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.

NATURE IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK NEPAL

Today was all about nature and all the amazing sights and activities offered at this park.  We started this morning with a nature walk looking for birds and medicinal plants.  Certainly we learned how thick and lush the jungle is here.  Unfortunately the air was crisp and the 2 hour walk exhilarating but the nature was represented by only a few birds and medicinal plants.  After the walk came a highlight for me as we were able to learn from an elephant experience.  We learned that there are significant differences between African and Asian elephants.  They are still both wonderful and I love them.  Did you know that the Asian elephants are called such because their ears look like a map of India. We also learned a great trivia question.  Where do elephants sweat?  The answer is in the picture.  They sweat between their toenails.

Finally just one picture of "our elephant and me.

Later today we went on a jeep safari and had some incredible sightings.  This is the day we really saw the one horn rhinoceros and a monkey that posed for us. Unfortunately no tiger but we did have tiger footprints.                            

The day ended with a beautiful canoe ride and an alligator sighting.  I can't wait for tomorrow!

Culture Shock

This morning we woke up in busy Kathmandu to the traditional music of a bridal party travelling down the street to collect the wife and the continual protests of the local population against the government.  Like everything else here it is colorful!

                                                                              

From our hotel we went to the airport to begin our journey to Chitwan National Park.  Chitwan is one of the premier locations for people coming to Nepal. This is a World Heritage Preserve that has forest, marsh and grassland.  It is the home of sizable populations of wildlife. Our journey was to begin with a 30 minute flight from Kathmandu.  I loved the sign at the airport explaining security exceptions for baby paraphernalia but also requiring that there must be a baby travelling to have one of these exceptions allowed.

Once checked in the best surprise was to find the airline travelling to Chitwan.  This country has very special ties to spirituality.  And actually it made me fee much better about the mountain flight.  Here is a picture of me as we are about to board the flight from Kathmandu  

to Chitwan.

After arriving at our charming lodge and having a great lunch it was time to start out to explore the park.  Today we did this by elephant and it was amazing as we crashed through the jungle in search of game.  We did find both a mother and baby one horned rhino but because the terrain is actually a jungle we were able to see them but not really get a great photograph.  Tomorrow we will travel by foot and boat so there may be more animal pictures.  For now, please see the great time we were having on our elephant.

THE REAL KATHMANDU

The day of arrival only gives you a glimpse of your travel destination. Today we had the chance to really understand the city and in fact much about the country of Nepal.  It is a land of contrasts--those who have and those who do not!  The everyday man is in the street and in the market selling his wares whether they be plant leaf bowels, clothing or jewelry.  We toured the streets of old Kathmandu and Durbar Square by foot and bicycle rickshaw.  We saw the crowded streets and the colorful stalls in addition to the temples that are everywhere.  Here are some city sites from the "crazy" overhead wires to the stalls and the bicycle transportation.

Around every corner there is a temple in Kathmandu.  They are ancient  sites which shape current life.  The residents flock to these places of spirituality to acknowledge the ancient traditions and to seek peace and harmony in what is a very difficult life of little monetary rewards and creature comforts.  Yet each day they pray and begin and end their day with joy no matter what the circumstances.  It is a remarkable site and provides an appreciation of the power of spirituality.  Perhaps no where more important is the home of the Kumari.  This is the place where the girl who is elected to be the living goddess lives until she reaches puberty and again becomes a normal mortal.  This young girl chosen for her looks and her horoscope lives a completely sheltered life apart from all but her guardians to act as the dispenser of good fortune.  For foreigners like us we are lucky if we get a glimpse of here as she only leaves the house 13 times a year.  We were among the favored and did see her from her "audience window."

Finally to finish our day of touring we went to the Swayambhunath which is an amazing Stupa overlooking the city.  This UNESCO Heritage site is special since it provides an iconic look at both Buddha statues ad Tibetan chapels,  There are all seeing eyes and prayer flags flying as well as monks in residence.  We were lucky enough to see them chant in their monastery.

NEPAL FIRST DAY

We have arrived to Katmandu--it is the heart and soul of Nepal.  This is a country of amazing spirit.  Although they have large water supplies the generation of power is based on current water supply.  This year the water supply has been small so that power is off for 14 hours a day, The people rejoice as treat since last year it was worse as ( power) was off 18 hours per day last year at thi time.

Nepal is a very crowded country with the service industry makng up the the largest professional group.

Staying at a historical property such as the Dwaraka gets you prepared for what you will learn and makes you aware of the traditions.

DELHI FOR A DAY

Today I was able to see Delhi and some of the beautiful hotel properties.  It really is an extraordinarily grand city with wide avenues and an abundance of green trees.  The people are friendly and the customs require politeness at all times.  Flowers are everywhere and offer a special welcome as you arrive to a hotel.   The arrangement to the left is a traditional greeting as it offers rice, ghee and the red color used to place a dot on your forehead.

There are many tombs, memorials, forts, places and public buildings in Delhi.  I am told that it is the cleanest of all capital cities. It is also remarkably safe.  I can't help wondering about this as the cars go careening around corners--little ones, big ones all honking and taking their place around the many traffic circles.  It is actually fun to watch the different kinds of cars, large and small, but all colorful.  I think that the trucks are the best as each has it's own special decoration.


Pictures can't really capture the teeming quality of this city or India as a whole.  Can you imagine that there are over 1652 dialects and languages spoken in India.  No wonder that the majority of billboards are in English because at least everyone can read these.  But I do want to add one picture of a significant monument in Delhi that testifies to the strength of the people and their pride in the accomplishments of their people and especially their soldiers.  The India Gate stands high in the city as a tribute to the fallen warriors of the First World War. Everyone walks this path or at least stops and takes a picture.

INDIA ARRIVAL

There really is a travel fairy.  I know that in most instances we think there are none and as you sit at the airport watching the clock tick off precious minutes while you wait for a crew to arrive and realize that with each passing second there will be no way to make your next flight you are sure that airline travel is unfair.

This happened to me Saturday afternoon  as I was waiting to board my flight from Dulles to Newark to connect to the only nonstop flight to Delhi later that night.  In fact we waited for the crew so long that snow began to fall and now deicing had to take place before we could leave.  I met another woman in my same predicament and we were sitting near each other knowing that even as we raced to disembark the Dulles flight and run to the Newark flight to India there was no time.  We were trying to stay calm waiting for our gate checked luggage when a third person for the flight said nonchalantly, "Anyone else going to Delhi?"  Of course we both said yes and she said no worries--she has United status and was sitting by a Global Services Representative.  There were special escorts and the plane was waiting!!! I was the last person on the flight to India and so happy to see my seat.  Of course, given that we landed when the plane to India was to take off I was sure I would have no luggage.  Still I was on the plane and my adventure was going to happen.

I have a stopover in Delhi and was to be met upon arrival so I knew that somehow the baggage issue would be resolved.  Jacob sent by Pierce & Leslie, to meet me, said you must be positive even if it appears impossible. Then I saw him coming around the baggage carousal with my bag.  Amazing so please let me share my best site in the world today, my bag!

Let this amazing trip begin!