Home » Nepal » Nepal - Hills, cows and bloody-big hailstones!

First, I should apologise for the last blog and its length - it's interesting to see how a fifth of the readers dropped off before reading Part II; I don't blame them, especially when Part II had no photos. This time, I've deliberately made it refreshingly shorter. I feel much better now - stupidly, as soon as I got back I was already missing the clean air, tranquility, cooler (!) climate and views. I guess it's human nature that we always want what we don't have - or are simply fickle! One of the first things I had when I got back was a litre of fruit juice and a succulent, big steak! Simple pleasures. But these are often the best.

Nepal - Hills, cows and bloody-big hailstones!

Simon Wadsworth
2006-09-04 13:54:26

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Tal, Nepal's second largest lake, which is surprising because my much-missed bathtub is bigger. In a town where the number of cows (oh holy creatures) dominating the roads surpasses the number of cars,
most tourists are naturally attracted to the lakeside, where low-and-behold, it's another Khao San Road, although this time, it's pretty much dead and thus bad for business and good for me. Pokhara witnessed some of the worst of the demonstrations and naturally is taking a bit of time to recovering - attracting only the stupidest of tourists [cough]. Blockages are still present, and the army is still everywhere - and you get the impression they've got nothing better to do as they play with their sticks, cut grass or move the same sandbag for the 10th time.

Otherwise, the place is peaceful, besides for the ubiquitous thunderstorm we've had every afternoon so far, twice which I have been caught in. This wouldn't be too bad except that I was drenched to the bone and my feet and neck are now bruised from hailstones the size of postage stamps thundering down at me.

I suppose I should see it as the final goodbye to cold weather as I enter India tomorrow, during the season that few travellers venture out in - the temperatures consistently rising above 40oC. Oh my, I'm going to die. I could also see it as Nepal's final salute, reminding
me what a harsh and surprising place this country can be, where one has to expect the unexpected. Anything can happen here, and probably will. But what a country! It's on par
with the Philippines as one of my favourites. It's a cliche, but the culture is so rich and varied, not to mention the outstanding geography, naturally (pun not intended). I'm going to miss this place, but I know without doubt I'll be back.

Keep enjoying yourselves, all the best.
Simon p.s. - 200days has just passed! It's moving on at a rapid pace, 90 days left.