DRIVE TO POKHARA

Today we are to drive to Pokhara which is set at the base of the mountains and is where the trekkers meet to begin their adventuress.  But before we go we will have the chance to visit and interact with the local villagers.  The day begins with an ox cart ride to the village.  I have to add this to my list of modes of transportation that I have experienced. I am glad that this is not how we will travel the distance to Pokhara but it is a fun experience.  The village is quite fascinating and we are able to see how people live without the necessities as we consider them.  For most there is no electricity and water is pumped from a public well.  everything is raised and grown to provide food.  Would you think to make a tree limb into a coat rack?

For the most part people live in very basic housing with thatch roofs that they make from the grasses they cut from the park.  However, there are others that have colorful houses that show their affluence.


 
                                                                                                 

After the village visit we began our drive to Pokhara.  The five hours sounds long but the scenery was beautiful and we had the chance to stop on the way.  The first stop was to cross a river like the locals on a suspension bridge.  Then we continued along.  The biggest surprise was the sight that suddenly appeared as we turned a corner--the mountains are breath taking and there is no other words that can come close to describing their affect on the beholder.  We made the bus driver pull over so that we could get out to really see the sight.

There would be one more stop before we arrived to our destination.  We were to be wedding crashers.  Who would have believed that this was something that I would do while travelling in Nepal.  However,  we were being invited to come up close to view the bride and groom take their vows.  While this joyful ceremony was taking place the grooms friends were already celebrating with music and dancing.