I often find myself pondering what life would be like, living in a third world country. With minimal electricity, barely enough food to feed your family, let alone yourself. Not even enough money to afford something as basic as soap to wash your children, or even your clothes. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to go on an adventure, which would ultimately end up changing my life. To a peaceful part of the world high up in the heavens. Known as the 'roof of the world'. The Annapurna region of Nepal! I was blown away by the gentle Nepalese way of life. Seemingly unaffected by events in the western world, more than content with their minimal possessions. As I would find out, posessions mean nothing to the Nepalese. Family and religion are first and foremost. Beginning our trek at Naya Phul, we found ourselves slowly winding our way through little villages, along perfectly laid slate walking paths. Passing mule trains on their way to the markets with the local produce, the lead mule adorning a bell to alert the oncoming traffic of their presence. Stopping at a tiny village for lunch, it amazes me the simplicity of things in the Hamalya's. The local hospitality is amazing. The chef, who welcomes us with warmest smile I have ever witnessed, fusses about us like we were royalty. Watching the little old lady, dressed in her sari go about her business made me think how amazing it is to be shut of from the rest of the world. The carefree attitude rubs off immediately. I felt a wave of envy sweep over me. Later that day I found myself sitting on a ledge, overlooking the great valleys, terraced with vegetable fields and crops, watching the farmers on their ploughs being pulled by oxen, listening to the uninterrupted sounds of children and birds playing. No traffic noises, contsruction work. Just the magnificent sounds of nature as it has been here forever. Pure. Memories which will never leave my mind will be that of children playing, running up to you greeting you with the familiar 'namaste', then promptly asking for 'sweets' or pens. Their cheeky grins being the best negotiating tools, making it impossible to say no. Needles to say, when I was asked by our porters, who were only kids themselves, to play a game of soccer with them and the local children, I jumped at the chance. What an experience. Playing with the locals in bare feet, overlooking these magnificent valleys and snow-capped mountains. It is a feeling of total exhilaration. I was exhausted, but I cherished every moment of it. Our porters heckling me for puffing so hard, and being totally bamboozled by the skills of the children. I didn't mind. In-fact it made it all the more fulfilling. It is feeling of total welcomeness which is seldom felt nowadays. The next morning I woke to a mind-blowing sight. The breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail peak) and Annapurna south were simply incredible. To see these peaks at the break of day, the combination of first light, and the plume from the early morning winds is something that every human being should witness. Words really cannot express the feeling which simply overwhelms you. Witnessing the Nepalese immersed in meditation, observing their peaceful, spiritual, but mostly simplistic way of life has been the most rewarding experience I could ever ask for. Anyone wanting to escape the masses of crowds, stresses of everyday life, or wants a challenge or experience such an amzing culture must venture to Nepal.