Indian finale......finally

. 
Well, back to India. In jaisalmer  I did a 2 day 1 night camel safari. I did it with 2 couples. One being the English couple I was traveling with and a French couple staying at our hotel. It was good fun. Lots of laughs though hot as anything. The camel driver subsequently fell for me. Nice cute boy. But camel driver who had aspired to be one for years. 
After Jaisalmer we headed to Johdpur where we only stayed one day. Anna and I checked out the fort which was nice but didn't get to do too much else. 
From here we made our way on a night bus to Udaipur. This is where Octopussy was filmed. We arrived early, around 6 I think at a guesthouse we had called. Upon arrival we realized the place wasn't that great. Adam and I left Anna with our stuff and went to check out some other places. When we got back we ended up leaving for somewhere else. Good thing because the guy there was a jerk. Anna and I , again did more sightseeing than Adam. They headed out after a couple days to Goa and I ended up staying in Udaipur for another day with a retired man, John, traveling from the stats. 
From here I made my way with John to Mt. Abu, a hill station in the south of Rajasthan. I don't know what I was expecting but not really what I had found. That was ok though. Did a couple short walks/hikes before catching a LONG bus to Amedhabad where I was going to catch a flight to Goa. I met a few nice and helpful people though did have one man stare at me for about 2 hours until I said screw the heat and put my scarf over my entire head. When I got of the bus I got an auto into town. Has an argument with the driver because he spoke no English and I thought he was trying to charge me 3 times the rate. Had him come into the guesthouse and got things straightened out. Paid, got a room, Internet and bank. I asked the hotel man where i could eat. Said I was craving pizza. He suggested a place called pinkie pizza so I ventured out to find it. I found the people here so friendly and genuine. Not out to rip you off, though the city doesn't have too much to offer. I eventually found the little hole in the wall known as Pinkie Pizza where I managed to get some food. Not pizza mind you, but filled the spot. Also got a couple little "bags" of water in which you just rip off a corner and drink it. I figured it I wad to be sick that night, I would know why. I took a photo of the lovely men working there. Just very sweet and helpful. The next morning I was off to the airport. I decided to take the local bus and save some cash. Everyone in the street seemed against me in the start telling me to take an auto, but I said no. When the bus came I almost abandoned the idea but the ticket man knew where I was going so on I got. A little bit later a couple and little girl got on. The little girl kept staring at me And when I'd smile at her she turned away. I dug through my bag and found a quarter for her telling her "das(10) roupees". She put it in her pocket without even looking at it. It wasn't till others around asked that she took it out and passed it around. People would get on the bus and shake my hand. It was an amazing day. When we got about 1 km from the airport I was told I needed to get off. The woman and little girl got off too and offered me chai. So we went across the street had q chai and then they accompanied me to the airport in an auto which they insisted on paying. I took a photo of them before making my way to the terminal. Waved goodbye and walked inside. My photo confirmed my thoughts that this little girl was downsyndrome. Sweet as anything. 
Off to Goa. 
I was going to meet up with Anna and Adam very briefly on Palolem. This beach is a little over an hour by taxi. I was lucky to find 3 others going to roughly the same area to share. 
Goa! Anna and Adam introduced me to some people they knew there which was great. I met some really amazing people. I did have a bit of a hard time at the start and Anna told me to go back to Hare Krishna Hare Rama bar where the I had met the staff who were all great. 
I made mt way there the next day and spent the rest of my time in Palolem there. I met a great German woman, Abbie, that I ended spending a lit of my time with. She and I had a great time. Can't wait to see her again. I would have liked to gone off and done more things but that will have to wait for next time. I spent my birthday here which was really nice. Abbie was there for dinner and Flower(another friend) came out for a drink. A group of English I had met were there. The boys at the restaurant had got me a cake and sang happy birthday. One of the guys got me a gift. It really was a special day. I played a game with the English called "wet head" which was a lot of fun. Then we headed to the "all night" bar. It was a really nice time. 
I had a blast I goa. Met some amazing people both tourists and locals/workers. 
I headed out to Bangalore on a night bus on April 12 to catch my flight. The chapter on India was sadly ending, but it's not finished yet. The night bus was long and sad and extremely bumpy as I had a sleeper at the very back. Luckily inwas sharing with a young Indian girl. 
In Bangalore I just walked around a bit. Found some bookstores and chilled. Met an odd Indian man just to finish off the country right. Off to the airport and on to the next destination. 

Woah Johnny.

