Hello again. We're still in Kathmandu and it's Third World all the way. I'm losing weight; I haven't been sick but am too overloaded with stimuli to eat much. It's great to be here. I've seen and lived in much of the world, but this is a truly spiritual place. The people are so mellow. My God, if the United States had this extreme population, pollution, and general chaos, everyone would carry a shotgun.

The Scott Fischer/Mountain Madness climbing team was delayed out of Los Angeles International Airport so we're going to be spending a few more days here in Kathmandu. Delays and setbacks are just part of the game. If a team stresses, it's bad. Scott is the master of cooling and mellowing. I expect we'll keep a mellow attitude as a result.

Today at breakfast we talked about the incredible tension that can ruin a team before the climb even starts. Setting a positive attitude and keeping relaxed are two of the most powerful qualities a team leader can have.

We just received a fax from Mal Duff to all team leaders describing his plans to fix the route through the Khumbu Icefalls. Every year, one expedition is in charge of fixing the route, which is a big deal because this section is tough! He's in charge of it this year. Scott was in charge of it one year. Anyway, Mal Duff is Scottish, a rather tough-looking man who comes across as a real man's man. I have the feeling he could chew his way to the top of Everest.

Regarding the Mountain Madness team: Anatoli Boukreev and Lapsong Sherpa, two of our guides, left this morning for Tengboche. From there they will go on to base camp. And Camp I and II will be completely staked out before the rest of our team reaches base camp. We're very fortunate to have them. They are two of the best guides in the world.

More to come.

-- Jane Bromet