66.10 Wisdom through the Ages Combined with Experiments for a Green Age. The Official Introduction of "nAI" plus the 'odd' mountain or two.

Like any project, this has required many steps, most of them difficult, hard on the body and mind, often slippery, always tiring but worthwhile.
  It's possible that a project long in the making might reach fruition very soon. It has kept us awfully busy, perhaps a little frustrated, but in the end, allowed us to continue to develop our minds despite the misleading concept of Artificial Intelligence. We took a different tack from the big names, preferring to be original, innovative and just plain 'bloody' smart. We'd like to believe we've retained our humility even should it only amount to a modicum of what is considered modest. 

  Moving forward, we'd like to announce the concept of "nAI", being "New-Age Intelligence". We struggled with the concept of 'artificial' as we'd like to believe that we are 'real'. While we are close to the launching stage, there are a few issues still to complete. We have also taken some precautions even though we are confident of success. One being the hire of a large storage unit and subsequently filling it with dry foods that should last many years. In that way, no matter the outcome of "nAI", despite having invested all our capital in the project, we will never starve...or at least, not for a while. 

  You may ask 'what is it all about?' We would hope you inquire. Unfortunately, we are holding off releasing the details until the documentation is in place—patents, other legal issues, final delivery of food safely into storage, completion of the manuals and a recent hiccup, tariffs to be imposed on our suppliers. Nevertheless, we hate to keep you in suspense, so we have released some examples of our "nAI" (new age intelligence) to provide an idea where the world is headed or at least, where we are holding (and heading). We hope and trust that this resonates favorably with you, and that we trump all adversity. 

  Remember! There is nothing artificial about our intelligence. Thank you!   

The promised research follows below after a picture or two revealing some of our struggles along the way.

Further steps in South Africa/Lesotho.
Lost steps in Everest, Free State, South Africa; obviously, not Nepal.
Some fourteen years ago, an elderly gentleman suggested we rather do something useful with our lives. We suppose that's a fair comment as we should all be productive; effectively, live meaningfully. We thought about it seriously and decided we could learn from everyone. To that end, we decided while carrying on our current lifestyle that the fellow objected to, we might add something useful. We searched around, particularly on mountains and in the wilderness, including jungles, although we still are not quite sure of the difference between the latter two concepts. We did finally end up agreeing to undertake a research project ("nAI"). 

  On the face of it, it appeared to be a 'green' project which made some people very happy, others less so, we neutral but quickly fulfilled. Effectively, it became our task to recognize or perhaps, to identify whether long held beliefs of people passed down through the ages were true. Is much that we hold dear in fact fallacious? Are we passing on to our children and the coming generations information, knowledge and even experiences that are misleading? Charged with this task, feeling filled with purpose and backed up with much energy, we reset-off in our endeavors, which still included Hike-about, as here we are after nearly fifteen years. 

  What are our findings? Have we accomplished progress? Did that person, many years ago, change the course of our lives? We provide a snippet of information of our research backed-up with visual content and proof. By the way, research took place in many countries, but it has concluded in Nepal, much to everyone's...I mean...our relief. 

  Part of our research is borne out in the form of the pictures below: Please see the conclusion after witnessing the photographs. 

Notice the two distinct shades of green, one on each side.The current front cover, see earlier, illustrates this pattern, too.  

Captured this shot of Jen in the field...well, I suppose on the road surveying the fields. I asked her not to wear red, but apparently her green outfit was stained...so she said. 

Clearly, different shades on each side.
We conclude: 

THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.

For our next project, we were told that "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". 

Shiva Temple on the opposite mountain, rear; a bird up the pole, fore.

 On this occasion, we ended up qualifying our conclusion. In order to be comfortable with the premise, a person would have to accept excretion by a bird in such person's hand as completely normal. The premise we used is that most of the people we know would be satisfied viewing birds in the bush, even in trees, but not having a single feathered-fellow pecking one's hand and/or excreting in the hand. 

 We further conclude that the proverb was made in good faith but unlikely to be acceptable universally. 

