In Leh

We should be in very remote high elevation areas for nearly the next week, but we had to come down to Leh early. The first night camping way off road in a Nomad encampment at 15,500 ft did not go well for DB. First time any real altitude issues for him, but not too serious but we had to descend to Leh at 11,500 to start recovering. Our team - cook, driver and Lalit of course went and got fresh curd (yogurt) from the Nomads and our cook somehow had bananas and they plied me to eat curd and banana when it was the last thing I wanted to do! Yes Karen it was very good. I think the Nomads make exceptional curd!

The Nomads were a real surprise bringing things to our camp to sell .. Woven wool things. Two old men were circling our camp chairs and Susan said sit down. They did and grunted in approval but the little net pockets in the arms were a puzzle and subject of debate until Susan said Chai and they looked at each other and said Ohhh with big grins and nods of approval. Great time .. Wish we could have stayed longer! Susan was in her element buying woven wool wall hangings, rugs etc. going with the women to their tents, watching them make butter in a sheep skin being rolled back and forth. My altitude problems ended us up in touristy Leh long before we should have been here, but we are still shopping .. Buying jewelry etc from Tibetan artisans here. Beverly?? Shopping!! We can still go south next year to Rajasthan and Gujarat if anyone wants to go!

Currently enjoying Leh. Ancient Monasteries, but Very undependable power and Internet.

We have two local treks planned over the next two weeks. One has a pass to go over every day!

Love to all,

Darryl and Susan on the road.