I woke up around 4:20am on Saturday and got ready for my bus rude to Kathmandu. As I was preparing to leave my room, I heard a low-pitched grunting sound from outside the back window. I froze, casting my mind back to the tiger attack story, although, from my expert experience of watching the Discovery Channel, the sound didn't strike me as tiger-like. As time was ticking by, I decided to make a run for it. It was no longer pitch-black outside, so I knew I'd at least see my attacker as it mauled me to death. I ran out with my backpack on, stopping off on Cindy's porch to leave some travel wash (since she actually has the motivation to do these things, rather than lazily paying for laundry services, as I do), before heading ... read more

The seven hour bus journey from Kathmandu was by far my favourite so far. Not only was it well-organised, but the scenery was absolutely breath-taking. As tired as I was, I managed to stay awake for most of it. I was met at the bus station and swiftly driven to Mountain House. My first impressions were positive: the staff are welcoming and helpful, my room is spotlessly clean, spacious and bright, and they make awesome lassis. It was also located about a the minute walk from the waterfront. Due to a mix-up, I ended up with a deluxe room, so I have a double bed and two singles to myself. After chilling out for a while, I took a walk down to the main street in search of an ATM and food. I tried one ATM, ... read more

We booked what ended up being a pricey trip, but that promised to be worth it. So, we were driven for an hour up to Paradise Inn in Nagarkot. Meals and transfers were included in the price, and we had a balcony overlooking the mountains. It was beautiful, relaxing, and a world away from the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Ram told me how, during the civil war, Maoist rebels had hidden in the mountains of Nagarkot. The war lasted ten years (1996 - 2006) and saw the deaths of approximately 15,000 people. Although it ended in a peace agreement, the Maoists' new-found political recognition brought about the abolition of the 240 year-long monarchy in 2008, after it having already fallen to decline in 1991, by way of political reforms. Nepal is now a federal republic. At ... read more

Leg one: Goa to Mumbai, 6:15pm. After saying my goodbyes, I was picked up by my taxi driver at 2:30pm and driven to Goa airport. I found the airport very strange. It's quite organised but in a very chaotic way, if that makes sense. There was plenty of seating, though, so I was happy. I got chatting to a kindly old Indian man (who lives in the UK) at the departure gate. He offered me a mango, but was very shady in the way he gave it to me, like he was handing me drugs. I tried to refuse but he looked offended, so I accepted it, making a mental note to ditch it on the plane. I'm sure there was nothing untoward about the fruit, but I did worry the whole way that maybe it ... read more

My last night in Kochi was spent having dinner with some of my room mates: Miriam from Canada, and Sophie and George from London. After wandering around dark streets looking (unsuccessfully) for a Lonely Planet recommended restaurant that Miriam wanted to try, we settled upon a small restaurant that I can't remember the name of. When we arrived, the electricity was down, but the woman serving us was so polite, friendly and welcoming that we were happy to wait. It was worth it. They were out of palak paneer, so I opted for an alternative. I can't remember the name of it, but it ended in 'paneer' and contained mushrooms. In any case, it was lovely, as was my company. We exchanged travel stories and the London girls made me glad that I decided not to ... read more