Bob's Blog

The Corner Room

Sunset in Pangboche

Too many tourists. It does all seem to be a bit of a frenzy, on both sides (locals also). The teahouses are generally nice, though the higher up you go the more in demand they are. Had to get my skates (not literal) on today to assure my spot. Camping has it upsides.

I'd got my spot in Thukla and had just got back from an altitude hike. I was sleeping the night at 4600m and was heading to 4900m the next day. So, I decided to hike up a nearby hill of 4900m in the afternoon. Best to gradually introduce higher altitude, especially with sleep. Got back to my room, feeling the effects, and a throbbing headache.

With the tourists, come the entitled (some of them). A European woman, comes upstairs and opens my door. Sorry she says, this was 'my' room that I booked. Okay, do you have the key? Though I didn't say anything, I was resting in bed.

She goes downstairs, then back up complaining to whomever that she booked the corner rooms (they are the best). I couldn't quite hear but think the owner apologised and offered another room. I'll sleep outside, says she, in a rage. I'm tired says she. I'm entitled says she.

So then comes the knocking at my door. I ignore it all, pretty tired in bed. Then the irate lady comes up. Knocking, speaking. She even tries to open my door (I'd now locked it). Now I've had enough. Next knock is by her local guide. I open the door, and tell him no, that's my answer.

The owner comes, I say the woman should just take the free room, I will speak to her if that helps. Now though, I want to speak to her. I go downstairs, the owner says she's left. Yet 15 mins later I'm sure I hear her again complaining.

Now I'm in the common room, tying to figure out which one she is and where they are from, I'll withhold my guesses. Spotted the women, the most miserable grouchy one there, shouting at the porters. Sure it's her, yet the owner lady still says she gone. Grouchy one is the team leader, as she's giving a lecture. Maybe that's a requisite trait to be a group leader with this trekking company, to be grouchy and rude.