure hailing from Southeast Asia's wet-rice society – emulated by a welcome supper at one of Hanoi's finest restaurants.

After breakfast at the inn, your aide and driver will reach you at the lodging and exchange you to Ha Giang through Tuyen Quang territory. Land in Ha Giang in the early evening and weigh in the inn. At that point take a short stroll around the city or take a delicate trek to some Tay towns in Ha Giang city. Eat and overnight lodging in Ha Giang.

Stop at Yen Minh for lunch then keep heading to an old popular house Pao's House. At that point visit the home of the Vuong family (Palace of Hmong King). What's more keep taking a drive to Dong Van town. Visit aged houses, takeoff for Lo minority town, trekking to Flag tower on the highest point of Lung Cu mountain around 1km, perspective antiquated valley from the top.

After breakfast, we visit the Dong Van Old quarter, lined with places of one or two hundred years of age, delight in a greater amount of the old air of Dong Van

Whatever remains of the day is through remote and excellent field of Dong Van where we pass through a few towns along tracks utilized by the nearby individuals.

We are compensated with a splendid setting of pleasant valleys secured in rice paddies. The H'mong and Hoa individuals, who are the nearby ethnic minorities, show their kind disposition through their beautiful garments and warm cordiality.

After breakfast, begin an outing again to Ha Giang town on an alternate way. The van will stop at Ma Pi Leng Pass* for taking photographs – the deepest valley in Vietnam and also in South East Asia. Visit Meo Vac market and return to Ha Giang through Bao Lam, Bao Lac and Bac Me. Stop for lunch on the way and land in Ha Giang in the late evening. Weigh in the lodging and you are free at relaxation to investigate the town or recuperate your wellbeing for the following day.

The unpleasant yet beautiful course crosses a thick wilderness before traverse a pass and dropping down to Sin Man. This day is a genuine test for our driver as we go by slowing down with a lot of people tough and downhill drives. Along the way we may experience the Nung Ing, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, only a percentage of the numerous slope tribe bunches who have settled there.

Today you will drive to Bac Ha, the capital of the district of the Flower Hmong, a loose base to investigate the northern high countries and slope tribe towns. Eat on the way. Touch base in Bac Ha, weigh in inn and you are allowed to investigate the town all alone premiums. This is a lengthy drive from Ha Giang to Sapa (around 6 - 7 hours on in excess of 230km rocky street), however there's no time to get exhausted as the view is really amazing.

Delight in breakfast at the inn, before setting out on a full day's trek to investigate Sapa's social differing qualities and frequenting regular excellence. Take a guided climb through yawning valleys embellished with terraced rice fields and pass through remote slope tribe towns. You have three trekking alternatives to browse: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km) and long trek (~ 12km). Trekking is an incredible approach to investigate the day by day life and acquaint yourself with the societies of the H'mong, Dzao and Dzay individuals who populate the locale. Eat at a slope tribe town then investigate the town by our own. Eating with a neighborhood family and getting a charge out of a homestay in their long house.

Related post: Vietnam travel

After breakfast at homestay, your driver will exchange you once more to Sapa Town. At that point you are free at your recreation. Toward the evening, take a drive over to Laocai to get your return night train to Hanoi.

You can procure a motorbike; try for a long ride to visit the Silver Waterfall, O Quy Ho Pass and Xeo towns (excluded – please let us know whether you need to take this administration)

As Close As We Are Far

As close, as we are far

My heart just skips, the beat for you dove,

She grimaced, I faced, our worlds that had raced

Contours that were drawn, our nuptials and beyond,

And the shapes they took, for the wise and the crook

The happiness beyond, the guest and the horn,

The bond that we share, for remorse and the fair

Days may look routine, but life is still full of sheen,

Look at shine of photo frame, still worth its fame.

She looked, as she cooked, with a snook half way,

The clouds I admired, that feeling no more wired

Te'me how far would you go, to empathize my woe,

To get closer to the love, can we fly the sky above ?