Well, it has really been weeks since I have writen on my blog. I am not really good at keeping up with it. I haven't writen in my journal in a week either. Not good.
But this shows I am having a great time.
So...back to February.
18th - 25th
I spent these days on an 8 day retreat...Intro to Buddhism and Meditation. It was quite an interesting course. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend there. I also met some wonderful people. Not going to say much more on this.
From here I headed to Delhi to meet up with a couple friends for a few days. In Delhi got to see the Lotus temple which was quite cool. Went to a party with at a friends friends house. Quite fun.

Feb 28
Elephant festival in Jaipur. I really wanted to go to this, but be in Delhi with some friends for Holi on the first. I decided to take a bus to Jaipur for one night and a night bus back to Delhi for the 1st. It was a busy few days but great. The festival wasn't exactly what I was expecting but the elephants looked amazing. All were painted up for the festival.It was great.

Mar 1
Holi! Festival of Colours! Great great time. It was really an amazing, sureal experience. We went to the uni campus with a group of people. There were so many people and so many colours. Just great!

Mar 2-5
Jaipur.
This time I decided to couchsurf. Thought it would be interesting. The guy was really nice and helpful. Jaipur wasn't what I expected it to be. I found the men here more forward than usual. It was really quite annoying. Tiring.
From Jaipur I headed to Pushkar, and on the bus met a really sweet wonderful English couple

Mar 5 - 8
Pushkar.
We spent 3 days and nights here. I got a hotel with Adam and Anna when we got there and really enjoyed our stay there. It was a smaller town and quite quiet. No pressure to do sight seeing. Nice to relax. The only bad thing was getting my phone stolen..life goes on.

Mar 9 - Now
Jaisalmer.
We got a night bus from Pushkar here. We got sleepers on the bus. This means there are seats below and beds above. It was quite funny. It felt a lot like being in a sort of cage. We arrived in Jaisalmer and met a hotel guy. They had a recommendation and arranged to be picked up. This hotel is absolutely stunning and we got an amazing deal on it...I'm paying about 5$/night. Just beautiful.
Got back from our 2 day (1.5 day) camel safari. It was a lot of fun. Such a different experience. Bum a little sore, but manageable. :)

I know these blogs are quite boring...maybe better to just check out the map on google.
Things are good and I'm having a great time.

India!

Here in India things are going quite well.

After a few days in Delhi, I made my way up to Amritsar. This is not too far from the Pakistan border as well as Kashmir. Here you will find the Golden Temple. This temple is Sikh. It was a very great experience where I learnt quite a bit about Sikhism. This temple was quite stunning. A gold temple in the middle of sort of holy pool. At the temple there is a dorm for foreign tourists provided based on donations. There is also a "free" kitchen that runs completely by the work of volunteers. You are able to eat at any hour as it is open 24 hours. We got to see the entire workings and not only visit but also participate in the making of chapatis. You can peel (red) carrots, wash dishes, stir pots of dal...so many different things. There are big halls where people eat by the thousands. You sit on the floor and someone comes by slopping food in your plate. Then when they come with chapatis you have to put your two hands out and they will put it in your hands. It was quite an experience. It would be a great place to spend some time volunteering and getting to know the people.

Here I met up with a friend from Nepal. I stayed at the golden temple for 3 nights then we headed to McLeod Ganj (Dharamasala). This is the home of the Dalai Lama. It is quite a calm and beautiful place. Not really like the rest of India. More like Nepal. The population is mostly Tibetan as this is the home to government in exile.
We got a nice room with a few of the valley and mountains. So far I have been here 5 days. Tibetan New Year (Losar) was on Feb 14. For this occasion we were lucky to see the Dalai Lama at his temple. It was just amazing to see him so closely and hear him speak, although in Tibetan. He is a beautiful human being.

Since being in this town I have relaxed a lot. We took an Indian cooking class where we made Paneer Butter Masala, Aloo Gobi (Potato Cauliflower), Dal (Lentil) and Chapati. After cooking this all we got to enjoy the amazing meal. It was so tasty and I can't wait to make it when I return home.

Today Dai and I went to a Tibetan cooking class. We made the all famous momos. These are like dumplings filled with various veggie fillings. I love these!! Not only did we make savoury ones, but we also made a chocolate filled one. This was just amazing. Another thing to make when I get home. Who wants some??
Tomorrow I am heading to the Tushita Meditation Centre. I am taking an 8-day residential course. Introduction to Buddism. This will include some meditation, yoga and teachings in Buddism. I will be cut off from the outside world. I think this is going to be a very interesting experience.

