Ahhh, I have felt so much like Frodo these past several days, with Gyalgen being my faithful Samwise.. Trekking has been brutal, and I am finally back in a land of paved streets and sidewalks. We left Chomrong the other morning, shortly after watching an avalanche on the slopes of Annapurna (video is posted on my home page). Little did I know I would be incommunicado for the best next three days! Made it to the Shangri-la Guest house, where a celebration was in progress in the dining hall. Remembering an old friend. A lovely ceremony, and I chose not to take pictures. We left the next day, and made it around the mountain, where we had lunch. Gyalgen wanted to stop for the day, but I asked if I could take a short nap so we could continue. That worked out well, and I was able to get another hour and a half of trekking in. Made it to Gandruk where we spent the night. Lively dining hall; a group of Nepali students were on the first evening of their hike, and partying away! I thought they were locals, as they were dressed nicely, and not at all in hiking attire. Next morning we only had to hike two hours, and we came across a parking lot (!!!) full of jeeps ands couple of busses. This is how the student group came in, and, apparently they werent hiking, they were coming back the same way. Just an overnight excursion. Fun! Gyalgen arranges a jeep for us, and, aside from the bumpy ride, its all good. We get into Pokhara around 12:30, and all I can think about is my hot shower! Desire had the upper hand on logic, it seems. I know these hotels rely on solar for heating, and when they explained there would be no hot water for several hours, I knew that. But I didnt have to like it. Had a nice long lunch, came back a couple hours later, had a warm shower, shaved, and felt human again. Took my bag of gross laundry to a little shop around the corner from the hotel. $2.50 to have it done the next day. Thrilled. A nap, a dinner next to a roaring fire, an excellent sleep, and ready to have a day of complete relaxation today. Kathmandu tomorrow. Nothing romantic at all about this city. Worst air pollution in all of Asia, worse even than Beijing, and no reason to be there but to plan the new itinerary. Looking forward to Myanmar. Understand there are some beautiful beaches. Think its time to get back to the sun! Enjoy the pictures!
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 01:18:19 +0000
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