Then the tale began, while holding her hand,

The world apart, flew vignette on that land

Of the dream we sew, through our love sinew,

Can still hold your hands, while I run the errands

Through the wheels I move, my heart just grew,

To tell my feelings, will you move these ceilings

Then cut ajar, that rainbow ain't far,

Just see through the dust, for the pelmet you must

There's a world that's dear, as far as it's near,

That tap when it flows, there are mornings that it glows

The box that I take, it's a life full of cake,

The noon in that hall, your delicacies enthrall

The call that I make, for the rail and the rake,

Let's run along the rhyme, to close the time

The guest when he rings, my heart then sings,

The tea that will come will make us hum

In the jousts and hurdles, in the worlds that we lived,

Did we forget to just cuddle, and the fun that we killed ?

If that would be so, for not the desert and the snow,

My heart, let's travel, for the hearts to unravel

Look, there is a world along the ‘Thames’,

Let's pack our bags, on its bank for the games

To discover our life, forget dough and the knife,

Just run along, to listen to the song

Song that chimes, in the background of our times,

Just mute the world, and its pebbles that are hurled

The music is still dear, sounds of the stream still clear,

The twists that it takes, the nature that it makes

Learn from its form, to mix along,

yet remain a stream, for this London theme

Let's fly 'British', for skit and the skittish,

Our love would rejoice, find back its voice

Our travel for the soul, alike  for the diamond and the coal,
As close as we are far, my queen I’m and will be, your Czar

This poem won a prize in the contest - Details here.

Tour Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi in VietNam travel

Vietnam tops rundown of the most alluring objectives and voyages through Vietnam are broadened. Besides, your go in Vietnam composed by Vivutravel, will certainly be the best occasion ever. Touch base at Tan Son Nhat airplane terminal, welcome by our private Vietnam visit guide and driver and exchange to you inn for weigh in. Ho Chi Minh, the most energizing city of Vietnam, a mecca of trade, additionally a city with a checkered history and a rich society, its pagodas, exhibition halls, open structures, parks and lanes make it a standout amongst the most delightful Vietnam Tours and urban communities to visit in Vietnam. Available time at relaxation.

At Tay Ninh visit the unfathomable Cao Dai Great Temple, with structural engineering that could have come straight from a Walt Disney dream and where all the significant religions of the world mix together in an one of a kind religious mixed drink. Toward the evening, visit the popular Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground passage system developed by Vietnamese safety warriors amid the long battle for autonomy where you will see all the more about the Vietnam War or American War, an unquestionable requirement see Vietnam Tour for any voyagers to research Vietnam at various times days.

Related post: Vietnam travel deals

Leave for Cai Be by private ca, stop to take photographs in Tan A town ignoring the beautiful level rice fields. On landing in Cai Be, set off by speedboat to visit the Cai Be skimming market and watch local people exchanging products of the soil different items ready for vessels. At that point meander into the little towns to visit the plantation and products of the soil manor. Continue cruising to Vinh Long through an arrangement of little waterways to encounter the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a little family business to perceive how coconut treat and fresh rice popcorn are made. Appreciate a lunch of crisp stream sustenance served in the heart of the enclosure joined by customary southern Vietnamese society music. Take a delightful stroll through the bonsai arrangement. Meet the auto/van in Vinh Long. Come back to HCMC. Land once again at your lodging at around 5pm.

Nha Trang is Vietnam's best-known Vietnam shoreline terminus, an immaculate break amid or your Vietnam Tours with miles of white sandy shorelines, influencing coconut palms and sublime new fish restaurants. Day free at recreation, water games flourish including parasailing, plane skiing, water skiing and unwinding watercraft excursions to the distant islands.

First Ascent Team Talks Base Camp Logistics

By now you may be tired of hearing about the First Ascent Team. They certainly don't lack for publicity, that much is for sure. However, they are doing an excellent job of blogging and capturing video from their climb, which makes them a great resource for sharing what is going on on the mountain at any given time.

Take this video for instance, which has the support crew in BC talking about everything that is required to make sure the team is happy, comfortable, warm, and well fed. It puts into persecutive everything that goes into these expeditions, and reminds us all that these climbers are on the mountain for weeks at a time.

Customs - Habits - VietNam travel

In general, the Vietnamese are astoundingly agreeable and friendly. Be arranged for some individual inquiries and remarks with respect to your age, conjugal status, and weight. Nice individuals may put these sorts of inquiries. Despite the fact that this may make you accept that the Vietnamese are open individuals, don't commit the error of asking an excess of individual inquiries. Let the individual you are chatting with aide the discussion. Actually, in light of rumored accommodation, they are warm, useful and effectively overlook botches when your conduct doesn't have any significant bearing to their standard. Most importantly, they likewise know much about the western society.

