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.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas to everyone.
The celebrations began this morning with our paper Christmas Tree and gifts underneath for all the kids. It's fun to see the kids all running around smiling. (not that they are usually sad). It's just nice to be able to share in the celebrations with them.
Yesterday we prepared "chicken stuffing MOMOs (which are like dumplings). Bringing Nepal and the Western Christmas together. We are also making mashed potatoes and gravy. For dessert, cakes were made in the oven at a local bakery. Quite an event!
So, shall I write about my trek...I guess so.
I headed off with two other volunteers I met here on a 5 day trek. The trek, we believe would consist of going to Ghorepani and Poon Hill and then to Ghandruk and back out of the mountains.
We were planning to leave at 8:30am on the 16th, though we were told there would be a strike so we left just after 6am. VERY early. We had a guide and a porter that would help us along the trek and carry our stuff.
Day 1. We started out in Nayapul around 830am walking. We stopped about an hour later for breakfast. I believe it took about 2 hours, no joke. The lady had to run down to the next shop to get 2 eggs. She came back hiding them behind her back like she was embarrassed. It was quite cute. After lunch we continued walking until about 2 when we had lunch and finished our day just after. It was a nice relaxing evening playing cards.
Day 2. We started around 7 or 730 and began with about a 300 metre climb of stairs up from Thikedunga to Ulleri. It was hot out and a little challenging, but once we got to the top we had our Coke/Fanta reward. From there we made our way to Ghorepani arriving around 430pm. Got our guesthouse, Nice View, which had a great view over the mountains. We were at about 2900 metres and it was COLD.
Day 3. We started out at 5:45 to hike up to Poon Hill, 3200 metres, for the sunrise. It turned out to be not the most exciting sunrise, but the view was still stunning. We headed back to the guesthouse for breakfast before another LONG day. We thought we were going to Chuile, a little past Tadapani, but our guide decided to push us to the max and we walked till 5 pm. It was a LONG, HARD day for all of us. I don't know what our "guide" was thinking, but we did it. The guesthouse wasn't the best and we were given a bucket of boiling water to shower with. This is quite a Nepali experience. The other two girls were really unimpressed. For the money we were paying our guide (who told us we would have great accomodation) it was not up there, but I thought it was kind of fun. You haven't experienced Nepal until you had a "saucepan" shower. That meaning, along with the bucket we had a saucepan and a large bowl to mix cold water and pour it over ourselves.
The next day, Day 4. Up at the crack of day again and off by 730. We made it to the Hot Spings in Jhainu which was a nice break. The shower part of the hot springs was amazing. Probably the best shower since I have been in Nepal and that is saying a lot considering I was wearing shorts, and a tank top. Not to mention the 10 Nepali people/kids watching us wash. Again it was a long day as we had to push on as far as possible to shorten our walk for the 5th and final day. A National 3 day Strike was planned beginning on the Sunday, our last day. A national strike means there are NO cars on the road and most shops are closed. We ended in a Tolka, 3 hours from the road.
Day 5. The Final day. We started walking at 730am with a big set of steps to start. Not fun. We walked for hours. And when I say hours, I mean we had to walk all the way to Pokhara, the city we started in. We arrived at 7pm that night. We physically walked for about 9 hours that day. It is quite amazing what we accomplished. It was probably an 8 day trek crammed into 5 days. More walking than we really wanted, but I am proud of what I did and happy I did it. And even happier that I was able to keep positive the entire time and finish with a smile. The other girls seemed a little more bitter about the long days, but there was nothing we could do. Just be happy we did it. I even think that I would like to come back and do a longer trek in a couple years.
Trekking in the Himalayas....check!
Missing everyone at home but enjoying my time. I will try and put some photos up in the next few days.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
The celebrations began this morning with our paper Christmas Tree and gifts underneath for all the kids. It's fun to see the kids all running around smiling. (not that they are usually sad). It's just nice to be able to share in the celebrations with them.
Yesterday we prepared "chicken stuffing MOMOs (which are like dumplings). Bringing Nepal and the Western Christmas together. We are also making mashed potatoes and gravy. For dessert, cakes were made in the oven at a local bakery. Quite an event!
So, shall I write about my trek...I guess so.
I headed off with two other volunteers I met here on a 5 day trek. The trek, we believe would consist of going to Ghorepani and Poon Hill and then to Ghandruk and back out of the mountains.
