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Published: June 14th 2017
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Geo: 28.2636, 83.9724
Pokhara was a place that I had heard much about, as it was the start of the majority of the treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. I was in 2 minds whether to suck up the monsoon and go for a 'wander' up on of the largest mountain ranges in the world, whilst it was quiet (off season) but rainy and hellishly misty and would not be able to see bugger all, or stay with the group until Kathmandu and go do the volunteering with the children in the village. Both were dear to my heart, but I guess in reality I will be back to do the trekking another time, when you can actually see something from the top/ on the way up! There is no way I can stay away for too long from this amazing country now!
On arrival in the town, there were so many outdoor shops, local trade shops, cafes and bars I was only ever going to like this place. We stayed in Lakeside, near Phewa Lake, although as we'budget hotel' travellers we did not exactly have a room with a view! Our first night we all went to the 'Everest
Steak House' which had been recommended by Adam, our driver. It was truly amazing. Myself and Steph only had a half steak and I thought i was going to explode. I have no idea how the others managed to stuff that much cow inside them. I have never a slab of meat that big before .... and all for £8! We skipped going to a bar that night as the majority of us... even the boys... looked pregnant with our food (steak) babies. Time for a lie down and let it all digest.... protein was a rarity in India as we had more or less all turned vege by the end.
The following day we had a lazy brunch (banana pancakes with honey and a fresh pineapple juice) and a wander around the shops.... it being off season, bartering was awesome! At least 75% down on what they ask for originally! I managed to get myself a 'genuine fake' Northface bag, to send all of my stuff home in, as the new had come through that we would no longer be truckers any more, just ordinary tortoises on public transport... time to lighten the load!! That afternoon, we bumped
into the girls and decided to go and play on the lake. By the end, there were 8 of us going out, and decided to take 4 kayaks and one rowing boat out between us. It was lovely to pootle around on nice flat water, although it did become a little choppy for the paddle back to shore!
The following day, after another lazy brunch (reoccurring theme!) and after sorting out my bag, I jumped on the back of Bob's motorbike and went for a razz with Em, Chris and Adam on peds too! We were going to the 'Bat Cave'. It was an awesome system of great caverns, although me not liking caves all that much, and Adam being exceedingly claustrophobic, it all went great! The way out was also only big enough for a munchkin (unless you paid for a guide to show you the technique) so we went back the way we came. In all we prob saw about 50 bats, but apparently in mating season there are up to 65000 in there! eeeeek!
After cocktails with a happy hour that was extended until we left (good work I feel!)and a walk home in monsoonal
rains and roads as rivers, it was time to say goodbye to the town and head off on the long windy road to Kathmandu and our last day on the truck forever!!!
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