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Published: October 4th 2006
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In all their glory!
The R.C.E.F (Royal Coquitlamite Expeditionary Force) showed much character, fortitude and strength of will to consistently overcome adversity at any sign of danger. Leaving Varanasi in the dust of an old and decrepit train we headed northward to the lovely and often overlooked country of Nepal. The border was surprisingly hassle free although we did get ripped off by one last Indian man moments before departing Gordakphur and things then taking a turn for the worse. On the Nepal side we were ousted by crafty moneychangers for a small pittance, but more shockingly we had bus problems that led to a several hour delay. I'm not sure what was worse, the actual delay, or the Israeli girl who complained so loudly and bitterly about the delay for so very long. Thus, after so much unpleasantness , and possibly the most intense bus battle of my bus battling career (the dreaded wench in front of me just had to have her seat reclined which I politely refused by bracing my limbs in a crippling position) we arrived in Kathmandu a day late and far worse for the wear.
We spent a day planning in beautiful Kathmandu planning our time in Nepal, which so far has been working out great. We wanted to do some trekking, but before that we decided to visit the jungle
Train to Nepal
I like to refer to it as: "The Prison on wheels". and attempt to remove the yoke of our hated ailments by relaxing for three days in a nature reserve. This proved excellent indeed for the sole and simple reason that we were able to ride elephants. Not only that, but then we bathed with Elephants and then rode Elephants again. Did I mention I love Elephants? Recently awarded the glorious position of my number one choice for a forest companion, the Indian Elephant is now held in quite high regards by yours truly. While we didn't manage a glimpse at the illustrious Royal Bengal Tiger, we did see two rhinos (and much closer than the ones I saw in Namibia). It was great to bushwack through untouched jungle on an Elephants back (even though they more or less just eat their way through) and view birds and other wildlife from the back of a magical beast.
While Jord and I relaxed on the back our new companion, the elephant handler jostled and steered the lovely grey mammal by the use of his bare feet on the upper jowls of the animals head. When that didn't work, then the 10lb crowbar (with a barbed hook) came out and was brought
Kathmandu
The square outside the palace. down on the animal’s skull with disturbing force. At that point the Elephant would typically retaliate by a few angry trumpets and an increased pace.
There wasn’t a lot to do in the National park aside from the Elephants, but we did visit a nearby village where the Nepalese festival was in full swing (literally) and everyone was quite happy and excited to be celebrating. Games of chance, swings, and trains of goats were most commonly noticed but from what was explained to us the main function of the festival is to simply spend time with the family. Sounds much like a Nepalese version of thanksgiving although with a blatant and disrespectful lack of turkey and my moms pumpkin pie.
Kathmandu is a lovely city and at times we thought we were actually in Yale Town. The differences noticed upon arrival from similar cities in India (if there is such a thing) were noticed right away. The population fell back down to reasonable levels and the garbage wasn’t quite as bad. The elevation in Kathmandu (and thus the climate) is much more to my liking. They serve more beef, and I even found apple pie which quickly raised
Rice Fields
After 12 months on the road we've finally found the source of the entire worlds rice. my spirits. Jord and I celebrated our one year anniversary at our favorite breakfast spot (Canadian owned and operated I might add) much to the disgust of the girl beside us who was clearly unimpressed with our flagrant display of what she assumed was a celebration of gay marriage, and even after many explanations that no we had just been traveling together for a year now. We waited hours for Ryan to show up but apparently he misplaced directions.
We purchased our flight to Lukla which is up in the “Everest Region” and beefed up on some supplies (new toque, gloves, snickers bars etc.) and spent quite awhile planning our itinerary in our first actual attempt to avoid AMS (altitude sickness) which we’re both prone to. Plus, we had to try and figure out how we can do a 14 day hike in 9 days. Though we are relying heavily on youth and arrogance we plan to succeed at any cost. Although we have only one day for our bid to reach the peak of Kala Pattar and are essentially setting ourselves up for disappointment, we have high hopes (literally)! I hope everyone wishes us luck on our goal.
Snakes
I'm still alive. We will be up in the mountains for 10 days or so starting tomorrow morning before we head back to India.
On a final note, I just want to add that I'm doing everything I can to keep Jord in good health for his return to Vancouver, its not easy though as constantly he awakes in the night from feverish nightmares of animals in our hotel room. Last week it was a dog on the roof and then just last night apparently there were rats everywhere. After showing him that there was in fact, no swarm of rodents in our Snicker stash he hesitantly returned to bed in complete paranoia. Huberman's going to have his hands full with this one.
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Diksha
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hey, good to hear u r having a good time in Nepal. I,myself, being from Nepal feel pleased whenever someone likes my homeland. You can check out my blog too under the name"Diksha". Have fun.