We have really wound down the intensity of our itinerary, not that we’ve ever gotten really hard-core. We don’t have any more great ambitions for personal accomplishment or setting any records. In effect we’re making ourselves at home at Pema’s lodge and we’re preparing for the transitional we’ll be making back to our hectic lives. Richard has always held as the top priority for this trip to be making bonds between his family and Pema’s, for Richard’s two sons to become great friends with Pema’s sons. We all have gotten familiar with the scenery and with the day-to-day lifestyle of a Sherpa family here. About the only thing that has enticed us to lace up our hiking boots lately has been to make the climb up and way down the Khumjung hill to Namche. That village is like a magical kingdom for us because it’s our connection with the outside world through the internet cafe, some variety in our diet with the delicious Western style bakeries, with the well-stocked variety stores, and the lively atmosphere as the staging area for all the hikers. There is a stereo near the Everest Bakery that plays decent music, such as The Police, to pull you back into your old paradigm. As a group we’ve gone down to Namche a number of times for shopping and just to relive our old comforts. The only thing is that it is really a tough hill to climb, it takes us well over an hour each way, and it’s a workout. I made the hike 3 times in 4 days, so I’m worn out from it. All the work isn’t quite worth it just to get a doughnut.