Pokhara

5/11-5/12

Alas, I have caught a cold, maybe throw in some allergies too. I always found it impossible to happen in such hot weather but mother nature will teach you differently. It made the bus ride to Pokhara insufferable. When it stopped for lunch, I laid there a bit longer but woke up to a locked bus. Feeling suffocated, I found a way out by climbing out the back window to the ladder. The remainder of the way to Pokhara, I dreamt of laying on a pad on top of the bus. Of course, sleep never comes so I sat there shooting questioning looks of "are we there yet" to the driver and his assistant. 

On the road to Pokhara.

At the bus stop, the usual crowd of hotel hawkers awaits the tourists. Not knowing where I'm going but wanting to avoid the advertisers, I headed in the direction of the taxis. Along the way, a guy on a scooter offered a room and a ride to check it out. He was telling me he could help me organize what I wanted to do as he was still trying to promote his hotel. He suggested an itinerary for me and offered to drive me around as long as I covered the petrol. Normally, I wouldn't accept as I travel extreme budget but thinking in the local's shoes, I know all their actions are for their livelihood. I find myself still looking for a bargain but not hassling as harshly. Besides, sometimes paying for convenience is so worth it. Coincidentally, his name is Dhaka, the same as the capital of Bangladesh.

The blind flute player.

I went with Dhaka to a Nepali club, with outrageously priced drinks (compared to the normal foreigner prices), for some Nepali music and dance. The whole place had poor acoustics and lighting but an awesome, blind flute player. On the way back to his house, we were stopped by police checking licenses. Apparently, a large number of people drive illegally and if caught, are imprisoned or fined heavily.

The next day was an early rise: 4:30 to head to Sarangkot for sunrise. The outline of the mountains in the back before the break of dawn is mystical. Unfortunately, the clouds masked the sun but the panoramic view of the city was worth getting out of bed. On the way back before a nap, we stopped at another temple. I was surprised to see kids blessing other people; not a pandit yet but not sure what to call them.

From the top of Sarangot.

The remainder of the day consisted of a visit to Devi's Falls, getting my TIMS card and trekking permit, and walks around the Fewa Lake. I noticed many shops advertising women empowerment during my walk. One of them was for Nepalese handicraft. It was like watching an olden time Chinese drama live. They make very nice products and I think they deliver globally. Their site: www.nepalesewomenskill.com.

Weaving.

 Another nice surprise during my walk was a fellow at a restaurant that started guessing which country I came from. When I told him to close his eyes and listen to what I was saying, he immediately guessed correctly. I should try that trick more often.

Tomorrow I will begin my Annapurna Base Camp trek. I've heard rumors of overpriced food and internet. Therefore, updates will come after ten days or so when I get back to Pokhara. The plan is to start at Nayapul, go up to Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Chomrong, Base Camp, and them back down along the river, stopping by the hot spring at Jhinu Danda. See you then. For now, please share :).