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Well these last four days have been packed full! Since I finished volunteering we have been up to all sorts! On Thursday there was a strike and it was raining so we spent the morning drinking juice, playing pool and scrabble in moondance bar overlooking the lake. Then in the afternoon we walked up to the rice bowl cafe which is so cute - with lots of little cushions where you sit on the floor and ate pizza and played cards. Poor Rob wasn't very well - I hope he gets well soon.
In the evening me and Rob walked to the supermarket to buy some bits and bobs as we decided to have a mini picnic on the roof as we werent too hungry when we got back there had been a power cut so we sat out on the balcony in candlelight. I love the power cuts in Nepal - everything is so totally dark and the candles everywhere are - for want of a better word - romantic. I have fallen in love with every aspect of Nepal though so I suppose it only goes without saying that I should find it romantic. I actually get quite upset when the power comes back on as it seems to spoil some kind of illusion and brings me back to reality. Luckily that night when the pwer did come back on we just stayed with the candles. I think of all the fuss people would make back home if we had a power cut - and if we really need to. While we had been out buying food Kim and Philippa had blown up lots of balloons and decorated the balcony as my mini leaving party. They had made me a card and everything! It was such good fun and we sat up all night playing drinking games and having a really great time - it was pretty special.
On friday I went and did some shopping and then walked up to the castle swimming pool which is set in the hills for a swim - it so peacfeul up there and there are some great views of the lake on one side and views over the hills on the other. That night we had a meal with Bindu and her family as Janice was leaving to go to university in Kathmandu, everyone got quite tearful, must be hard going to university so far away when the bus ride is not easy or cheap.
Yesterday me and Kim went to bengas tal on the bus and ate in a little cafe set in the hills overlooking the lake - omlette and chips for breakfast! We then rented a boat out and I have to say I think we are getting quite good at this paddling lark! We manged to keep in time with each other and then on the way back parallel parked the boat. We were so happy with ourselves! We the decided to go on a walk to find Rupa tal - the other lake which we though was at the top of the hills. We got to the top of the hills and looked down and saw this pond - thinking that was it and decided not to walk down as by this time it was the middle of the day. We got to the viewing point and realised it wasnt Rupa Tal as we were looking the wrong way but we did get a good view of Rupa Tal and all the surrounding greenery - it was so peaceful up there. We had a drink at the top of the hill and walked back down. When we got the bus back we decided to sit on the top of the bus - definately the best idea we had. Although the telephone wires come quite low we did manage to stay alive and then got a taxi back to lakeside for 80Rs after much haggling - I think we are definately getting better at it.
There had been some riots happening out and about - burning a man because of a speech that was made in Hindi rather than Nepali - it was interesting to see them march up and down - if not somewhat intimidating - but its always better when you know whats going on and they aren't out to hurt anyone - just to prove a point.
Me and Rob decided to rent bikes for the afternoon and go round the lake - it was a lovely day and I think we did rather well. But I should have learnt my lesson with mountain bikes last time... this one was just as bad! As we came zooming down a rocky hill my brakes didnt work and I came flying off the front of my bike and landed in a huge smelly muddy puddle! I think this was the best thing though as it broke my fall. I had totally buckled the whole of the front wheel but thankfully Rob managed to straighten it out so it was almost ridable back. We stopped and had a drink and a place over looking the lake as the sun was just setting - that was pretty special. Came back and told the girls what had happened who thought it was hysterical - I have been rather clumsy while ive been out here and they always like to hear about my new "mishaps" its become such a standing joke that everytime we do something clumsy we say "ive done a rachel" (Robs idea!) as he thinks if we get 10 percent of the population to use it it will become and official term - nice to know i'll be remembered when I leave!
We then went to go shopping for a tradtional dress for Philippa - she chose this amazingly beautiful pink one with embroidery - shes gone to pick it up today and i bet it looks amazing! We then went to the Newari kicthen for tea and then on tp the blues bar with Kelly and the Paddle nepal boys to listen to some live acoustic music and play pool and jenga! Was an amazing night - had lots of fun and the jenga was getting quite seriously competitive, making up new rules like having to take six pieces at a time - Banja helped me though as I think I would have knocked it down first time without his help.
Today we got up and me and Philippa decided we would love pancakes for breakfast so we went to Be happy resturant. We then all got the bus to Mahandraphul to go to the temple - I even managed to find it which I was impressed by. The 301 steps up lead to the most spectacularly elaborate buddhist temple which was breathtaking - both inside and out - they let us go in while the monks where doing their morning mantras and the effect of that was really something special.
After walking round and walking down we came back to lakside and me, Philippa and Jess went back to moondance and played some scrabble and I had apple crumble and ice cream which was sooo yummy and Philippa had humous (slighly more healthy!) which also looked nice. At 2 I went to paddle nepal as Banja was taking me out on the lake in a kayak again and I was teaching him some more english. Was a really great and fun afternoon - this time I did so much better and we got out and had a swim in the lake as well. Tonight is my last night in Pokhara before I leave for Chitwan tomorrow morning - we are going out for a curry - then I really must pack - I have been putting it off!
It will be really sad to say bye to everyone as I think we have grown rather close over the last 5 weeks - Ive had an amazing time and am looking forward to getting to Chitwan for some more adventures and fun.
Thinking of you all - and see you very soon!
Rachel xxxx
- comments
Philippa Hahahaha, LOVE it! In searching for your photos I stumbled across this....I love your representation of our candlelit roof evening - especially that you kindly left out all mention of the horrendous headaches the morning after! Oh to be back there...K garne!