I have had a bit of a hard time over the past few weeks due to various things. Being in a new country, being lonely from time to time and the loss of my grams have all played a big part. Being in this place has allowed me to relax and think and just enjoy living. That is something that I think people forget to do a lot. Enjoy Living. We don't do that enough in the western world. We get so caught up in jobs and everything else. For those of you at home, take a step back and think about it. You never know what the future is going to hold. Make sure you enjoy your life. Take some time out for yourself and really enjoy it. Do something for yourself...maybe get a massage. Have that piece of chocolate cake (I did today). Whatever will make you happy. Make you smile. Enjoy life. Work to live. Do not live to work.

I am thinking of all of my family and friends. I hope you are all well.

I am going to be disconnected for the next 8 or 9 days, but my thoughts are with you all.

A long awaited update

So...Since Ridi Festival...
What have I done since then...a short visit to Pokhara and then to Bandipur.
Bandipur.
This is a little town between Pokhara and Kathmandu. Very peaceful and quite. A village in the hills. Typical Newar village. The houses seem so typical. Pretty much everything shut down by about 8, and there was usually no power as the power cuts were about 9 hours a day. So bed by 8. I had a really relaxing time. Not too much to do, not too many tourists. There were many hikes you could do from this place, but I just relaxed. Played with some children, wandered around and enjoyed the town.
Bhaktapur.
This is the last of the Durbar Squares. Before 3 kingdoms, and if I'm not mistaken, 3 brothers who wanted to all outdo the other by building something better. This was by far the best. Though it was about 10 dollars to enter, you could get a pass for a long period of time. I spent 2 nights here and enjoyed soaking of the town. Meeting some locals and wandering through the narrow streets. Saw the Kumari (living goddess) in some ceremony thing one night there.
Changu Narayan.
After Bhaktapur I thought I would work my way by foot to this temple on a hill. When I got to the fork in the road I decided I would take the bus. I climbed on and off we went. 30 minutes later we arrived at the top. I started walking over to the temple when a man started talking to me. I tried to just "blow him off" as I had a plan for a couple days and wanted to carry on. It didn't really work. He convinced me to have a "chiya", masala tea, with him. We got talking and he told me about his plans to start a homestay at his place. He insisted on showing me his home, so we hoped on his motorbike (Honda Stunner) and off we went down hill on a dirt road. No helmet. I was holding on for dear life. I met his wife, and he convinced me to stay one night and to spend the day with him showing me around to a few places. Off we went again on the motorbike. This time he got a helmet, but I didn't. It's only necessary for the driver. We went to a few different places. It was definitely an adventure...the driving was difficult and I was nervous at times, but all went well.

Over the next few days after I didn't do too much. I was in Kathmandu and really ready to leave though had to wait for my Indian visa.
On the 29th I got my visa and instead of taking my pre-arranged flight to Delhi I headed over land to Varanasi.
Varanasi.
I ended up spending about 5 days here. It was quite an interesting time. I had a hard time over the first few days but it got better. I am sure most of you know of Varanasi and the Ganges and the burning ghats. A place to see. I met some interesting people. Got henna for free and finally met up with a friend.
Agra.
Saw the Taj Mahal. Amazing place. Really enjoyed this. It still looks fake in the photos. Like it's photoshop or something.

I am now in Delhi. I have been here for 2 days now and tomorrow I am heading to Amritsar. This is north, near the Pakistani border. There is a golden temple here which I will stay at before heading to Dharamasala. This is the home of the Dalai Lama. Feb 14 is Losar, Tibetan New Year. I will actually be here for about 12 days as I am going to do a course in Intro to Buddism and Meditation. Should be quite cool.
Try not to leave it for so long the next post as it is not very exciting. I am just breezing through briefly of how things are.
I have had a hard time adjusting to India. Things are just so different and I am not finding it as easy to meet people as in Europe. Not really the same as hosteling. I will survive! Keep on moving. Something new tomorrow!!

Slack

I am really bad at sitting down and writing. Not sure what has happened over the past while.
INDIA...got here on the 30th. Varanasi, Agra, now in Delhi.
Stomach has been up and down....frustrating. oh well.
tray and write soon.

A few photos

Chitwan






Lumbini




Tansen


Ranighat (and the man on our hike there)

The girl I am sponsoring to go to school.

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. 

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.

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.