The cover shot is just for a sympathy vote! I am fine really :-)

So I actually had a reasonable night's sleep Wednesday evening considering. I managed to find a way of lying that wasn't too bad for my legs. I got up Thursday morning and had a leisurely breakfast, finished packing and took it easy before leaving for the airport around 11am. The airport was an interesting experience. Security is divided into men an women, you get called into a curtained area (this was for domestic), they give a cursory glance into your bag and then touch you down. You then go through to a communal departure hall.

The planes that fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu seat about 30 people and fly by sight so if it is cloudy they don't go. Fortunately it was a clear day so we left roughly on schedule. I had been advised to sit on the left handside of the plane to get the mountain views. I took the last available seat on that side (it is unallocated seating) and fortunately the leg room was decent so no leg issues. Then we took off. We did have some great views of the mountains along the way but the flight was only 25 minutes so before we knew it we were coming into land.

I got my luggage and found a taxi which took me to the hotel and finally to my relief I arrived in the haven of my hotel room. Not long after I arrived I had a text from Ruth from GVI and her and Balaram from Himalayan encounters called around to check on me. We decided it was best to get my legs checked at the clinic so we (slowly) walked down there. I bought some more supplies but generally the view was I just needed to keep the 'wounds' clean and then let them heal. We had some tea and then I headed back to the hotel. I feel a bit lazy saying it but it was nice to have an excuse to do very little so I made the most of the free wifi, had dinner in the hotel and then went to bed.

Friday morning and the task in hand was to get my Indian visa. Having had a brief experience earlier in the month I kind of knew what to expect so I got there early to start queuing. Around 8.45 we were allowed in to get our tickets and then we just had to wait to be seen. Fortunately my number came up quite quickly and by 10am I was back at the hotel. You then have to go back and collect your passport at the end of the day. I rested for some time and then met Ruth for coffee later before collecting my passport at 5pm. Amazingly it was waiting for me so again I was in and out very quickly. Job done and much relief as it means I can actually get home!!!

I had had a message from some friends I met on my china tour who were also in Ktm so we had arranged to meet for dinner. It was really lovely catching up and sharing new stories as well as reminiscing about the old ones and good to have a reason to leave the hotel too. After dinner I headed to bed to rest.

Saturday and I was starting to feel better. My legs are still sore but my mobility is getting better and I can see that the scratches are starting to heal as well so I braved Thamel to do some shopping. I had already scoped out the things I wanted to get so it was then a question of finding them for the right price. Having been so restricted on space previously it was lovely to be able to get the presents and things I wanted to buy and figure out packing later! After a couple of hours I did head back to rest again and then started the task of fitting it all in. I had already shed things in Bandipur but there was a new level if shedding required now. That seemed to take up most of the day so I had dinner in the hotel again and then sleep.

Sunday, my last proper day in Nepal and my final bits of shopping to be done. I got a few more things than perhaps were absolutely necessary but I am happy with my purchases! I met Ruth for another coffee and chat and also to say goodbye. When I got back to the hotel the new volunteers were there so I had a quick chat with them before having to properly go and finish packing. And to my amazement, I managed to shut my bag!! I was all set to go and buy another hand luggage bag! Phew!

I met up with Judi and Claire again for dinner and drinks as it was also their last night in Nepal last night so we went to a Mexican for cocktails. A nice evening. This morning I put the last few things into my bag, checked out, had breakfast and got a taxi to the airport. Having been throguh a similar security process as Pokhara (though with x-rays this time since it is international) am now waiting in another communal departure hall at Ktm airport for my flight to Mumbai. I am sad to leave Nepal, I have had a great month but it has been tough at times as I thought it would be. It feels familiar now but for the last time on this trip I am venturing into the unknown. In just over 72 hours I am scheduled to be touching down in the uk and that will be the end of my travels, for a little while at least. I need to therefore make the most of the last few days before normality starts to set in. What an adventure it has been.