The Vietnamese get extremely humiliated by presentations of outrage. Their common response is to giggle. This is not on the grounds that they don't consider the circumstances important, but since they don't know by what other method to react. It is not a decent thought to reprimand an individual before others. This is a society influenced firmly by the ideas of pride and "face". Luckily, there are no one of a kind signals that will get you in a bad position.

The Vietnamese dietary pattern tends towards vegetarianism. Rice and vegetables are the principle course of the supper that may be enhanced by amphibian items. Bubbling is an unique method for cooking of the Vietnamese individuals. Vietnamese individuals like an engineered sustenance handling style that includes numerous materials and fixings. Today, despite the fact that meat and fish are the primary dishes of the feast, the Vietnamese remember cured egg-plant.

Related post: travel Vietnam

Vietnamese individuals are exceptionally useful. In addition, they are great at outside dialects, so its an extraordinary playing point to outsiders. In the event that you have any inconveniences, don't falter to approach them for a more agreeable remain.

Nagarkot, Nepal - Cradled in the Mountains

The ornate pines that stand guard en-route the journey from Bhaktapur, seemingly whisper  about the beautiful hills that approaches you !

Nagarkot, lying barely 32 Kms. away from Kathmandu, is a different world in itself. With ascent from Bhaktapur, the weather changes dramatically. The clean but cool air flowing across the mountains can blow your fatigue away and can catch you by surprise ! ( Indeed a welcome and pleasant surprise.) 

Architecture at the Nagarkot

The beautiful valley filled with dense pine trees paves way from the dust bowl that would be encountered on account of an ongoing road construction. Swiftly, the air keeps on getting pleasant with real freshness. Nagarkot, that is regarded as a 'Hill Station' (terminology common to the subcontinent and to an extent,  the Anglicized world) stands nestled and cradled among the Himalayas.

While the morning trip from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is a pleasant surprise in terms of beating the city traffic, the trip to Bhaktapur, in true sense is a respite from the weather in Bhaktapur.

Lush Green Pine Valleys

The Kathmandu Valley below is associated with unique history and architecture however, Nagarkot is more about stunning landscapes and guess what, even better sunrises and sunsets!

It is common for visitors to come to Nagarkot for sunrises and even sunsets, but trust me even the scenery and landscapes on offer across the day can take your heart away!

The astounding resilience and determination witnessed across Nepal was rightfully captured in the poster below which as seen at Nagarkot.

Nepal : Story of Resilience and Determination

The beauty of Nagarkot grows on you, so much so, that to an extent, the beauty itself becomes a monotony. A monotony that you'd wish to get more monotonous than ever. The undeterred flags of faith splurge colours while they stand guard to un-wavered conviction in ever-wavering winds.

Unwavering flags waving in the crystal clean air

Smiling sunshine sit atop the densely populated pine trees and mingle with clear flowing breeze around. And the biggest bonus is that all of it comes with exquisite views.

Lush green Forests criss-crossing the sunshine and the wind

The prayer flags apparently spray colors in the air as the wind progresses under the spotless blue skies, almost persuading the clouds to clear up the mountains !

Eventually, I had the opportunity to view the Langtang valley as the mountains cleared up for the views ! And as the luck got better, couldn't believe that Mount Everest (locally known as Sagarmatha) lay ahead for the views, sneaking through the white clouds.

That feeling of witnessing the Everest is simply inexplicable ! Way more than Amazing, a truly lifetime experience !

Tips for the Place :

• Nagarkot is definitely more than worth a day trip, best to reach during evening stay overnight and then decide as per your schedule.
• At times, you need to be patient for the views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.
• Even you are moving from Kathmandu Valley, the chill in air at times can be a big surprise.
• Needless to say, Nagarkot has access to excellent sunrises and to an extent sunsets as well.
• Definitely do go to the Nagarkot 'Tower', known locally as 'Tower'. The views up there are really amazing.
• I'd suggest Club Himalayas for food and stay as I had been to the place and found the services to be quite good, but then it is on the higher side of the economics !

Adventure World Magazine Launches New Website

Adventure World Magazine has launched a revamped website, offering up an easier to navigate, and read format, and expanding their coverage of adventure activities from around the globe.

