It was truly amazing how all the services were working at the Kathmandu airport. Everyone lined up in an orderly fashion and we departed only a half hour behind schedule.

We have arrived safe and sound in Istanbul where we look forward to spending a few days before we determine where we are off to next.

Thanks again for all the well wishes that helped get us here!

We are leaving Nepal for Istanbul.

Where we were located during and after the earthquake was sheltered from the catastrophic fallout many of the staff experienced. Yet, in light of everything that had befallen them (homes destroyed or inhabitable, no communications to check on relatives in distant villages), they continued to be gracious hosts and went out of their way to ask about our needs.

Our trip to Everest Base Camp has obviously been scuttled – we hear that many of the lodges and tea house structures along the way are weakened and not allowing guests inside and that some of the trails have suffered damage.

We left our seven water filtration devices behind for the staff – as well as a variety of warm clothes they have assured us will be put to good use. If you feel a desire to assist, any donation to any of the aid organizations assisting in the rescue and recovery operations here, no matter how small, will be very much appreciated by the Nepalese people.

We will update you from Istanbul.

Thanks for all your kind words and concern.

As you may know, Nepal experienced a major earthquake earlier this week. We join their people in mourning their losses.

We are fine. We were resting in our room when it hit. We have food, water and a warm bed. Our hosts at Gokarna Forest Resort have been most gracious. Communications are spotty at best. We will be scuttling our plans for Base Camp. Eric has gone to the airport this morning to assess our ability to depart Kathmandu.

Will keep you updated as we learn more.

Made it through Toronto where we complained about the cold (and we expect those temperatures will equate to a heat wave in Namche Bazar) and had an airport workout.

Had enough spare time in Istanbul that we braved their very good mass transit system and visited some high points.

2:30 AM wake up call to ensure we got to the airport in time.

Here we go!!!!!!

This is our beautiful “feral” kitty we will be leaving behind, but in the great care of our housesitter.  Say hello to Skammer!

Hello!  Welcome to our blog!  This blog is documenting our quest to visit 100 countries together.  We are over halfway there at the start of this blog – but the remaining countries seem to be those very far flung and increasingly more difficult to travel to.  We’ll document our travels, and, since we don’t <currently> travel all the time, we’ll also document some of the other activities that interest us:  decorating and design, food (eating and cooking), entertaining, and gardening – to name a few.  I suspect that the blog will morph over time – but in the meantime, we hope that some of our commentary will be as helpful as a number of the blogs we have read when we have been looking into new adventures.  Enjoy!