A couple of hours and I'm off...

Walking boots? Check.

Antibiotics? Check.

A quasi-satanic, well-travelled, ex-radio, primose pink bear? Check.

Yes, Mao and I are off - introductions surely are not necessary for this trusty travel companion who has been with me through my travel highs (Uzbekistan) and lows (Kazakhstan). He'll keep me on the straight and narrow as I faithfully our report our adventures in brief, thunderously witty anecdotes.

Next post from Kathmandu...