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Published: March 20th 2009
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I decided to get a package tour to Chitwan instead of trying to get there on my own as it worked out cheaper in the end. It cost $50 which seemed reasonable as it included all transport, food and lodging and park fees. My trip was delayed for a couple of days as there had been a bit of an uprising by the local Tharu people and they had killed 7 tigers and closed the park to visitors. This was a real shame as there weren't many tigers as it was, I think 80 at the last count.
When I arrived at the bus station the driver asked me if I wanted to ride on the roof as it afforded a wonderful view!! I politely declined and chose a seat instead, there were some crazy swedes though that took him up on it though, they had aged 10 years by the end of the trip.
In total there were 10 of us staying at the Rainbow lodge in Chitwan, it was OK as usual - no hot water and terrible food- they insisted on serving western style food instead of local dishes for 2 days running I got sliced
cabbage wrapped up in breadcrumbs with boiled cauliflower - yum yum.
Soon after arriving we set off for a little walk in the jungle to see the army elephants, they travel round the park on these to try and keep a control of the poaching. Once this had finished we went down to the river to watch the sunset over a beer.
The next day we were up at 06:00 for our canoe trip down the river to do a bit of birdwatching - saw a few birds!
After the canoe trip we had another jungle walk but we still hadn't seen any rhinos yet.
It was then elephant bathtime which was great fun, you sat on the elephants and they gave a shake and flung you off into the river-which was quite a surprise at first:-) What made this experience even more unsettling was that there was an unusual German guy with me on the back of the elephant, now I though his normal attire was shocking enough - lime green pants, but when he took these off to reveal a pair of speedos - it was just too much - what is it with
me and guys wearing speedos:-). And when he sat down behind me he couldn't possibly get any closer, I still shudder at the memory.
It was then off for the elephant safari during which I saw 6 rhinos - woohoo, some people I met said that they had also paid extra to go on a jeep tour but it was nowhere near as good as the elephant safari as they could access more areas.
The trip was rounded off by a cultural dance from the locals and even I joined in, though I didn't have much choice. It was very reminiscent of Morris dancing charging round hitting sticks in the air.
Next day - onward to Kathmandu.
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Sylvia
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David it looks like you are having a holiday of a lifetime. How on earth are you going to settle back into a nine to five job after all this fresh air and excitement. Keep the Blogs coming and continue to enjoy.