11. Everest in sight!

" If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home". - James Michener
Staying here in Namche for two nights,  so were actually able to sleep in a bit this morning,  although I was still awake at 0600. Breakfast of porridge with apples again this morning but a bit like wallpaper paste,  so only got half down.
Since today was acclimitization day, it was necessary to go way up and then come back down. We had an elevation of 400 meters, which in my mind doesn't sound like much, but it certainly was. It was straight uphill for two hours.  I am definitely feeling the altitude, and am moving so slow its almost painful. I have no air to draw in while moving after some time, it seems. And to take a drink of water in that state is almost scary for me, because I can't catch my breath. The views were amazing though,  the whole way up. Will add pics at bottom. We were way above Namche and it was so amazing to see it from that viewpoint.  We kept climbing until we reached a tea house, and then just around the other side of it, there was Everest!!!!!  It was hard to believe that I was actually seeing it in front of me, in person! Took many photos and a long group photo session ensued with our guide using everyone's camera and taking pictures for us. One of the Swedish men is not in the picture as the altitude was bothering him a lot, and he stayed below. We had tea and then headed back down, which of course went much faster. Lunch was interesting, I had fried potatoes with two fried eggs on the top, with cheese (I believe yak cheese) on top of that. A German couple,  whom I've gotten to know quite well, were laughing at me and saying that in their country you can have children's or seniors meals which are a smaller portion and suggested that was what I needed as I never can seem to finish a meal. I said we had this in Canada also and agreed with them!
After lunch I had my last hot shower of this trek. I think the whole team is taking advantage of it. It costs, I think 400 rupees,  which is around 5 dollars, but I figure it is worth it! Last time for clean hair for the next ten days. Ugh. The ponytail will be my friend. As will the hat.
Tomorrow we continue upwards,  and I don't have the schedule in front of me so can't even tell you where we will be ( oh, the Sherpa  just came in and I think he said we will be in tengboche). Have no idea what internet access will be like, so again, may not be able to update for few days. Adding pictures below.  Enjoying any comments sent my way, makes me feel in touch with you all.
1. Namche Bazaar from above. 2. Masti,  our guide for the trip. 3. First glimpse of Everest.  It is the peak to the very left of the picture.  Although it looks smaller,  it is because it is further away. The German gentleman told me today that it is 29 kms from where we are now,  as the crow flies. 4. Heidi and I in front of Everest.
5. Group pic in front of Everest although we kind of block it :-)