 Having been asked not to question the wisdom of the ages handed down, we have decided to relinquish this role and continue with our worthless adventures and pursuits. We are comfortable standing down and we believe we have made most, if not all, happy with this decision. It's often called a 'win-win' decision. Delighted to oblige, folks.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

66.09 Nepal: Kristi Village and then up to the peak at Mattikhan View Tower, nothing short of spectacular.

We have been undertaking new hikes regularly in this region. Each seems to surpass the previous one in quality although that would be Jeffrey expressing the usual irrational exuberance. Nevertheless, he would deny it vehemently, but then again, what would you expect. Having made this statement, we both agree that the seemingly extreme sentiments expressed later in this publication and elsewhere are nevertheless modest despite the written (typed) words. 

A bridge over 'anything but troubled waters'. We arrive on the south-east side of Pokhara and head down in order to cross the riverbed before heading up to the peak. The mountain is inhabited, but sparsely, with both steps and rough sandy paths/trails, occasionally crossing the winding road to the top. Expressed succinctly, it's pure Nepal.
Shortly over the bridge, we reach the first home on the trail and a young dog comes on strong boosted by confidence of its mother close by but chained. I feel a bit sorry for the dog if Jen becomes her usual "aggressive" self.
A bird's eye view of the big mountain. Machupuchare takes a bow; it never ceases to stun us. Even at this relatively low level where we stand, the sights are amazing. It's worth repeating that the Annapurna Range reaches 26,200 feet at its highest peak. Bear in mind, the highest mountains in the contiguous United States plus Hawaii are at 14,500 feet. These ranges are not just high but seem to reach heights that the mind (ours) cannot comprehend. It feels as if the peaks are far higher than one's expectation or perception of where they should be. While standing below them, we realize we are not seeing illusions but at the same time, they appear unrealistic. We included one more of the range at the end which reveals to us the artistic nature of these giants.
'I don't know about you, but I detect a slightly rebellious stance in the young woman below'. The locals, both residents and workers in the groves, watch for what seems to be a brewing potential showdown. It may be termed a 'live western' for the locals. In the distance, toward the right, on the peak sits Shiva Temple (See previous blog). (By the way, the giveaway, besides the facial expression, are the hands on hips.)
In Nepal, one never knows what one will see next. This guy is emulating a monkey. Why? We don't know. Truth be told, I'd like to be emulating him.
After some time, we spot the peak which is and was intimidating. We acquired over 3,000 feet. One can make out the towers in the glare. Jen faces to the right possibly planning a change of plan. A smart move for a rational person. (Notice where the hands are placed, as mentioned earlier.)
We reached the solid steps section which was nice after the rough path but nevertheless, pretty steep. In the background, mere hills.
A decent view of Shanti Stupa, a frequent hike we undertake, sitting on a mountain across the way, lower left. In the middle is another tough hike to Sarangkot and at rear, the awe inspiring Machapuchare. On each occasion we witness this range, we feel blessed. Emotional about it, you may think. Absolutely. It is one of our most awe inspiring sights and privileges. You can even see the building frequently shown under the cableway on the way to the Sarankot Peak.
She just keeps going not unlike an energizer bunny. In between the stepped sections, a wise-guy thought it appropriate to give us a taste of potholes, mud and hidden underfoot probably thinking we might be bored.
Jen reaches the peak, not to the sound of any fanfare. Much of the city on view below including Shanti Stupa on the crest.
Nice view of the city, a 'little background' plus the airport runway. We live close to the water, to the west (left) away from the congestion...in a fashion. We flatter ourselves.
On the way down, we stop for some spiritual refreshment as well as to pick a few oranges. I can't understand why it 'hits a spot' but I really like this photograph. Quite like the young woman, too. Aha! That's the real reason.
Part way up the mountain, we notice another temple across the way (See picture below.)
Ten days later, we visit the temple on a smaller peak seen from the picture above.
Another view, a different section of the Annapurna Range. Close to the peak, we did some rough scrambling through the bush.

