Chitwan and Kathmandu

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I am enjoying Nepal.
I had a great birthday starting with sunrise view of the Annapurnas and hike down the mountain to Pokhora. (It was more challenging than I thought). Then breakfast at the hotel. At breakfast my fellow travellers gave me a Nepalese hat, a Tibetian singing bowl and a hand made birthday card with a picture of Shiva painted on a dried banyon leaf. Very beautiful... I'm going to frame it. Quite a way to start a birthday! We then drove by bus to Chitwan through the mountains to the lower plains arriving mid afternoon. I took a very interesting walk through the local village. The kids all wanted their pictures taken and I had fun taking them. Then we walked to an elephant breeding center. Before dinner we danced with a native tribal dance troup that sang and played drums. At dinner the lodge made me a birthday cake. A very memorable birthday!
Since then the days have been full with many sights and experiences. Am presently in Kathmandu on last day of the tour. Most of the group are going home tomorrow. Robin is presently on a 5 day trekking extention and Lee and Bob are planning a 25 day trekking extenstion starting Sunday to Mount Everest base camp.
Here are a few photos... there are many more. I'm staying an extra day and leaving Kathmandu on Sunday. It has been a great trip and the fellow travellers have been a lot of fun also.

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Photos

Chitwan girl
she ran an got her shawl for this photo. I think she has model potential.

me and Chitwan children
one of the boys wanted to take my photo with the group. Everyone wanted their picture taken.

dugout canoe trip in Chitwan
saw lots of crocadiles and birds

bathing with elephant
This was so much fun!!! I laughed and laughed! Best $1.30 I ever spent!

elephant safari
we had a several hour elephan safari, 4 people plus driver per elephant. We saw lots of rhino, several types of deer and mongoose and wild boar.

Himalaya mountains by plane
Mount Everest in the background

Comments

[julie]

Dad said he loves seeing your pictures and stories. What a ride on that little boat with the crocodiles! Alot of experiences and a fun group too. We had a great st Pats day here, Dad was decked out like a little leprecaun! YOur blog has been great thanks for sharing your adventures. wishing you a safe trip home--just in time for spring! love, Dad and Julie

[david and sandy]

Belated birthday greeting, john. Been following your blog. Super pictures! E mail please when you are back home? db/ srh

[Linda Gauvin]

WOW
Fantastic! Trip of a lifetime. Sounds like the best birthday ever. I bet you are already thinking of your next trip to India... Have a safe trip home and can't wait to see all your pictures. Namaste

[Shiela]

Oh my goodness! what a time you must be having
March 22, 2010 Love your blog... photos are fantastic. I can't wait to hear all about the trip when you return. Unbelievable... you are quite an adventurer. By the way, joined the Fleet Facebook group. Easy and great way to communicate to members. Sent you a regular email today... not sure you will get it. When is your return? I know you are enjoying every minute. Shiela

[Ralph]

Thanks for the blog
I really enjoyed reading all your entries and seeing the pictures; great job with the blog. Congrats on taking the trip and getting so much out of it.

[Duncan]

I'm enjoying your blog! And can see how much you've enjoying being there. Great photos.