We were planning to leave at 8:30am on the 16th, though we were told there would be a strike so we left just after 6am. VERY early. We had a guide and a porter that would help us along the trek and carry our stuff.
Day 1. We started out in Nayapul around 830am walking. We stopped about an hour later for breakfast. I believe it took about 2 hours, no joke. The lady had to run down to the next shop to get 2 eggs. She came back hiding them behind her back like she was embarrassed. It was quite cute. After lunch we continued walking until about 2 when we had lunch and finished our day just after. It was a nice relaxing evening playing cards.
Day 2. We started around 7 or 730 and began with about a 300 metre climb of stairs up from Thikedunga to Ulleri. It was hot out and a little challenging, but once we got to the top we had our Coke/Fanta reward. From there we made our way to Ghorepani arriving around 430pm. Got our guesthouse, Nice View, which had a great view over the mountains. We were at about 2900 metres and it was COLD.
Day 3. We started out at 5:45 to hike up to Poon Hill, 3200 metres, for the sunrise. It turned out to be not the most exciting sunrise, but the view was still stunning. We headed back to the guesthouse for breakfast before another LONG day. We thought we were going to Chuile, a little past Tadapani, but our guide decided to push us to the max and we walked till 5 pm. It was a LONG, HARD day for all of us. I don't know what our "guide" was thinking, but we did it. The guesthouse wasn't the best and we were given a bucket of boiling water to shower with. This is quite a Nepali experience. The other two girls were really unimpressed. For the money we were paying our guide (who told us we would have great accomodation) it was not up there, but I thought it was kind of fun. You haven't experienced Nepal until you had a "saucepan" shower. That meaning, along with the bucket we had a saucepan and a large bowl to mix cold water and pour it over ourselves.
The next day, Day 4. Up at the crack of day again and off by 730. We made it to the Hot Spings in Jhainu which was a nice break. The shower part of the hot springs was amazing. Probably the best shower since I have been in Nepal and that is saying a lot considering I was wearing shorts, and a tank top. Not to mention the 10 Nepali people/kids watching us wash. Again it was a long day as we had to push on as far as possible to shorten our walk for the 5th and final day. A National 3 day Strike was planned beginning on the Sunday, our last day. A national strike means there are NO cars on the road and most shops are closed. We ended in a Tolka, 3 hours from the road.
Day 5. The Final day. We started walking at 730am with a big set of steps to start. Not fun. We walked for hours. And when I say hours, I mean we had to walk all the way to Pokhara, the city we started in. We arrived at 7pm that night. We physically walked for about 9 hours that day. It is quite amazing what we accomplished. It was probably an 8 day trek crammed into 5 days. More walking than we really wanted, but I am proud of what I did and happy I did it. And even happier that I was able to keep positive the entire time and finish with a smile. The other girls seemed a little more bitter about the long days, but there was nothing we could do. Just be happy we did it. I even think that I would like to come back and do a longer trek in a couple years.
Trekking in the Himalayas....check!
Missing everyone at home but enjoying my time. I will try and put some photos up in the next few days.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Another week gone
Time started out slow, but is now flying by. Though it feels like I have been here for quite a long time.
What has happened in the past week...hmmm.
This past weekend I went up the mountain to Sarangkot with Charlotte, from France. She is staying with a homestay family and the grandparents live up there so we stayed with them. We took the local bus up which was quite funny. We were crammed in like sardines, and not only in the bus but also on top and hanging out the door. Just this morning I read in the paper about a bus on that road that fell over the side of the hill and killed about 13 people. Anyway, there was a lady on the bus that kept trying to talk to me, though all I could do was smile as she didn't speak English. She slapped me lightly for god only knows what reason. She was quite funny, and possibly drunk...who knows. She was taking 5 litres of "raksi" the local alcohol up the mountain. There were some sweet little boys that let me sit with them. It was a fun/funny ride.
Up at the house was interesting. The houses are just cement walls and an aluminum roof. It gets quite cold at night. We played with the children and hung around the "buffalo" house to keep warm by the fire and ate dahl baht. As it gets dark early we went up to bed just after 8, wrote in our journals and then to sleep. "Grandmother" tucked Charlotte and I into our single shared bed. It was quite cute and funny. We had to go outside to the "squat" toilet. The next morning we got up at 6 to walk up to the viewing tower to see the sunrise over the mountains. We were really lucky that it was a nice clear morning. Then a nice breakfast looking over the mountains. Back to the house around 8:45 or 9. Just in time for dahl baht at 9:15. That was my first time to have it in the morning. 9:15 is too early to eat rice and beans and curried vegetables. We took some photos with the grandparents. I love them. They are just the cutest sweetest old people.
