The taxi dropped us in Lakeside not far from our hotel and we wandered along looking for a restaurant. We picked one with a fire of course! Clare started to chat to a guy sat alone, he was English of Indian heritage and had been on a ten day meditation retreat. It sounded purgatory to … Continue reading Nepal 52, An Evening In Pokhara
Nepal 51, Getting to Pokhara
Our flight from the Terai was cancelled due to fog. I think we were both a little relieved in one sense because of the terrible crash a few days ago. However it was also a bit of a blow as we would need a car to get to Pokhara, there is no way Clare would … Continue reading Nepal 51, Getting to Pokhara
Nepal 50, Shopping
While staying at the Hidden Palace, Clare needed a few things to dress her foot, which is healing pretty well. So we wandered into the small town of Bhalwari (it's really just an area of ribbon development along the road from Butwal towards the Indian border). Clare managed to get more or less what she … Continue reading Nepal 50, Shopping
Nepal 49, Lumbini again
"When you like a flower, you just pluck it.But when you love a flower, you water it daily"Gautama Buddha Heading back down to Lumbini. We stayed in the Hidden Palace again and employed Durga's brother-in-law Dor to ferry us about. It's a very good feeling to have people you know and trust in strange places, … Continue reading Nepal 49, Lumbini again
Nepal 48, Kirtipur
Today was an odd day and left us both with mixed feelings. Kathmandhu from Kirtipur We met up with Rajendra (Raj) in Durbar Square, he looked delighted and a bit surprised we had actually come to meet him. We then took a taxi to his home in Kirtipur which is on a hill just outside … Continue reading Nepal 48, Kirtipur
Nepal 47, Clare about Kathmandhu
Before I carry on, I became aware of the plane crash here in Nepal rather late in the day today. I just want to acknowledge it and to say I/we are safe. I've had several friends checking up on me and I hope I responded to everyone. Thank you. Princess Clare (her own description) arrived … Continue reading Nepal 47, Clare about Kathmandhu
Nepal 46, Waiting for Clare, Baby Bird
Who is Clare? Well she's a friend I made just before COVID hit. We both belong to an informal walking group and that's how we met. She probably kept me sane during COVID as we met once a week (when were allowed to) to walk miles and miles and miles! We are complete contrasts, Clare … Continue reading Nepal 46, Waiting for Clare, Baby Bird
Nepal 45, India, Darjeeling Tea and Ghoom Monastery.
I visited a Tea Plantation. Unfortunately because it's winter the tea factory was closed. I was allowed to wander around the tea gardens which was rather lovely. Darjeeling tea is very specific to this region and has a particular taste that make it a speciality tea. 'Lightly' pruned tea shrubs! Looks pretty severe to me! … Continue reading Nepal 45, India, Darjeeling Tea and Ghoom Monastery.
Nepal 44, Darjeeling, Sikkim, India
So much seems to happen in one day, I forget things and one thing I forgot to mention is that I saw a landslide! Or at least a secondary slip! They don't happen much in the dry season. It was big, quick and left clouds of dust, a whole strip of earth, rocks, trees and … Continue reading Nepal 44, Darjeeling, Sikkim, India
Nepal 43, Pelling, Sikkim, India
I said goodbye to the staff in the Hotel at Gantok. They really had been so lovely especially when they realised I was struggling with my stomach. They gave me a heater in my room (which is not standard) and didn't charge me for it. In the restaurant the chef came out to see what … Continue reading Nepal 43, Pelling, Sikkim, India
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