October 12, 2007

Today was an incredibly busy and productive day. After a breakfast/photo shoot in the garden of the Yak and Yeti, Mike and the boys went to a local recording studio to rehearse, and ended up cutting a song called “Love, Hope and Strength”. Watching the process was amazing, and you’ll see it on tomorrow’s podcast. Glenn Tillbrook was kind enough to play bass on the track (a first for him I believe), and Slim Jim played a snare and handbells. Nick and Jamie played some great nice guitar parts as well.

The song has a great vibe, and a sing-along chorus that will stick with you for days. Did I mention the press conference that happened right in the studio in the middle of recording? Multi- tasking at its finest. Meanwhile, the trekkers spent the day running around the city, visiting Temples and enjoying a last night before the trek begins.

James Chippendale and I went to Durbar Square to scout the location for the concert we are holding when we return from base camp. It is the single most chaotic place I have ever seen…How chaotic you ask? There were 2 people riding an elephant during rush hour in the street. The project is steadily picking up momentum and media outlets from around the world are contacting Shannon for interviews and footage. (which is why I am writing today’s entry).

We still need to prep our packs, settle up the room tabs, fill up on water and get some sleep. Up at 4:30 am, a one hour flight to Lukla, and a 7 hour hike. I guess we will see if all the training has paid off.

After the sheer madness of the city, the peace of the mountain will be a welcome relief.
Oh, and Yak jokes seem to be the thing of the day…songs we’ve discussed include “Yak in Black”, “Get Yak”, and my favorite, “Yachtung Baby”. Definitely time to sleep.

Alex Coletti
Love Hope Strength
October 12, 2007
Kathmandu, Nepal