Around 10:30 we headed out to walk to the "paragliding" take off place. Charlotte and I were doing a 30 minute paragliding down to the lakeside. It was quite the experience. Really fun and interesting, though myself, I wouldn't do it again. In order to gain height you have to circle and that made me feel nauseous. NOT fun. After we made it to the ground I felt better. We were just in time to meet up with the group of volunteers for an afternoon on the lake with paddle boats. We were 12 people and had 4 boats tied together. It was such a fun afternoon. Lots of good laughs.
Tomorrow I am heading off trekking for 5 days. We are going to "Poon Hill". It is going to be fun and challenging for me I think. I am going with 2 other girls and we will have a guide and porters. We can't/don't want to carry our things. Lots of little things to get organised today. Last minute things to get.
After my trek I am planning to be back here for the rest of the year volunteering. Looking forward to it and spending Christmas with the children.
If I don't get on here before Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone.
What has happened in the past week...hmmm.
This past weekend I went up the mountain to Sarangkot with Charlotte, from France. She is staying with a homestay family and the grandparents live up there so we stayed with them. We took the local bus up which was quite funny. We were crammed in like sardines, and not only in the bus but also on top and hanging out the door. Just this morning I read in the paper about a bus on that road that fell over the side of the hill and killed about 13 people. Anyway, there was a lady on the bus that kept trying to talk to me, though all I could do was smile as she didn't speak English. She slapped me lightly for god only knows what reason. She was quite funny, and possibly drunk...who knows. She was taking 5 litres of "raksi" the local alcohol up the mountain. There were some sweet little boys that let me sit with them. It was a fun/funny ride.
Up at the house was interesting. The houses are just cement walls and an aluminum roof. It gets quite cold at night. We played with the children and hung around the "buffalo" house to keep warm by the fire and ate dahl baht. As it gets dark early we went up to bed just after 8, wrote in our journals and then to sleep. "Grandmother" tucked Charlotte and I into our single shared bed. It was quite cute and funny. We had to go outside to the "squat" toilet. The next morning we got up at 6 to walk up to the viewing tower to see the sunrise over the mountains. We were really lucky that it was a nice clear morning. Then a nice breakfast looking over the mountains. Back to the house around 8:45 or 9. Just in time for dahl baht at 9:15. That was my first time to have it in the morning. 9:15 is too early to eat rice and beans and curried vegetables. We took some photos with the grandparents. I love them. They are just the cutest sweetest old people.
Around 10:30 we headed out to walk to the "paragliding" take off place. Charlotte and I were doing a 30 minute paragliding down to the lakeside. It was quite the experience. Really fun and interesting, though myself, I wouldn't do it again. In order to gain height you have to circle and that made me feel nauseous. NOT fun. After we made it to the ground I felt better. We were just in time to meet up with the group of volunteers for an afternoon on the lake with paddle boats. We were 12 people and had 4 boats tied together. It was such a fun afternoon. Lots of good laughs.
Tomorrow I am heading off trekking for 5 days. We are going to "Poon Hill". It is going to be fun and challenging for me I think. I am going with 2 other girls and we will have a guide and porters. We can't/don't want to carry our things. Lots of little things to get organised today. Last minute things to get.
After my trek I am planning to be back here for the rest of the year volunteering. Looking forward to it and spending Christmas with the children.
If I don't get on here before Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Shaka Laka Boom
This is the slogan written on walls for noodles. Quite funny.
Anyway, once again it has been quite some time since I have written. I don't even remember what I have done since I last wrote. I do keep a journal and know, but it is upstairs in my room. Lets see if my memory is any good.
Last week, I don't remember anything earth shattering happening. I got my camera stolen last Sunday at a festival. That kind of sucks cause they are not the cheapest thing here. I still haven't bought a new one. I did get a police report to file my insurance. No big deal. We had gone to this festival with a guy that teaches some of our students. It ended up being awkward because he seemed to assume that we would pay for everything, Harvey and I. We paid the taxi there, fine. But his entrance fee, that is a little far over the line. I mean, he didn't even offer to pay, just assumed that we would. I didn't like that. We got coffee, very cheap, but again, he assumed we would pay. Sure it was only 15 cents, but the principal....Harvey wasn't having it and asked him for the 10 rupees.
