End of India and Nepal

Today it’s our last day with the group. Well that means it was the last day yesterday but some of us had a few days more in Katmandu.

And it is hard saying goodbye to someone that you have shared so much with.  And the truth is that we will never see them again. Australia and South Africa… I’m a bit off a track.

The last few days we have been in Nepal. Which has not stopped surprising me? Everything has been over my expectation.

As soon as you cross the border something happens, the people change and the road changes, culture changes. People here are a mix between Indian, Nepalese, Mongolians, and Tibetans. It’s strange how easy it is to tell where they are from. And they are beautiful. It seems to me that Nepal has truly found a way to combine different religions and culture in to one and people seem to respect it.

The country has a very different structure than India. Like everyone knows it’s full of mountains. Which makes it a very difficult to build train lines and good roads. This has made villages untouched from the busy tourist life, and the entire materialistic world that comes with it.

There are massive power cuts in Nepal. There is only power here a few hours a day. Even in big cities like Katmandu. That means that a “small” thing like ice-cream is very difficult to find, and expensive.

The first place we stayed over in Nepal was a place called Chitwan National Park. This place has Nepal’s biggest breeding center for Elephants and as the elephants get older they move them in to other groups. In the evening they are locked up in chains which a lot of us found really hard to see, but during the day they were “free” out in the woods.

We went on an elephant ride during the day, which was so cool. I mean it was the first time I had seen elephants, and then I was sitting on top off one. It was so amazing. We also saw two rhinos.  The hotel that we stayed at (more a lodge then a hotel) had three elephants’. And in the afternoon we went elephant washing! That was amazing. The elephant that I was on, was a young one and she did not wane do what she was told, which just made it so funny. I had a great time doing that. Have to say that nothing can beat that day. In the evening we went to watch a show in the local community hall, and for some reason I ended up on the stage dancing.

Next day we arrived in Pokhara. Pokhara is a tourist place, no doubt about that. Its famous for tourist that are relaxing before going trekking. The place was just a big entertainment place, but a lot of fun. This was the first time we had free time from the group, and the group leader had given us quite a few options that we could do, and we were all confused. We were so used to someone telling us where to go and what to do so when we had an option it didn’t go very well.

Some went paragliding…  Ian, one of the group got sick while paragliding and throw up over himself. That was a funny story..

Stewart went on a flight over the mountains of the Himalayas. He could see Everest. I think he really enjoyed it. But the camera would not auto focus at altitude. But was fine when we got back on the ground very strange.

Losing weight; it won’t happen. I have to say, before I left to India I was sure I was going to lose some weight, well I can tell you all now. It won’t happen. We eat all the time, and the food here is brilliant. But “fatty” so fatty… it’s good that I bought a big wedding dress!!

Bargaining; it’s a culture thing! If you can’t take it, you’re defiantly in the wrong place. I personally don’t like it so I avoid it, but it’s still the way it is here. I do have some other really strong opinions about is, but I will come back with that later.

 Stewart:

Just wanted to add my view and experience I have had on this gap adventure. Through India and finishing in Nepal.

My first view of India was shock. Just wanted to get back on the plane and come back home. But once we explored a bit and got to know a few people you began to understand the way the Indian people are. Yes a lot of people work extremely hard to earn a living. The condition that some of the people live can be described as squalor at best. But they can be the most kind and courteous people you could ever meet. I certainly won’t forget the places I have seen and the experience of India. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a visit to India to everyone. It is certainly an eye opener.

Nepal is quite different than India. Living conditions are quite better than India. Most people have better access to sanitation here in Nepal.

Chitwan and Pockhora where lovely places to visit. Certainly won’t miss people clearing there throat and spitting on the ground which seems to be a Nepalese tradition by both men and woman.

Have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Elise and the rest of the group on this trip. I have met some brilliant people which I will never forget. Even though some of them live the other side of the world. You never know we might see each other again which I hope we will.

What can I say about our tour leader? Other than he was brilliant as our tour leader. He was like the entire groups mother for the fifteen days. An amazing man funny and very friendly. Certainly won’t forget him.   

Well tomorrow we begin the next leg of our trip we fly into Bangkok. The next day we fly to Bali and on through South East Asia.