Adventure World has been a top resource on the web for outdoor endurance athletes and adventure racers for some time. They always have top notch updates on major adventure sport races, such as the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, Costa Rica's Coast To Coast Challenge, or even the Iditarod. They've even partnered with Sleep Monsters to get the latest race reports from events as they happen, further making them a hub of adventure racing news.

But beyond their coverage of adventure sports, there is a lot more great content in general. For instance, there is a nice feature story on the site right now that reminds us how we can make every day Earth Day, and the articles further down the page spotlight some on going expeditions, gear reviews, and other general adventure news.

Adventure World has also embraced this whole "social media" thing that is all the rage with the kids these days. There are icons on the front page which offer easy access to their RSS feed, Facebook Group, and Twitter feed as well. The end result, even more ways to find their great content, and get updates.

Drop on by and checkout the new site. Then bookmark the page, join the Facebook group, and tweet about how much you love all the changes. :)

Everest 2009: Insights on Rope Fixing

Alan Arnette is always a great source of information, and his Everest 2009 page is being updated daily with news from the mountain. Not only does he know many of the guides and climbers personally, Alan has also been on Everest three times, and has first hand knowledge of how things get done there, which is why today's update is so interesting.

Yesterday, I mentioned that a major logistical meeting went down on the mountain. This yearly pow-wow is where the teams hash out how the fixing of ropes is going to occur on the South Side of Everest. This meeting can be a bit frustrating for those involved, as not all the teams contribute the same level of supplies or manpower, with some trying to avoid helping as much as possible.

Alan offers up a great explanation of the process, saying that the Ice Doctors, who are payed out of the permit fees by the Nepal Ministry of Tourism's Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, take care of the route through the Khumbu Icefall and fixing the lines up to Camp 2. They won't go any higher than that however, which leaves the rest of the mountain, from the Lhotse Face to the summit, to be fixed by the teams.

From there on up, the teams work together in a loose union to fix lines all the way up the South Col to C4, where Alan says that the first team to make summit bid starts putting down the ropes. The climbers that follow use them too as they make their bids. He also makes a few points about climbers who go "solo and unassisted" and their use of the lines as well, saying that in this day and age, it is almost impossible to go "unassisted" on Everest.

Of course the situation is completely different on the North Side, where Russell Brice and his Himex team have taken care of the fixed lines for year. Brice would have his Sherpa teams, amongst the best in the world, fix the lines all the way up the mountain, and charge each climber $100 to use the lines. Most thought that was an excellent bargain, and were happy to comply. This year, Himex is on the South Side, and the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association is taking care of those duties.

An interesting read to be sure, and a nice look at the politics of the mountain.

Iditarod 2009: Makey On The Move!

You knew it was only a matter of time before two-time defending champ Lance Mackey made his move, and he did so yesterday afternoon, and as a result, he now has the lead in the 2009 Iditarod. Mackey is through the Shageluk checkpoint, meaning he's now covered more than 600 of the 1100 mile course.

Currently in second place on the leaderboard is Sebastian Schnuelle, winner of this year's Yukon Quest. He's also into Shageluk, but is roughly four hours behind Lance, and as of this writing he hasn't left in pursuit yet. Aaron Burmeister is running in third at the moment, with a number of mushers on the trail behind him hoping to make up ground.

Mackey seems to be putting the hammer down and hoping to put some distance between him and the competition, but with Nome not quite in sight yet, the rest strategy may still come into play. Especially considering the conditions out on the trail are said to be demanding. At the moment, Lance is breaking trail for those that follow, and that's much harder on his dogs. It remains to be seen if he can keep up the pace and claim a third straight Iditarod. I wouldn't bet against him though.

Update on the Chocolate Sherpa Project

A couple of months back I posted a story on the Chocolate Sherpa Project, in which Belgian adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke would be trekking to Everest Base Camp, along with some others, carrying more than 100kg (220 pounds) of chocolate to distribute there. The plan is to also distribute chocolate en route, pushing the total distribution to over 400 pounds when all is said and done. The entire expedition is for a good cause as well, as the plan is to raise money to fund the Nepal mobile hospital, a medical station easily transported by chopper or truck to access remote regions of the country where many people have never received medial attention before. Donations can be made via the website after the 7th of April. All funds go to the Nepal mobile hospital project in Nepal.

