Everest Base Camp - Update

Its day 3 and we are in Namche Bazaar which is 3400 meters above sea level. Yesterday I knew exhaustion like I had never known before - it was sheer mental strength, diamox and some very encouraging sherpas that got me up the steepest climb. I am told that this was the hardest bit of the trip. Why don't I believe them. But the rest sounds a lot more gradual.

The views are breathtaking beginning with the flight to Lukla in a twin prop from Kathmandu. We landed on an airstrip that is inclined upwards and its a lot of skill getting us there. But we made it. The trek to Phakding (our first stop) was not so bad but I had a bit of a dodgy stomach (I reckon its nervousness that does it) and Imodium helped but I also think the sudden altitude shift to 2600 meters did not help either. Started taking Diamox before our trek to Namche Bazaar. Amazing scenery and vistas. Gorgeous birds and plants - had a twitcher with us so we saw some interesting birds and once I showed him how to use my camera - got some great pics too.

Today was mostly a rest day to let our bodies acclimatise.

More when I next get to a computer.

I've had it with Banks

You would think that at an age when Banks want us to do business with them that they would try not to piss you off.

I have a (don't get me started on this) Diners Club corporate card and its of no use to man or beast these days. People look at you funny when you say you have one of them and so we decided to cancel it. Made the payment and have been trying to cancel it since then. But every few days we get a call to say something is pending and we get bounced around between "customer service" (read pimply-faced robot that reads from a script sheet) and the collections department that does not speak to the guy that issues a receipt that says we have paid.

My admin guy has the patience of a saint some times. I would have made a lot more noise by now. They say that shouting doesn't help then why do they go away and make things happen when you shout?

Today they sent me a new card - I don't understand it. We have written, letters, faxed receipt copies, phoned, personal meeting. HELLO IS THERE ANYONE IN NETWORK INTERNATIONAL LISTENING? I DON'T WANT YOUR CARD.

Taste of James Martin

I have been looking forward to the Taste of Dubai weekend for a long time and it was not disappointing.

I had looked at the programme and decided to go on Thursday evening so I could catch one of my favourite TV chefs in action - James Martin. He was thinner than I thought he would be (but Dave the editor at BBC Good Food had been told by James that he had just lost a couple of stones) but otherwise just the same. He probably had one of the most disastrous live demonstrations in his life but he took it in his stride and most people probably came away with a great big smile on his face. He did his little sugar trick turning a disastrous mousse cake (gluten free - Carol, you should try it) into - in his words - a £15 dessert. His lobster starter was deceptively simple as was his hammour. It was probably delicious except I would have had to fight the hordes to get a crumb.

I did wander around and two things jumped out at me - kangaroo surf and turf (not bad) and delicious camel milk chocolate with macademia nuts.

Shame I was stuck in Al Ain yesterday - missed Giorgio Lucatelli's live demo. Next year.

very frustrating when you can't get hold of people that have promised you something

Costa coffee and all-day breakfast sandwich - sets me up for the day!

Back in Dubai - shamal in full swing!