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We are in Pokhara, Nepal and the relaxed nature of this town means days merge and you can't quite remember what you did the previous day. We've been mostly 'gorging' and there hasn't been a meal that we haven't waddle away from. But throughout the lazy days there have been pockets of real excitment. The first happening within a few hours of arriving. In search of somewhere to eat we are wandering the street, the atmosphere is calm. With no warning, the electricity cables above spark into life creating a huge explosion of light, pandimodium hits the street, people are rushing for the nearest shelter, dropping bicycles and bags. This is dangerous so we dart towards the closest shop doorway but the sparks seem to be prempting our path forcing us to change direction, "across the road" I shout, smashing into a moped, as I do I turn to see Rach, a strange sight, as for some reason she pulled her scarf up over her head and appears to be running on the spot?! I grab her and pull her across the road, the street is deserted, people peer out anxiously. My hearts pounding. I ask if shes ok, "yes" pause "but where did all those fireworks come from?" I know that in her head shes been thinking of the 'NEVER GO BACK' fireworks night adverts and the boy with the burnt face that was on TV when we were kids and that running around in circles, screaming, blindfolded was the safest thing to do!
The next day we explore the area, Pokhara is situated on Nepal's largest lake and surrounded by the Himalayas, including 3 of the top 10 tallest mountains in the world making it a spectacular place to stroll around soaking up the scenery. We walk along the waters edge, watching the fishermen reeling in, talk to the Tibetan refugees selling handmade jewellery and we come across the worlds first drug dealing snake charmer! His pitch - "come touch my cobra, he no bite, see?" thrusting the subdued snake into his face, it doesn't even react, "no poison, all poison used to make cocaine, you want cocaine?" I can't imagine he gets much trade.
Later we head to the peace pagoda on top of the near by mountain, it's a buddest shrine that offers amazing views of the Himalayas. We've been told the climb takes 2hours and been given some brief directions from the Lonely Planet, I say brief as they go along the lines of "turn left at the tree with the leaves and bark". We do our best but I have the feeling we may have missed a turning somewhere, this only adds to Rach's constant paranoia of being mugged/murdered. locals offer guidence but Rach only sees the potential mugger/muderer in them. We do after a while find the right path, yet we still haven't seen any other trekkers just locals in amongst the trees like a scene from Deliverance. Rach's fear lasts all of 15 minutes when it's surpassed by her inability to walk 30 paces without needing to stop for a rest before passing out - this continues for the next 2km. We eventually reach the top, I look out at the breathtaking view and hear Rach gasp behind me, 'yes Rach' I think 'it was worth the hike, what a view'...... "PUPPIES!!!" I turn to see her befriending an old lady with a bucker full of puppies. I'm not sure she even saw the view but we got a load of photos of cute baby dogs.
To end of the week we book a tandem paragliding session from the top of Sangakot mountain, the ride promises to be an unforgetable experience. Neither of us have paraglided before and the absolute reluctantness of our instructors to offer any words of advice right up until take off really helps calm the nerves! Rach goes first, as shes getting strapped in a buffalo emerges from the bushes and tries to trample the parachute. We throw rocks at it and scream at it to b***** off but it's a persistant beast and keeps reappearing, eventually after a good few ass slaps it gets the message. Take off time and we're told to run hard off the cliff, Rach hesitates at the last second sending the glider swaying erractically. The pilot regains control and she glides off into the sky. I don't see her during my descent, I look out for her little legs dangling away but can't see them. There's quite a few up there and it's hard to distinquish one from another. My descent is brilliant, amazing views and a very cool feeling, almost like floating as the thermals keep you in the sky. Landing goes well and I search for Rach, I spot her lying down on the grass looking very pale. Apparently she didn't realise that it would involve a degree of turning, bearing in mind that is pretty much all what paragliding involves - she had to ask the instructor to come down early before she puked!
tomorrow we leave Pokhara on an early bus to head to Kathmandu.
- comments
judy stainfield it's amazing to read your blogs. I can picture you both , especially rach,, laughing and squealing at the same time,with each new experience! You are both so lucky to be having this adventure. keep the blogs coming they really make me laugh . mum
andrew naylor All these places sound like the best food you get down at the Kailash ... thanks heavens you managed to trade Bobby in for a train to Nepal ... have you met Poirot yet ??!! Love the blogs ... let's have more pics of the worst things you come across. Keep safe. Dad
Macca haha brilliant. Although i'm sure Rach is much braver than you make out and you maybe shifting the blame somewhat. I know your fondness for puppies. And as for the buffalo story, sounds like a lot of ass grabbing going on over there.... Sounds quality mate, only just had a chance to sit down and read through the blogs but i'll make sure i find the time from now on. Sounds like your having an awesome time. Also, your story telling is amazing, spending the last 3 years with all those primary kids must have rubbed off on you.
Raquel i'd hope the kailash is a bit cleaner than the places we're eating at dad!! havent met Poirot yet but there's the overnight trains in Vietnam to look forward to!! we'll try to upload afew pics whilst we're in bangkok over the weekend, we fly there tomorrow, cant wait! lots of love xx
brother Alright F##k stick, sounds like your have a typical travelling experience, sadly I am slightly jealous I’m not getting deep down and dirty in some third world country. you have to be more sensitive to a women’s needs. Like I did with the lady I went travellingwith (The rikki). Saying that soon there will be a Little Rikki entering this world, beck’s is not looking forward to it because now she will have to look after two immobile dribbling messes ;-). it doesn’t matter where you go in the world everybody is trying to out hippy each other but you and me are quite use to that growing up in Millbrook and being friends with Nick Mann. Take it easy bro and ill get you a mountain of clothes for your birthday and Christmas when you’ve finished you journey of enlightenment, to boldly go where no man with merv hair has gone before. Peace out, stop!!! hammer time and most importantly, my mantra keep it reel!!!!!!!!
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