Nepal

The moment my plane landed in Kathmandu I knew I was in a totally different culture.  The wheels had barely touched tarmac when people were out of their seats pulling luggage from the overhead compartments while flight attendants hopelessly tried to maintain order.  Nepal brings back memories of my time in India with Bri.  But the Nepali people hate to be compared to India- bragging Nepal is Never Ending Peace And Love whereas India is I’ll Never Do It Again.  I disagree...  

Kathmandu is a frantic city where once again my main safety concern involves automobiles.  Passenger or pedestrian, your life is at risk trying to get from point A to point B- and here they drive on the left side!  This is part of the attraction for me, a totally different way of life that is assaulting and fascinating at the same time.  Kathmandu has a long legacy on the tourist trail.  But after a few days I begin to realize the Kathmandu from 20yrs ago is gone (someone should tell this to the sad looking hippies still moping around Freak Street).  So, after visiting a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples in the valley, I take a break from the cultural in exchange for the scenic.  At first glance Pokhara is the Nepal I imagined.  Surrounded by jungle in a small mountain range before the Himalayas, it is quite a beautiful place.  But I feel like package tourism has ruined Pokhara- and Nepal.  The kind, honest and respectable nature of the Nepali people has been replaced by an addiction to the all mighty dollar.  It is not fair to characterize a whole country like that, but this is my impression.  Even worse was the sheer quantity of Gortex laden, lingo dropping, yuppie-cum-hippie tourists.  It seems like everyone and their dog is doing Everest Base Camp- excuse me, EBC.  And why not?  Simply hire a guide, and a porter, stay at the numerous teahouses (lodges) along the way, and eat in the trailside restaurants too.  

You could argue Egypt has the same problem.  All I can say is Egypt- and Egyptians- have that special something.  More importantly, this is my blog and I don`t need to justify my feelings ;)  Nepal will not be remembered as one of my favourite countries, but I still enjoyed the experience.  Diwali (Festival of Lights) coincided with my time in Pokhara (link below) and I took myself on some impressive day hikes.  Truely, I have no complaints because I am living a surreal life.  Thinking of home but happily abroad,

Carrie

Diwali Info:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/culture/2011-10/25/c_131211298.htm

 Kathmandu Valley- various places and sights...

 Burning ghat

 Pokhara: animals get blessings during Diwali

 Himalaya's

 You have to look close to see the Himalaya's through the clouds

 From the plane...the Himalaya's are as high as we are!