Lumbini
Tansen
Ranighat (and the man on our hike there)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ridi Festival
Written on the 17th.
I am writing this blog on my iPod while lying in bed (Sunday the 17th). I am already awake and it is only 8. I will go to a restaurant with wifi later to post this. What a wonderful idea.
Friday I went to a place called Ridi with a fellow traveller, Fran. It was the first a big festival there. We took the bus from Tansen where we were staying at 630. Ridi is about 28km, but as the road winds through the mountains the ride took about an hour and a half on a LOCAL bus. I specify local because there is a big difference between that and a tourist bus. Not only is local bus full of locals, it usually makes frequent stops and the level of comfort is not the best. The don't just fill the bus comfortably, they cram it full inside and out. It is NEVER full. Now, you would think it really can't be that bad. And before that day I didn't think it was. But as we were all crammed in tight, people started feeling ill (now this a common occurance with Nepalis on the bus, though you would think they are used to these buses). So, back on the bus to Ridi, I had the aisle seat and Fran had the window seat. It was quite chilly outside being so early so the windows were all closed. This bus was fairly full with people standing all in the aisle and two girls leaning (lying) on the back of the seat in front of me. Next thing you know they are asking us to open the window to let air in. Uh-oh is my first thought. I offered my seat and we offered her a plastic bag but she declined. Then I notice the guy standing slightly behind me who gets a plastic bag ready. I rode this bus fully paranoid that someone was going to vomit on me (not a good feeling), while Fran was afraid the bus was going to fall of the side of the mountain. Not long before arriving the guy behind me was sick into his little black plastic bag. So gross. And it doesn't seem to bother them. They get on the bus knowing very well they are going to be sick.
We made it there finally and went to the first place we saw for tea. I guess you could call it a restaurant though in Western eyes it would probably look more like a bamboo shack. There we got our chiya (tea) and met a few locals. One of the guys was playing the guitar and we just relaxed before the real start of our day. He told us he was going to show us around. We ended up spending the majority of the day with him. He was really kind and it was so sweet of him to show us around.
This festival was primarily a Hindu festival. People were bathing in the rivers, though it was super cold, to cleanse themselves of their sins. After they lined up to go to the temple. We wanted to go but the line was quite ridiculous and we gave up after awhile. We crossed the river and made our way up the mountain where there was a large rock with a painting on it (some religious significance). The bridges you had to cross were temporary and made on bamboo (though they did have a rock base). The first one on the way back was fine but by the time we got to the second there were so many people (and the bridge didn't even go across the entire part of the river) we decided instead of trying to balance on rocks and not get our feet soaked, we took off our shoes and rolled up our pants to be safe. Got our pants a little wet but I was really happy I didn't have wet shoes.
There were food stands and people selling things. There was an agricultural part which reminded me of competioms for who could grow the largest pumpkin etc. There were giant radish, cauliflower and cabbage. There were a few rides, some carnival games and a performance tent with singing and dancing. Our little Nepali friend convinced me to buy some bangles. It was such an amazing day. The crowds were unbelievable. At one point we had to line up to squish across a tiny bridge only to realise that we shouldn't have crossed it. We went to the other bridge (less people) but when we got to it they were in the middle of repairs. Day 1 of a 5 day festival. Fran and decided to go up the river a bit where it was fairly shallow and cross through the water. The shoes came off again and we walked across the river with some locals. We had lots of people looking at us, not only then but all day. I didn't see any other white people all day.
We decided to catch the bus a little before 4. Fran wantet to ride on top because she felt safer. I still thought going in the bus was better. Our little Nepali friend told us not to go on top until he saw how many people were already in the bus. So we climbed up top with lots of others. It took so long to get out of town due to traffic. Not only were there so manus buses, jeeps, cars and trucks, but the road is really only about a lane and a half (if that) wide. So manoeuvring around was interesting. The ride was about 3.5 hours home. We met lots of really friendly people on the bus. It started getting dark and cold. Luckily we had wind blockers for most of the way. About 5 minutes before we got off we were told to go in the bus because it was going to go fast. We climbed down and got in. We saw peanut shells all over the floor and then a minute later I realized it seemed a little slippery. I looked down and realized the ther was puke all over the floor. Piles of it. Someone told us to sit down but I was so paranoid that I couldn't. At that moment I was so greatful for rooftop riding.
