Departure time...

We planned a quiet departure from Pedong; a 06:30 jeep should have allowed us to slip away with little fuss. But of course Suchita insisted tearfully that she couldn't let us go without breakfast, and the word soon got around. The young lads, some of whom were still in their night shirts, took our bags like willing Sherpas, and strode ahead to organise our tickets. Suchita, our Indian mother and truly great friend with whom we've shared daily jokes and mealtimes, was in pieces. Little tears rolled down her cheeks as I assured her we'd meet again.

Once again tears pricked the backs of our eyes as an entourage of children held our hands as they and the adults escorted us up the street towards the jeep stand for the last time.

Pooja, Sonia and several of the little lads from class 2 thrust yet more thank you letters into our hands, each uttering a final plea for us to stay. And Sunod-sir, the night owl who can't stand early mornings, found himself waving goodbye as the jeep pulled away just before 7am (remember, India time!).

As we wound our way up the familiar route out of Pedong, beneath the big spiders hanging in their webs (none of which did ever make it into our room!) there was one last surprise: Ashit was standing just outside his house and we were able to offer one last wave.

It was the perfect send-off and one we'll remember for a very long time.

Next stop Nepal...