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.