Met a volunteer from France who is teaching in a school about 25 minutes away. SHe is the only volunteer there so we meet up from time to time. We met for dinner on Friday with her and a few other volunteers. It was a nice evening. We went to a bar after, just me and a couple of the guys, but I didn't find it enjoyable so headed home. No one had energy to do anything on Saturday. I am not even sure what I ended up doing. I think I may have met up with Charlotte(from France) and we went to book paragliding. We are going on Saturday. She is staying with a homestay family and their grandparents live up on the mountain where we will do the paragliding. They invited me to go there Friday night with them and spend the night. Then we will come down flying. Should be fun and a good experience staying with the family.
Sunday there was a strike by the Maoists. This meant that kids didn't have school in the afternoon and most shops were closed. A few of us took the kids to the park. It was quite a relaxing afternoon just lazing in the park. Some of the kids ran around and played football(soccer) and others just enjoyed relaxing. I know I sure did.
Monday Harvey and I went to school with some of the school kids. They didn't have classes because there was a teachers strike but they had this "sport" class which is really just them marching like in the military and some random exercises. It was a little wierd.
I am planning to go trekking next week with a couple girls next week for 5 days. We need to get it all planned. It should be fun. I am hoping to spend Christmas here with the children. It should be fun.
Sorry this post seems a little all over the place. I wrote half last night and finishing it up this morning. And I really don't want to re-read it all to see what I wrote or not.
Things have been going well though. I am enjoying my time here a lot. There are quite a few volunteers here now which is not the best. There are some that just rub me the wrong way which is quite annoying. At times I feel quite old because some of these people are not only young, but also immature. Part of me just wishes that we had our original group. Oh well, enough complaining from me.
I am going to eat some delicious dahl baht soon then into town...I really need to get a camera.
Ciao
Anyway, once again it has been quite some time since I have written. I don't even remember what I have done since I last wrote. I do keep a journal and know, but it is upstairs in my room. Lets see if my memory is any good.
Last week, I don't remember anything earth shattering happening. I got my camera stolen last Sunday at a festival. That kind of sucks cause they are not the cheapest thing here. I still haven't bought a new one. I did get a police report to file my insurance. No big deal. We had gone to this festival with a guy that teaches some of our students. It ended up being awkward because he seemed to assume that we would pay for everything, Harvey and I. We paid the taxi there, fine. But his entrance fee, that is a little far over the line. I mean, he didn't even offer to pay, just assumed that we would. I didn't like that. We got coffee, very cheap, but again, he assumed we would pay. Sure it was only 15 cents, but the principal....Harvey wasn't having it and asked him for the 10 rupees.
Met a volunteer from France who is teaching in a school about 25 minutes away. SHe is the only volunteer there so we meet up from time to time. We met for dinner on Friday with her and a few other volunteers. It was a nice evening. We went to a bar after, just me and a couple of the guys, but I didn't find it enjoyable so headed home. No one had energy to do anything on Saturday. I am not even sure what I ended up doing. I think I may have met up with Charlotte(from France) and we went to book paragliding. We are going on Saturday. She is staying with a homestay family and their grandparents live up on the mountain where we will do the paragliding. They invited me to go there Friday night with them and spend the night. Then we will come down flying. Should be fun and a good experience staying with the family.
Sunday there was a strike by the Maoists. This meant that kids didn't have school in the afternoon and most shops were closed. A few of us took the kids to the park. It was quite a relaxing afternoon just lazing in the park. Some of the kids ran around and played football(soccer) and others just enjoyed relaxing. I know I sure did.
Monday Harvey and I went to school with some of the school kids. They didn't have classes because there was a teachers strike but they had this "sport" class which is really just them marching like in the military and some random exercises. It was a little wierd.
I am planning to go trekking next week with a couple girls next week for 5 days. We need to get it all planned. It should be fun. I am hoping to spend Christmas here with the children. It should be fun.
Sorry this post seems a little all over the place. I wrote half last night and finishing it up this morning. And I really don't want to re-read it all to see what I wrote or not.
Things have been going well though. I am enjoying my time here a lot. There are quite a few volunteers here now which is not the best. There are some that just rub me the wrong way which is quite annoying. At times I feel quite old because some of these people are not only young, but also immature. Part of me just wishes that we had our original group. Oh well, enough complaining from me.
I am going to eat some delicious dahl baht soon then into town...I really need to get a camera.