Well, that was my big adventure. I am now in Pokhara. Got here yesterday after a long winding bus ride. I think I am heading on my way on Tuesday to Bandipur. Small town. Then I will carry on to Kathmandu.
My time in Nepal is almost finished. I am sad to leave but looking forward to India. I have really enjoyed my time here and I will enjoy it just as much next time I come.
I am writing this blog on my iPod while lying in bed (Sunday the 17th). I am already awake and it is only 8. I will go to a restaurant with wifi later to post this. What a wonderful idea.
Friday I went to a place called Ridi with a fellow traveller, Fran. It was the first a big festival there. We took the bus from Tansen where we were staying at 630. Ridi is about 28km, but as the road winds through the mountains the ride took about an hour and a half on a LOCAL bus. I specify local because there is a big difference between that and a tourist bus. Not only is local bus full of locals, it usually makes frequent stops and the level of comfort is not the best. The don't just fill the bus comfortably, they cram it full inside and out. It is NEVER full. Now, you would think it really can't be that bad. And before that day I didn't think it was. But as we were all crammed in tight, people started feeling ill (now this a common occurance with Nepalis on the bus, though you would think they are used to these buses). So, back on the bus to Ridi, I had the aisle seat and Fran had the window seat. It was quite chilly outside being so early so the windows were all closed. This bus was fairly full with people standing all in the aisle and two girls leaning (lying) on the back of the seat in front of me. Next thing you know they are asking us to open the window to let air in. Uh-oh is my first thought. I offered my seat and we offered her a plastic bag but she declined. Then I notice the guy standing slightly behind me who gets a plastic bag ready. I rode this bus fully paranoid that someone was going to vomit on me (not a good feeling), while Fran was afraid the bus was going to fall of the side of the mountain. Not long before arriving the guy behind me was sick into his little black plastic bag. So gross. And it doesn't seem to bother them. They get on the bus knowing very well they are going to be sick.
We made it there finally and went to the first place we saw for tea. I guess you could call it a restaurant though in Western eyes it would probably look more like a bamboo shack. There we got our chiya (tea) and met a few locals. One of the guys was playing the guitar and we just relaxed before the real start of our day. He told us he was going to show us around. We ended up spending the majority of the day with him. He was really kind and it was so sweet of him to show us around.
This festival was primarily a Hindu festival. People were bathing in the rivers, though it was super cold, to cleanse themselves of their sins. After they lined up to go to the temple. We wanted to go but the line was quite ridiculous and we gave up after awhile. We crossed the river and made our way up the mountain where there was a large rock with a painting on it (some religious significance). The bridges you had to cross were temporary and made on bamboo (though they did have a rock base). The first one on the way back was fine but by the time we got to the second there were so many people (and the bridge didn't even go across the entire part of the river) we decided instead of trying to balance on rocks and not get our feet soaked, we took off our shoes and rolled up our pants to be safe. Got our pants a little wet but I was really happy I didn't have wet shoes.
There were food stands and people selling things. There was an agricultural part which reminded me of competioms for who could grow the largest pumpkin etc. There were giant radish, cauliflower and cabbage. There were a few rides, some carnival games and a performance tent with singing and dancing. Our little Nepali friend convinced me to buy some bangles. It was such an amazing day. The crowds were unbelievable. At one point we had to line up to squish across a tiny bridge only to realise that we shouldn't have crossed it. We went to the other bridge (less people) but when we got to it they were in the middle of repairs. Day 1 of a 5 day festival. Fran and decided to go up the river a bit where it was fairly shallow and cross through the water. The shoes came off again and we walked across the river with some locals. We had lots of people looking at us, not only then but all day. I didn't see any other white people all day.
We decided to catch the bus a little before 4. Fran wantet to ride on top because she felt safer. I still thought going in the bus was better. Our little Nepali friend told us not to go on top until he saw how many people were already in the bus. So we climbed up top with lots of others. It took so long to get out of town due to traffic. Not only were there so manus buses, jeeps, cars and trucks, but the road is really only about a lane and a half (if that) wide. So manoeuvring around was interesting. The ride was about 3.5 hours home. We met lots of really friendly people on the bus. It started getting dark and cold. Luckily we had wind blockers for most of the way. About 5 minutes before we got off we were told to go in the bus because it was going to go fast. We climbed down and got in. We saw peanut shells all over the floor and then a minute later I realized it seemed a little slippery. I looked down and realized the ther was puke all over the floor. Piles of it. Someone told us to sit down but I was so paranoid that I couldn't. At that moment I was so greatful for rooftop riding.
