Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

 Yesterday, Peter walked from Namche Bazaar (11,286 ft) to Tengboche (12,664 ft).

When he left Namche, it was unclear whether we'd have communication again before he made it to Everest Base Camp, so I was especially delighted when he logged on last night and sent a bunch of pictures. He has a Nepali SIM card for his phone and had a connection. Yay!

Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam:

Tengboche is famous for its beautiful monastery. Tibetan Buddhism is the dominant religion in this region. 

The metal capsule-looking things in the picture are Tibetan prayer wheels, a very common site in Tibetan Buddhist areas. You'll often see them on the path as you enter or leave a village. Inside each of them is a scroll with a mantra written on it. A mantra is also carved on the outside. As you pass them, you walk through and spin them clockwise. I've heard some say that the spinning of the mantra releases it and sends it into the universe. Additionally, it is meant to be a reminder to focus your mind on positive things.