Wolo Foundation

Helping families affected by cancer in Sussex

Namche a very special place

December 13, 2019  /  Justin Wright

Today was plan to head to Namche Bazaar. We started early in the morning at 7:00. But then we were going to cross 3200m mark and some altitude sickness was to be expected. The trail climbed steeply, dropped down to the river level, and then some more steep climb to many bridges. After the bridge some more steep climbing. From this point we had the first glimpse the mighty Everest on a very clear blue sky. Impressive peaks consumed the horizon as wide as our peripheral vision. I stood quietly for a moment to take it all in.  As I glanced over to nathan’s face, I saw my own. I saw my dreams, my experiences, my emotions. And I felt my memories come to the surface.

Beyond the rest stop, some more steep climb, but soon we were at the check point right outside Namche. The day's trek was mostly done. So far so good. It was difficult to get into the breathing pattern but once I was warmed up I had a great day high in the Himalayas. I’m enjoying it while I can but tomorrow we leave Namache and head even higher. Our tea house was all the way to other end of Namche which required more uphill, but we had an awesome view from there. We will stay here 2 nights. Namche Bazaar is literally a Bazaar with shops selling all sorts of gear and services (Once we arrived we ordered loads momos and beer. I loved momos!

The beautiful village of Namche is perched high on the steep side of a mountain. The village really has only three sides the fourth is open to the huge mountains. My accommodation sits about half way up the sides of this large bowl almost in the middle of the U. From my bed next to the window I can see the multi-coloured tin roofs in blue, green and rusty red. All the buildings are made of granite bricks hand cut and hand placed. The view is gorgeous as these enormous snow covered mountains crown the view. The colours, sights and sounds make Namche a very special place.

The next day we trekked over 3800m to the Everest View point hotel. I was not really feeling any effect of altitude yet, just some slow down 

In the pace. Here was a view worth Himalayas. As not surprising Everest was half in clouds. But we had lot of time, so we just sat and waited for clouds to move. They did move here and there and we did see some good sights of Everest. 

The next morning we all got up at 4:00 bright and early to take the flight to Lukla. The airport was kind of a chaos but the Tsering and Nima handled everything for us. Then we were taken to the tiny plane that was shadowed by the huge mountains. I was a bit apprehensive now. It was like a 9 seater, I sat in and stuffed my rucksack under the seat and triple checked my seatbelt. The flight was thankfully uneventful.

I’m going to concur my own mountain...

December 06, 2019  /  Justin Wright

Day One

Mixed emotions today as I set off to the other side of the world to the Himalayas, I feel a huge sense of guilt as my wife and kids aren’t with me. It’s the first time I have ever travelled on my own. Still not sure what to call it yet. Holiday? Nah. Let’s just stick with trip!

At the airport I finally got meet everyone that’s coming along for the ride! Seem like great guys! Seems like we all might have something in common…I even made friends with a monk at the airport!

Day Two

Arrived in Nepal. My first impression is that Kathmandu is full of life and so friendly, Absolutely crazy roads. So many smiles... we were lucky enough to have the Maldives international football team staying in our hotel. My love of football meant I made a new friend in the manager ‘Pater Segat .....he invited us all to the game today at the Asia games. Think he might want the Brighton job as he took my number and said he will call me next time he’s in England. We got on really well talking about family stuff. To be fair to the Maldives, we’re a good side.

Day Three

OMG early start at 04:00. We flew into Lukla airport (2860m) today from Kathmandu. For those of you that don’t know it’s the most dangerous flight in the world…and yes, it was terrifying! Even the lovely air stewardess told me that the last crash was just over 6 months ago and no one survived. Thought she was joking! Turns out it’s true after a goggle search. Eek!

Views from the tiny plane were incredible, this is the first time you get a sense of scale of the huge mysterious mountains. The tips covered with ice and snow glowing in the morning sun. It was truly breathtaking. The landing was ridiculous, we pretty much nose-dived onto a rock and landed on a short, uphill runway. Scary! It was freezing once off the plane (-4), couldn’t get my gloves on fast enough.

We then trekked for 4 hours to a small village called Phakding. This was my first experience the Himalayas has to offer. The landscape and shadows forever changing. It was amazing!

Day four

The next day we set off to a Monjo. This was a tough climb that has many high bridges that overlooked some loud and powerful electric blue rivers. When I look at the river it reminds me that life is forever changing and moving in different directions, you just have to go with the flow, otherwise you’ll be flighting against the current.

The views today were deeply beautiful, healing, life changing. Nothing is hidden. These moments will stay with me for a lifetime and shape my life.

Once we arrived at our digs we talked about why we are here with each other. This was the first time that I had to open up and talk about the last 18 months of the cancer journey that has hit my lovely family. I found this very emotional as I told them that I have been struggling, and just needed a break from the rat race. I needed this trip to reset and invest in my own health. This is something we must all do all the time. Not just when you’re struggling, but everyday.

I then told them about Wolo foundation the charity my wife and I have set up, which made me feel a real sense of pride. We discussed the fact we turned a really terrible time into a positive. I told them about what we have been doing and our vision for Wolo in the future. It gave me a real sense of pride.

Off to Namche (3500m) tomorrow on day long trek...

I’m going to climb my own mountain.…

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