Well, that was my big adventure. I am now in Pokhara. Got here yesterday after a long winding bus ride. I think I am heading on my way on Tuesday to Bandipur. Small town. Then I will carry on to Kathmandu.
My time in Nepal is almost finished. I am sad to leave but looking forward to India. I have really enjoyed my time here and I will enjoy it just as much next time I come.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Well, here I am sitting at a little internet cafe in a town called Tansen. It is half way betwee Pokhara and Lumbini. I have been off traveling on my own now for about 2 weeks. I haven't writte on my blog in ages and will try to do a little catch up as to what has bee happening. I really want to update my google map, but that will have to wait till I get back to Pokhara in a couple days.
The last few days of 2009(including NYE) there was a big street festival in Pokhara. Carnival type games, food tents, lots of people...it was nice, but relaxing when I left it. New Years Eve I spent the night in Pokhara with a fairly big group of voluteers. We started out with a nice dinner and some drinks. We enjoyed the street festival for awhile before going to Amsterdam bar where we danced it up. Quite fun. One of the Australian girls and I got our moves down for the Nepali songs. From there, to ring in the New Year we headed to another bar, Busy Bee. Our group got split up for a bit. It was a good night, but quite late. When I got to the guesthouse I couldn't get it. I tried calling in windows and knocking on doors with no luck. I ended up staying outside for a little while. Never any good. Oh well.
Gorkha. Charlotte and I were supposed to leave to Gorkha, a town on the way to Kathmandu but about 25 km north of the highway, on the 1st. Unfortunately there was a national strike so we were stuck in Pokhara. We ended up sitting on Lakeside eating fois gras. Mmmm. Her mom had sent it to her from France. We left on the 2nd to Gorkha where we spent one night before heading to Chitwan. On our way there we had a few delays due to accidents(very common in Nepal). One looked like a head on collision. Minivan and bus. Not good. And there was no jaws of life to help. Just what looked like hammers. Gorkha...There were very few tourists in the town. We hiked to the top of the mountain, 1500 steps or something like that, where there was the Durbar (palace, fort and temple). It was quite beautiful with great views of the Himalayas. Our hotel (or should I say room above a shop) was not much to talk about, with no real shower, but cheap.
Chitwan. The next morning we made our way to Chitwan. This is a national park in the southern part of Nepal. A lot of people visit here for safaris and we did just that. After 3 LOCAL buses and 2 rickshaws, we made it. The bus rides, not much to say. Lots of local people. A old lady tried to sit on my lap at one point. In Chitwan we stayed in a town called Sauraha. We got to our lodge where we wasted no time. Lunch and off to the elephant breeding centre. Here we saw twin baby elephants. The only to survive in the world. We just had a calm night with a campfire at the lodge. The following day was quite busy for us. Started with an elephant safari, where unfortunately we saw no rhinos. But thanks to our great guide Laxman, he found us 2 rhinos. Quite awesome. After lunch we went for a canoe ride and a jungle walk where we saw yet another rhino. That night after dinner we went to a "Tharu Culture Program". These are the local people of the area. They did some dances and what not. Interesting to see.
The following day our guide was free and invited us to go to his home for lunch. We rented bikes and off we went to a small remote village. He took us on a visit to the local "coffee shop" where many people would stop in each day. His wife made us a wonderful dahl baht lunch. We were quite the local attraction eating with our hands. The on the way back, crossing one of the small bridges over the irrigation canals i took the corner too sharp and my front tire started falling. I jumped off as quick as possible and the bike went right in. A little embarrassing as many people were around. Good for a laugh.
That night we stayed in a tower in the jungle. There were 7 of us in total. 3 westerners the rest Nepalis. We had a sort of "jungle party". They had brought bottles of raksi (local alcohol) for us, though I don't enjoy it that much. It was cool to have a bonfire in the jungle and sleep there.
Luckily there was a strike and we weren't able to leave the day we planned as it was finally sunny. This meant we were able to bathe with the elephants. We were the first to do it and it was quite fun. We got on his back and he started by spraying us with his trunk. Then he would tip us off. We'd get back on and he'd do it again. Great experience and funny. That afternoon we went crocodile hunting.
