The Nepalese Drama

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

  

Scene4- ‘Hiking’

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... gently harshly down the lake!

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 :()

 

Another momentary pause in the rain.
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.

I Wish To Travel

The most nomadic person I have ever seen- @NomadicMatt and my saving grace during my first ever backpacking trip (Hostelworld) and Vayama are giving away a free Europe trip and who would want to miss this chance! Not me... So, here goes right at the deadline (as usual), my post to convince them that I want it.

 

Who am I?

A recently graduated medstudent aka doctor. Sounds lovely and wow right? I must be this busy-bee saving away lives like Dr.House/ Dr.Grey right? Well, no and no. Iam in this transit phase between med-school (the extremely long period that somehow flew away) and residency (another excruciatingly long period that I hope to somehow get into)...

 

What am I doing now?

Well, like I said I am in transit (not the airport kinds- that ones that are good- if you manage to get a transit visa!... But the uncertain-phase-of-life types!)

 

Do I like traveling?

Duh! Why do you think Iam up at 2am and writing in the rain!

 

Have I been to Europe before?

Yea. My first attempt (a fantastic one) at backpacking! There were mistakes I learned from, there was a massive culture-blast, there are places I wish to visit again and again forever, there are memories!

 

Why do I want this trip?

So, finally I come to the point. Here goes. I have been to Vienna and Prague. A day here and a day there- enough to make me fall in love with the cities (and leave me desiring for more). Budget, time (remember med-school) and a medical conference to attend were my restraining factors. Now, I have the time (and maybe you guys can provide me the means) to explore the nooks and corners of the serene, culture-rich continent I so loved!

 

What I did then?

My first touchdown was Vienna- The Wombats- my first experience with a hostel and gosh! It was awesome- I got to meet some really cool travelers. In Prague, just walking down the streets, was sightseeing. But... There is that void- I didn't see that, I didn't eat that, I didn't do that!

But, how long can you hold onto just memories!

 

What I wish to do now?

'Wish'- What a lovely word! A beautiful ring, the sound sends me day-dreaming!

I wish to cycle as much as I can- through the bustling city and the quaint countrysides. My attempt at going green and going healthy. Discover Europe, and the European ways at my own pace, their way.

I wish to go sit by the Danube, staring away at the rising sun and the setting sun.

I wish to walk through the cobblestone streets of Prague, and absorb all the sounds and views the rich culture provides, to just sink in everything.

I wish to cruise through on a bike!

I wish to preserve my memories in a journal (apart from this fickle brain of mine!)

I wish to go, get lost and find my way back!

I wish to create a story for myself!

I wish to unwind, discover and get enriched!

I wish to go!

P.S. Another plan this time- I want to visit a med-school in every city I visit! (sounds geeky- Naah! This one is also just for fun!).