Kolkata - Kathmandu

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Kolkata

Stayed in Calcutta for two nights (sorry I just can’t get used to saying Kolkata, the Indian and official new name for the city - it’s like asking me to say Lindon instead of London) at the Vedic Village - about an hour and a half from the heart of the city. My Mum and Dad wanted to treat me to a luxury break to spend quality time with them before I began my travelling ways in Nepal. The Vedic Village is beautiful, catered mainly for the NRI market (non resident Indians) with British Pounds or $ to spend, as the rooms are comparatively dear.

You wouldn’t think you were in the city, and that is the idea - there are beautiful little huts and villas, greenery everywhere, very neatly pruned. There are also lilies and magnolia flowers scatted everywhere, from the television top to the sink side, giving you that luxury spa feel. However if you look closely, some of the walls could do with a good lick of paint and many things do not work - three of the plug points in our suite didn’t work, and I used the gym (I know!) and only two machines were useable. But you can overlook these imperfections because the atmosphere is so peaceful. Had one of those ‘magic moments’ with my sis as we sat on one of those pretty swing benches, heads back looking at the twinkling stars and talking about life, only the sound of crickets singing in the back drop.

Even though you are so far away from the city you cannot get bored here, there is so much to do - we played table tennis, went for walks and my sis and I did some pottery which was so relaxing.

I also got up at 6.15am the second day to do a yoga class (mad I know, but what better surroundings that in the Vedic Village?!) I rushed to the class, sleepy eyed and groggy only to find that I was the only student! It was good though as I had the instructor all to myself and could ask loads of questions, which no doubt he found tiresome. I foolishly asked if he could turn the AC on to which he just looked at me in bewilderment. No then. My body poured with sweat just sitting there listening to him go on about breathing and the art of the four back stretches.

Nepal

Arrived in Kathmandu today after a one hour flight from Cal. Soppy me even cried a little as I left my parents and sis!!! Need to stop being such a whoos, but I miss them so much, esp as I’m alone here.

First impression - madness! The usual taxi heckling as I departed the airport. My stomach was in knots, all morning - I had the trots, don’t know if that was due to nervousness and anticipation of the unknown or having gorged on papaya fruit the night before! My Dad made me take Lomotil (looking forward to 3 days of constipation!). As I came out my stomach felt so heavy I thought I was going to puke - the pre-taxi service people probably spotted this and helpfully asked me if I was okay. They asked me where I was from and I said India, Assam - and they all spoke Assamese with me - I immediately felt at ease and at home. India and Nepal have a free border, and because of Assam’s location, a lot of Nepalese can speak or have connections with Assam.

The Original Volunteers rep thankfully had my name on a placard - it was pure madness - immediately some porters snatched my bags and put them in the car and Biki (the rep), me and the driver sped off.

I thought the shops in Puskhar were good! Shell, Leila, brace yourselves!!!! You get everything here in Thamel -such a bazaar atmosphere. Kathmandu is not as developed as India in that the roads are dirty and uneven, and it is much dustier, but there is something just as mystical about it - the people look Assamese, and most women walk around in salwars and sarees.

Okay I’m in a caf - better go, it’s late and tomorrow I start my training. Will post pics soon (it takes so long to upload pics)

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Photos

Vedic Village
chilling

Vedic Village
can't beat Indian breakfast - puts bacon and eggs to shame. i just love puri, bhazi

Vedic Village
pottery

Comments

[Reema (your sister!)]

ooooh!!
hi ruby!!! wow thats lucky they speak assamese as you dont really have to use your nepalese phrase book which is a nusence as when ppl talk to you you say wait let me get my phrase bk out. i hope you're really loving every moment of your journey- the atmosphere, lifestyle, food and th toilet! i heard th toilet wasnt th most luxurious toilets and the complete opposite to a 5 star hotel. but youre gona have to deal with and you can as u like those types of toilets and you also got your self into this. hope you have loads of fun and it's everything you wanted it to be. xxx

[Reema(your sister)]

ooooh!
hi! thats lucky that they speak assamese as well as their native language. you dnt really have to use your phrase bk which would be quite a nusence as when someone says something you'll be like wait let me just get my phase bk. i hope your loving every bit of your holiday- the atmosphere, lifstyle, people , food and the toilet! i guess it must be quite basic(ewww sit down). oh well whatever the conditions you'lll have to deal as you got urself into this. i hope your journey throught nepal and thailand is everything you hoped and wanted.xxxxx

[dad]

hi ruby
keep me posted, i am reading your blog with reema it is interesting. i wish i was with you. You have got your adventure travel spirit from your old man and i am very glad that what i always wanted to do and could not for various reasons you have been fulfilling them on my behalf and yours. reema is as you know editing (and typing*this is reema) what i am saying to you. NOW coming to the serious bit eat carefully, wash your hands before you eat and take your malaria tablets to every Monday and i shall again remind you when to start taking your malaron tablets before your trip to thailand lots of love dad xxx

[eva]

I am glad that u had a nice time in kathmandu. I am happy for u. from mum

[Rimli]

hi rubs!!
hey rubs..was going though ur travel blog after ages!!! its amazing!!! i am so so so proud of u....now that u arent near me,i miss u soo much:-( i am really happy for u and Sanj..god bless u both!!all my best wishes!! i love u loads...XXXXXX