Lumbini. Birthplace of Bouddha was the next stop for me. Charlotte and I split ways here. I met some nice French guys on the bus who I spent time with in Lumbini as well as with 2 other girls. The day we arrived we walked out into a few villages. Quite a differet life. The next day I rented a bike and rode through the developmet complex. I got a flat tire so took my bike back. Just as I was going to go to the Maya Devi Temple, actual birthplace of Bouddha I saw some of the voluteers from the orphanage in Pokhara. I decided to spend one more day there instead of leaving. Another guy I had met in Pokhara ended up there too. It was fun to run into people again. The next day we walked in the development area and visited all the temples (most of). My favorite was the Vietnam temple. It is still incomplete but we asked to enter and with no questions we went in. It was kind of like Disneyland. Loved that place.
Tansen. The next morning I caught the bus with the voluteers from the orphanage as it stopped in Tansen. I have been here for 4 days now. Longer than I had planned but good. The first day I just went to the top of the hill to see the view and sunset. The following day I was going to head to a place called Ranighat but I didn't get up in time. I moved from the hotel to a "homestay" which means a room in the house of the man that runs the tourist office. Nice room! I went with his daughter for a hike up the mountains where we had 360 view. Awesome!!!
That afteroo I met a French girl and we decided to go to Ranighat and spend 1 night there. The trek was about 4.5 hours. We stopped in a small town called Deurali where all the school kids where on break and swarmed us. Quite cute. We managed to find someone that would cook us dahl baht. There was a little old man, barefoot, that decided to climb up and sit on the table in front of us that we would eventually eat on. He was a funny little character.
In Ranighat, which is a palace that a governor built for his wife, the "guesthouse" was a lot lower than what we would like. The sheets looked so dirty. We asked for clean sheets (in Nepali because he didn't understand) and he just proceeded to turn the sheets over. We tried to express this wasn't good and he brought carpet things to cover it. haha. We made due with what we had and survived. The next day, yesterday, we hiked about 4hours back.
Today I have not been overly productive, well until now when I am writing my blog, that is not seemig to exciting. We did a tour of the city and just relaxed. Tomorrow I will go with an Australia I met to a place called Ridi Bazaar. It is west of here. Just a day trip, and we are lucky enough there is a festival. The following day back to Pokhara briefly before continuing my travels.
My time in Nepal is ticking down. 15 more days. Then off to India. I am going to miss Nepal a lot. I have really enjoyed it here. I will try and update more often in the future. It's hard to just sit down and write though. We'll see.
Miss you all. Hope everyone is well.
The last few days of 2009(including NYE) there was a big street festival in Pokhara. Carnival type games, food tents, lots of people...it was nice, but relaxing when I left it. New Years Eve I spent the night in Pokhara with a fairly big group of voluteers. We started out with a nice dinner and some drinks. We enjoyed the street festival for awhile before going to Amsterdam bar where we danced it up. Quite fun. One of the Australian girls and I got our moves down for the Nepali songs. From there, to ring in the New Year we headed to another bar, Busy Bee. Our group got split up for a bit. It was a good night, but quite late. When I got to the guesthouse I couldn't get it. I tried calling in windows and knocking on doors with no luck. I ended up staying outside for a little while. Never any good. Oh well.
Gorkha. Charlotte and I were supposed to leave to Gorkha, a town on the way to Kathmandu but about 25 km north of the highway, on the 1st. Unfortunately there was a national strike so we were stuck in Pokhara. We ended up sitting on Lakeside eating fois gras. Mmmm. Her mom had sent it to her from France. We left on the 2nd to Gorkha where we spent one night before heading to Chitwan. On our way there we had a few delays due to accidents(very common in Nepal). One looked like a head on collision. Minivan and bus. Not good. And there was no jaws of life to help. Just what looked like hammers. Gorkha...There were very few tourists in the town. We hiked to the top of the mountain, 1500 steps or something like that, where there was the Durbar (palace, fort and temple). It was quite beautiful with great views of the Himalayas. Our hotel (or should I say room above a shop) was not much to talk about, with no real shower, but cheap.