It seems that the project is proceeding on schedule, and the team will be heading to Nepal in just a few weeks time. Louis-Philippe is now joined by Joseph de Mahieu and Norbert Eggermont on the trek, while Jeremy Roumian will serve as the support crew, handling logistics and expedition planning. The team has gained some sponsors, who have sent them some excellent gear to use on their journey, but they are still looking for more, so if any companies would like to lend a hand, and see your logo on a banner unveiled at 5350m (17,552 feet), then be sure to contact the team to let them know you want to help out.

The chocolate that the team will be distributing is rich in Acticoa, providing healthy benefits to those who eat it. Acticoa is rich in anti-oxidants and studies have shown that it provides a number of health benefits, including helping with circulation and heart conditions, maintaining low blood pressure, and increasing brain activity, while enhancing the mood of those who eat it. This means that climbers and sherpas can look forward to enjoying excellent Belgian Chocolate in Base Camp this year, while also receiving these benefits. You can find out more about the chocolate and these benefits at Acticoa.com.

I expect that we'll hear more about the project once it gets underway. It seems like the team is dedicated and looking forward to the adventure, but also having some fun along the way.

Bargaining in Vietnam - VietNam to travel

Living in Vietnam and going all through Asia it is constantly dismal (and once in a while embarrasing) to see explorers destroying their excursions by getting excessively worked up over cash. It is a common response, as the way individuals shop in the West and the East is altogether different - yet it is totally avoidable.

For those of us who have experienced childhood in Western social orders with settled costs and no space for move, wheeling and dealing in a remote nation with new individuals and practices can be an unsettling background. Some individuals feel insulted that a starting offer is higher than a "nearby" value, or get irate when a merchant won't move.

Others put it all on the line weapons blasting, unsatisfied unless they can crush every single penny off the cost - frequently prompting unpalatable scenes where a rich nonnative deals mercilessly with a homeless youngster for a pack of cigarettes, battling to the last penny in spite of obviously having the capacity to pay a reasonable cost.

Related post: Vietnam travel

Whichever way the conclusion is obnoxious for all included, and can leave an awful taste in the mouth for both gatherings - the voyager feels they have been ripped off, and the dealer can't comprehend why they are continuously yelled at in the road or why nonnatives have such hot tempers.

Bartering is an amusement, not a battle until the very end 

You ought to dependably enter into arrangements in a decent outlook and a with a comical inclination. On the off chance that an offer is excessively high, dismiss it, don't get angry. Make a joke and counter offer; if thus you are, no doubt absurd the dealer will attempt to push you in the right course. Don't hesitate to attempt once more, raising your offer, yet remember the genuine change in quality - at the end of the day there is little point arranging over short of what a dollar.

Don't think about it literally 

A market merchant's employment is to amplify benefits, and altered costs don't generally exist in Vietnam outside grocery stores. It is characteristic for a merchant to 'have a go' and see what they can get, and it is not the slightest bit an abuse to you. The demeanor in Vietnam is that on the off chance that you take a higher value they've had a day of reckoning, and on the off chance that they take the right value they didn't lose anything in attempting - there is nothing individual about it.

Don't fall into the trap of suspecting that everybody is out to cheat outsiders, either - Vietnamese individuals are generally as prone to be cheated, in any event at first, and some nearby individuals can't stand wheeling and dealing either.

Drink a lot of water 

It appears trite yet such a variety of explorers lose their tolerance and temper in Asia for no reason other than drying out. It is a characteristic that as your mind dries out you get to be tired, minor disturbances get to be real inconveniences and it is hard to keep your cool. Whether shopping or investigating, verifying you are drinking enough can significantly build your happiness.

Don't accept you are, no doubt ripped off 

Some of the time the value asked is simply that - the cost other people in the nation pays. A few explorers get it in their heads that they are mistreated, and wind up battling over the cost of a container of water, a transport ticket or some other item that has an altered cost - and afterward act stunned and irritated when the merchant won't move.

Consider the true estimation of a thing 

A broker will dependably attempt to offer for to the extent that they can get, typically in light of the fact that they don't acquire an incredible arrangement and could utilize the additional cash. Most voyagers land in Vietnam with critical measures of cash in Vietnamese terms, and profit from the minimal effort of sustenance, lodgings and keepsakes in the nation.