Ciao
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Feels like so long
I can't believe it has been a week since I wrote. Time seems to be going quite slow here which is nice. It means I still have quite a bit of time here with the kids. It is really nice to watch how they change and open up over time. There is one girl about 9 who is in class with kids about 7. She is quite quiet and doesn't seem to try and learn (though a lot of them don't). She is really starting to get closer to me and I really want to help her. It's too bad she doesn't go to school with the others. I love these kids though. They are just really sweet.
What have I done other than working/teaching here...hard to remember. Don't get upto TOO much on a regular basis. Nice to just go out into town and enjoy the life here. Saw a goat that had just been slaughtered. Saw how they take the hair off a goat. Got henna done on my hand one day as I hung out with the girls and the couple women that work here. "Auntie" one of the ladies did it on my hand while others died girls hair with it. THey all seem to want whiter skin for some reason too.
Took a couple girls out for a drink and food one day with Harvey. Something different for them. That afternoon we(me and 4 other volunteers) took a group of kids to the park. This ended up in a swimming excursion first. All the boys decided to jump in the lake (half in underwear the other half nothing) and the 2 girls eventually decided to go in a bit too.
On the 25th it was a sponsors 85th birthday. He was here and we ended up having cake for him and a SPECIAL meal of MOMOs (a sort of dumpling - super good). Felt a little bad for one of the kids, Kunga, whose birthday was also that day. No one seemed to acknowledge it. We got him a piece of cake and a card. His face just seemed to light up. It was really cute. And he continued to cut the piece of cake into a million little pieces so everyone could share.
On Thursday Mike, Razvan and I decided to venture to Devi's Falls (waterfall). We walked right past the stupid thing and up hill for quite some time. We ended up at someones house/shop having a tea before heading back down the hill to the falls. It was a neat place that should also be seen in rainy season I think.
Yesterday was our "day off" and we really treated it that way. We started with eggs for breakfast at the restaurant/hotel across the street. Then we decided to rent a boat and row across to start our hike up the hill to the World Peace Pagoda. It sits at 1100meters about sea level. That was quite the hike up. Amazing view. We also for some odd reason decided to paddle around the lake which ended up with us getting tangled in some fishing nets. A little Nepalese fisherman had to come free us. It was quite a funny adventure. We had a nice day off. Such a change from the other days.
Today it is quite quiet here after teaching this morning. The kids are in class this afternoon and a none of the volunteers are around. So I am having a relaxing afternoon with some time to myself and catching up online.
Miss everyone.
What have I done other than working/teaching here...hard to remember. Don't get upto TOO much on a regular basis. Nice to just go out into town and enjoy the life here. Saw a goat that had just been slaughtered. Saw how they take the hair off a goat. Got henna done on my hand one day as I hung out with the girls and the couple women that work here. "Auntie" one of the ladies did it on my hand while others died girls hair with it. THey all seem to want whiter skin for some reason too.
Took a couple girls out for a drink and food one day with Harvey. Something different for them. That afternoon we(me and 4 other volunteers) took a group of kids to the park. This ended up in a swimming excursion first. All the boys decided to jump in the lake (half in underwear the other half nothing) and the 2 girls eventually decided to go in a bit too.
On the 25th it was a sponsors 85th birthday. He was here and we ended up having cake for him and a SPECIAL meal of MOMOs (a sort of dumpling - super good). Felt a little bad for one of the kids, Kunga, whose birthday was also that day. No one seemed to acknowledge it. We got him a piece of cake and a card. His face just seemed to light up. It was really cute. And he continued to cut the piece of cake into a million little pieces so everyone could share.
On Thursday Mike, Razvan and I decided to venture to Devi's Falls (waterfall). We walked right past the stupid thing and up hill for quite some time. We ended up at someones house/shop having a tea before heading back down the hill to the falls. It was a neat place that should also be seen in rainy season I think.
Yesterday was our "day off" and we really treated it that way. We started with eggs for breakfast at the restaurant/hotel across the street. Then we decided to rent a boat and row across to start our hike up the hill to the World Peace Pagoda. It sits at 1100meters about sea level. That was quite the hike up. Amazing view. We also for some odd reason decided to paddle around the lake which ended up with us getting tangled in some fishing nets. A little Nepalese fisherman had to come free us. It was quite a funny adventure. We had a nice day off. Such a change from the other days.
Today it is quite quiet here after teaching this morning. The kids are in class this afternoon and a none of the volunteers are around. So I am having a relaxing afternoon with some time to myself and catching up online.
Miss everyone.
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