Nepal was certainly a trip that took me out of my comfort zone (first ‘phoren’ trip, politically unstable, rainstorm, time-bound, no elders!) But then, it also taught me that the fun in travelling is when you cross limitations, break free from restrictions and move outside your comfort circle!
Scene1- Pokhara
Our driver is writing the words ‘Tourists Only’ for the car windows. A strike/curfew is planned.
Driver- “Tourists are usually
not affected in these domestic troubles. But, I suggest we leave for Lumbini
asap.”
But, we aren’t willing to skip Sarangkot’s beautiful
Himalayan sunrise. |
| The sun rising through a cloudy sky over the Himalayas |
Scene2- Back after
witnessing an amazing sunrise
The protestors are already on the street and our car keys
are snatched away. This time they don’t want the tourists feeling left out of the strike.
Transport modes available- bicycles and airplanes (contrasting
indeed).No map. No companion. No guide. I want to cycle away to my hearts glory.
 |
| Nepalese police escorting some vehicles |
Scene3- Airport-Mad
dash for flights
The travel agents inform that all flights-out are completely
booked. We cycle to the airport.
Airport employeeX- “I can get you 2tickets to Kathmandu. What
price are you willing to pay for it?”
Me- “Are seats available?”
X- "2 chairs add
kardenge-batao chahiye ki nahi."
:O Willing to add chairs in a16-seater mountain flight??? No
ji! We are staying! |
| Rented cycles for the day |
Boat rented to Barahi Temple island in the midst of Phewa
Lake.
Boatsman- “There’s a World Peace Stupa built atop the hill
across the lake. Want to see?”
Weather- Beautiful-pleasant-sunny. I can see
mountain-flights and paragliders in the sky.
Hiking up a mountain was never on my list. But, in Nepal-
amidst the Himalayas, you cant say no. It was a small hill, but for me it was The ‘hike’. At every turn a beautiful view awaits!
 |
| Hike up to World Peace Stupa, Ate fresh wild berries on the way ('Kaphal') |
Way back downhill, cut to drastic weather change!
Scene 5- A lake, a
boat, and a rainstorm
(background music- thud-thud-thud raindrops like stones)
It is pouring. Just managed to walk/slide downhill to a lone café.
Chat.Momentary pause in the rain.
Boatsman empties boat with a cola can.
Row, row, row your boat...
Weather- The clouds are in no mood to stop crying. Stormy winds. Waves lashing at the boat.
Cut to flashback- Driver telling us stories about people
drowning and not being found.
(My thoughts- ‘I don’t want to die, not when Iam finally a
doctor. I don’t know swimming. I love you mom-dad’)Sudden snap to present- “Get off. Quick. Get off the boat.”
We are somehow back at the temple island. Around 30sane
people, 2goats and some crazy people under a small tin roof.
No idea of time.
In the distance, docked boats are taking off in the stormy
rain and people are swimming against the waves to get them back- amazing
strength in those muscles (mental note- workout!!!)
 |
| After we reached shore safely (by Canon in its final moments :() |
On our way to safe shores again. Another shelter-another wait-another chat session.
Finally the rain decides to stop playing around…
Drenched. Tired. With new friends. With a dysfunctional
camera (RIP Canon. You were great). Yet happy. With a big smile. With a story
to tell back home.
 |
| Bidding adieu to our friends for the day |
‘A unlucky adventure in Nepal’ is what I would call this. Unlucky was what it felt like then. But, looking back at it now- it was a fun 24hours that gave me a story to remember forever.
This post is an entry for a contest by CupONation, an online retailer of discount
coupons, and The Shooting
Star travel blog. Thanks a lot guys for running this contest and making
me revisit my journal.
 |
| Phewa Lake after it calmed down. Quote by Cesare Pavese. |
