EVEREST LIVE

May 19, 2001

From: Luis Benitez

Hey everybody, it's Luis. Didrik can be such a baby sometimes when it comes to germs.
Basecamp life can also be culturally exciting as well. Spending time in the kitchen, sharing stories with the sherpas, teaching them to read english a little from the novels we have here at basecamp, as well as walking around to other camps and meeting up with new and old friends. I went to 4 different camps today and did not speak english once. It is nice to be able to speak spanish and catch up with news about South America.
I must admit, listening to music and lying around in the tent re-reading letters is one of my favorite pastimes. Today Didrik, Mike, PV and I played spades during the snow squalls in the afternoon. These games are fun not because we just enjoy cards, but simply trying to catch each other cheating.There is a lot of yelling and cursing, pointing fingers and laughter, all in all, a great afternoon.

I am excited to head back up the hill and get this party started. Summit or not. All the phone calls home have been placed, goodbyes have been said, and we are on our way.

I will leave you with a little Robert Frost that i try to keep in mind when i am faced with long days in the hills......

"Yes my friends, the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep....."