Keep in mind that regardless of the fact that an item is "overpriced" it is still for the most part less expensive than at home; to be sure this may be your just opportunity to purchase it - in the event that you pay a couple of dollars more than the following man, will you truly stress over it in years to come? In the event that the item means something to you and the dealer won't move, maybe you ought to simply purchase it as opposed to thinking twice about it later. On the off chance that you needn't bother with it that gravely then simply walk away.

Strolling endlessly is a standout amongst the most compelling devices a customer has when haggling, and the business merchant's response says a lot. In the event that you have offered a reasonable value and been rejected the merchant will typically get back to you and concur - in the event that they couldn't give a second thought less then it is most likely you that is constantly outlandish. On the off chance that you understand you were pushing excessively hard, don't feel excessively glad to return either, there is no disgrace in paying the right cost!

Know when to stop 

In the event that you are quibbling over short of what 10,000 VND, stop. On the off chance that you are starting to lose your cloth, stop. In the event that you are parched, go recover a beverage and come revived. In the event that the dealer is clearly simply especially determined, walk away - you are sure to discover someone else offering the same thing not far away.

Release it 

Simply met a voyager who said they paid a large portion of the value you did? Disregard it - or observe for next time. The arrangement is carried out, there is no sense getting irate sometime later - it will just ruin your day.

Dodge everything together? 

Bartering is an amusement and ought to be a good time for both gatherings. In case you're not getting a charge out of it, stop. In the event that you can't deal without losing your temper, don't - simply pay the cost asked. Most explorers will have spared $1,000s to visit Vietnam, but then some will let one difference over short of what $1 for a motorbike ride destroy their day - a complete waste of their constrained time in the nation. Pay the cost asked - your excursion will at present be shoddy contrasted with voyaging anyplace outside Asia, and you will have fun a horrendous parcel more.

Lance Armstrong Breaks Collarbone in Spain

In a bid to continue his comeback in the sport of professional cycling, seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong was racing in the Vuelta a Castilla y León in Spain today where he suffered an accident not far from the finish line, breaking his collarbone in the process.

According to VeloNews , Armstrong was in a pack of riders flying over a rough patch of road in very close proximity to one another. One of the riders lost control, sending at least a dozen riders to the ground, including Armstrong, who was seen alongside the road, clutching his arm shortly there after.

Lance was taken to a hospital for an X-ray where it was determined that he suffered a "fracture of the third medio of the right clavicle", ending his ride in the Vuelta a Castilla y León for this year, and casting serious doubt in his ability to be ready for the Giro d'Italia, one of the major European cycling classics held in Italy each May.

The break is reportedly a clean one, and the Outside Blog quotes Astana team director, Johan Bruyneel as saying "Clean collarbone fracture without complications. Should be fast recovery."

For now, Armstrong will return home to the U.S. where he'll rest and recover for a bit. He won't be getting on a bike again real soon, but hopefully he'll still get a chance to ride in the Giro. It's a race that Lance hasn't participated in before, and I was looking forward to watching him compete in the three-week long event that often serves as a warm-up for the le Tour.

Get well soon Lance, and we'll see you back here in Austin in a few days.

Hanoi: The People of Tay Bac Photo Expedition

Relaxing & Tai Chi On Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Hanoi)

Despite the long grueling flight from New York City to Hanoi via Hong Kong, the inevitable accompanying jet lag made it not too difficult for me to walk around Hanoi's Hoàn Kiếm Lake for an early morning spot of photography.

It's here and at this early hour that the older generation of Hanoians come to exercise individually or in groups, and to play badminton or do tai chi. Some bring their boom boxes and dance to the tune of Vietnamese love songs. Others just practice the ancient art of people watching, and gossip about the latest news, read newspapers or have their morning bowl of pho.

If the humidity in Hanoi isn't 100%, it sure feels like it. Walking a few hundred feet, and I was drenched in sweat...a reminder that I needed to take it slowly during the first few days.

For the above photograph, I used my new Fuji X-T1 fitted with the 18-135mm lens, and it was made by shooting from the hip so as not to disturb the scene unfolding in front of me. I haven't used a zoom lens for quite a while, and while it felt a little sluggish compared to my other prime lenses, I reckon (or hope) this will improve once I get used to it.