Chitwan. The next morning we made our way to Chitwan. This is a national park in the southern part of Nepal. A lot of people visit here for safaris and we did just that. After 3 LOCAL buses and 2 rickshaws, we made it. The bus rides, not much to say. Lots of local people. A old lady tried to sit on my lap at one point. In Chitwan we stayed in a town called Sauraha. We got to our lodge where we wasted no time. Lunch and off to the elephant breeding centre. Here we saw twin baby elephants. The only to survive in the world. We just had a calm night with a campfire at the lodge. The following day was quite busy for us. Started with an elephant safari, where unfortunately we saw no rhinos. But thanks to our great guide Laxman, he found us 2 rhinos. Quite awesome. After lunch we went for a canoe ride and a jungle walk where we saw yet another rhino. That night after dinner we went to a "Tharu Culture Program". These are the local people of the area. They did some dances and what not. Interesting to see.
The following day our guide was free and invited us to go to his home for lunch. We rented bikes and off we went to a small remote village. He took us on a visit to the local "coffee shop" where many people would stop in each day. His wife made us a wonderful dahl baht lunch. We were quite the local attraction eating with our hands. The on the way back, crossing one of the small bridges over the irrigation canals i took the corner too sharp and my front tire started falling. I jumped off as quick as possible and the bike went right in. A little embarrassing as many people were around. Good for a laugh.
That night we stayed in a tower in the jungle. There were 7 of us in total. 3 westerners the rest Nepalis. We had a sort of "jungle party". They had brought bottles of raksi (local alcohol) for us, though I don't enjoy it that much. It was cool to have a bonfire in the jungle and sleep there.
Luckily there was a strike and we weren't able to leave the day we planned as it was finally sunny. This meant we were able to bathe with the elephants. We were the first to do it and it was quite fun. We got on his back and he started by spraying us with his trunk. Then he would tip us off. We'd get back on and he'd do it again. Great experience and funny. That afternoon we went crocodile hunting.
Lumbini. Birthplace of Bouddha was the next stop for me. Charlotte and I split ways here. I met some nice French guys on the bus who I spent time with in Lumbini as well as with 2 other girls. The day we arrived we walked out into a few villages. Quite a differet life. The next day I rented a bike and rode through the developmet complex. I got a flat tire so took my bike back. Just as I was going to go to the Maya Devi Temple, actual birthplace of Bouddha I saw some of the voluteers from the orphanage in Pokhara. I decided to spend one more day there instead of leaving. Another guy I had met in Pokhara ended up there too. It was fun to run into people again. The next day we walked in the development area and visited all the temples (most of). My favorite was the Vietnam temple. It is still incomplete but we asked to enter and with no questions we went in. It was kind of like Disneyland. Loved that place.
Tansen. The next morning I caught the bus with the voluteers from the orphanage as it stopped in Tansen. I have been here for 4 days now. Longer than I had planned but good. The first day I just went to the top of the hill to see the view and sunset. The following day I was going to head to a place called Ranighat but I didn't get up in time. I moved from the hotel to a "homestay" which means a room in the house of the man that runs the tourist office. Nice room! I went with his daughter for a hike up the mountains where we had 360 view. Awesome!!!
That afteroo I met a French girl and we decided to go to Ranighat and spend 1 night there. The trek was about 4.5 hours. We stopped in a small town called Deurali where all the school kids where on break and swarmed us. Quite cute. We managed to find someone that would cook us dahl baht. There was a little old man, barefoot, that decided to climb up and sit on the table in front of us that we would eventually eat on. He was a funny little character.
In Ranighat, which is a palace that a governor built for his wife, the "guesthouse" was a lot lower than what we would like. The sheets looked so dirty. We asked for clean sheets (in Nepali because he didn't understand) and he just proceeded to turn the sheets over. We tried to express this wasn't good and he brought carpet things to cover it. haha. We made due with what we had and survived. The next day, yesterday, we hiked about 4hours back.
Today I have not been overly productive, well until now when I am writing my blog, that is not seemig to exciting. We did a tour of the city and just relaxed. Tomorrow I will go with an Australia I met to a place called Ridi Bazaar. It is west of here. Just a day trip, and we are lucky enough there is a festival. The following day back to Pokhara briefly before continuing my travels.
My time in Nepal is ticking down. 15 more days. Then off to India. I am going to miss Nepal a lot. I have really enjoyed it here. I will try and update more often in the future. It's hard to just sit down and write though. We'll see.
Miss you all. Hope everyone is well.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year 2010!
Well...it was a great New Years in Nepal. Though it is not starting out the best as I spent part of my night sleeping outside the guesthouse and there is a strike and therefore no buses. So here I am still in Pokhara. Going to just do a photo post today. :)
Wishing you all the best for the New Year.
Wishing you all the best for the New Year.
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