In the afternoon, after a long walk in the Old Quarter, Huyen (my interpreter and minder in Hanoi, and I walked to the lakeshore, where I saw a number of pre-wedding photo shoots as well as aspiring models posing for their friends, usually sporting the enormous Canon DSLRs and the ubiquitous 70-200 lenses.

The one who caught my attention with her beauty and grace was Tu. She and her photographer happily agreed that I poach a few photographs of her, and this short opportunity made my day. I suspect that many of the men reading this post will agree that it was an unmissable opportunity.

If I tried to do the same in New York's West Village photo shoots, I doubt I'd be treated with such generous alacrity. Tu also agreed to pose for my group of photographers the following day should we wish to do so.

Returning to the haven of the Golden Silk Boutique hotel, its air conditioning was particularly welcome after Hanoi's humidity. Although the weather forecast called for thunderstorms, I have yet to see a drop of rain since arriving.

Rowing The Indian Ocean: Sarah's Off! Again!

After first setting off back on March 16th, but having to be towed back to shore just a week later, Sarah Outen is once again back on the water, and making her second attempt to row solo across the Indian Ocean.

Sarah set out from Fremantle, Australia, just as she had on her pervious attempt, on Tuesday, and expects that it'll take her roughly 100 days to complete her journey to Mauritius, off the coast of Africa. In between, she'll be rowing as much as 12 hours a day, and continuing to battle big waves and inclement weather, both of which were an issue for her early on in the first attempt.

Before setting out, Sarah wasn't above having a little fun first. For April 1st, she and her team released some photos of her loading an outboard motor onto her boat, and made a blog post that she would be carrying a lot of fuel to power it, just in case. Of course, it was all an April Fools Day prank, and the young Brit got back underway sans fuel and motor.

You can once again follow along with Sarah's journey through daily blog posts from her support team in Australia, as well as track her movements on the GPS tracking page. Godspeed Sarah. Stay safe and paddle strong. Hope this second attempt is a successful one.

Andrew Stanbridge | Taungbyone Nat Festival

Photo © Andrew Stanbridge- All Rights Reserved

As readers of this blog know well by now, I'm attracted, photographically and culturally, to the especially unusual religious ceremonies and festivals in Asia and elsewhere. The French language has a word that's better suited than 'unusual', and it's insolite, and it is these that are pure catnip for me.

One of these unusual events is the Taungbyone Nat Festival, which is held near Mandalay every August (or thereabouts ).  This festival is known as the major gathering spot for spiritual mediums based on an ancient legend involving two Indian brothers. The cult of the nats is Myanmar's ancient animist religion.

Hundreds of mediums ( known as Nat-Kadaw) and thousands of pilgrims come once a year to Taung Byone, to commemorate the brothers' spirits. It is the most impressive Nat (spirits) festival in Myanmar. The Nats are spirits worshipped in Myanmar in conjunction with Buddhism. There are 37 spirits of  human beings who met violent deaths according to the legends.

It's certainly one of the festivals I plan photographing at some point (it has been on my bucket list for quite some time), especially as it's similar (as far as the involvement of transgender mediums) to the worship of Mother Goddess (Đạo Mẫu) that I'm hopeful to be soon photographing in Vietnam.

On Roads & Kingdoms, which is a popular and independent journal of food, politics, travel and culture, I chanced on the work of photographer Andrew Stanbridge on the Taungbyone Nat Festival, and which is titled Sauced Spirits; a remarkable and an in-your-face photo essay on this event, and on the people who attend it.

Andrew Stanbridge has been traveling and photographing throughout Southeast Asia for the past ten years. He documented the continuing modernization of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, and he has more recently concentrated on addressing the physical, emotional and cultural scars left from various wars fought in these countries. He has also started to photograph postcolonial communities on the islands of Sao Tome and Principe as well as creating a visual survey of Ethiopia beyond the well-known images of drought and starvation. Most recently, he was involved with image making in Syria. 

His work has been exhibited and published internationally and is held in several prominent collections. It has been supported by many grants and he frequently visits colleges and universities in America lecturing on the aftermath of war. 

PS. A couple of minor quibbles about the captioning: I'm not sure Burmese ladyboys are called kaoteys ; a term used in Thailand, and the popular stimulant used in Myanmar is betel nut, not beetle nut.)