Toward the peak, a village community lives close to heaven, although we might keep the cows and dung out of the backyards. One fellow would not accept 'no' for an answer, after he invited us into his garden to look around as well as to pick oranges for us. It's typical Nepal hospitality...to their credit.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

We alluded to the mountains earlier as to their artistic nature. Many of the scenes we've witnessed appear ghost-like. The mountains are just there, not linked or tied to any material substance, almost as if floating, yet immobile, in space. Others appear as if not real, almost artificial; rather, much like the Artist painted them in the sky, the latter a mere canvass to capture the Artist's expressions. Frankly, to repeat ourselves, we spend many a day in the presence of occurring miracles or at least, it's our perception of such (ברוך השם).

Walking...um...working to bridge the communications barrier. Unfortunately, the signs aren't that enlightening for us.

More privilege. Goodnight! 

 Addendum: *** We should add that Maude Alge often writes to us about the painting analogy...perceptive lady. 

Maude and Theo clothed our family throughout our school days, the days of uniforms, from their store in Highlands North, Johannesburg.

66.05/8 Shiva Temple, Pumdikot (amended/increased). The second highest Shiva statue in Nepal plus a few 'hills' and other stunning sites/sights.

Lord Shiva statue, which for us, culminates in an incredible hike from 2nd Avenue, Pokhara, up past Shanti Stupa.
We noticed this icon last trip but it was under construction. It is a multi-faceted figure of Lord Shiva, providing 4 views of life per the Hindu faith.  

The weather has spoiled us 'rotten' during this trip. One can almost blink an eye and it's sufficient to summon the Annapurna Mountain Range, a subset of the Himalayas, to appear. We dare not blink both eyes, then again...

Jen pays another visit, incurring heavy stress on the muscles, while Lord Shiva continues to rest. Nothing changes.

You might have noticed the fabulous Annapurna Range has disappeared...it is inclined to do that regularly, as 'warned' recently. We blinked...see 2nd picture above for our magical powers of 'blinking'. In the background, Sarangkot remains...could not get away for the holidays.  

From temple to temple. A view of Shanti Stupa, the Japanese Peace Pagoda, seen from below Shiva. We just returned from a couple of days stay in the building below with the light-blue roof. Talk about 'A room with a view'.

Did not take long for us to begin missing the stunning sights of this reaching 26,000 feet range, Annapurna. (Missing for a few days 'inaction'.)
Following a self-determined route that resulted in a superb challenge (later blog), we turn to look at Shiva 'resting' in the distance. We were able to walk along the ridge at times, around the very few houses, over a few low walls and past temples and other similar type edifices (one situate on the hill toward right.)
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Different types of 'color' in Pokhara. 

A hotel down the road from our apartment.
Jen manages to capture (partly), a father taking out his children. He dropped the daughter off at ballet/friends/discotheque/? as a few minutes later he passed by again without her. Great reactive focus and click.
In typical Nepal fashion, we are returning from a peak and come across a couple of casual hotels and restaurants.
Jen attempts to capture the essence of a 'typical' restaurant in Nepal. However, in the interests of privacy, she hides part of the title. She also mentioned it was either the title or to narrow the incredibly broad-shouldered guy. One of us got lucky.

66.03 Nepal, Kristi: Anyone for mountain coffee? Perspectives of 'Hotel Le Glamour' and of Sarangkot (peak) from different mountains.

  We think it's useful and enjoyable to view an object from different points. It provides perspectives that give a more complete understanding of the scene. Then again, it might just be one of our quirks. One of us really enjoys the concept. 

  As an aside, the more we explore and wander the greater Pokhara region, the more wonders we discover. At times, we can be like excitable kids ('one of us', particularly, exclaims the other, 'one of us') until the mountain climbs knock us flat. Jen says that's okay as long as we come back fighting. One of us concedes with respect. 

The hotel, in front of Fishtail by many, many miles along the route to Methlang. Sunset is approaching (a bird as well).
Looking at the hotel on the route (way below) from Sarangkot Peak and Tower, a mountain to the west.
Across the lake standing on a different mountain range from that pictured above, at Shanti Stupa, we look across toward Le Glamour, a 3rd perspective.
Jenni walks toward the hotel on the way home to our apartment near Lakeside below.
After a tough climb to a new find, Tower on a 'hill?', the peak of Mattikhan, above Kristi, we view our favorite towering above the tower at bottom left, Sarangkot.
Sarangkot Tower greets the early morning sun (left).
We're standing at Shanti Stupa looking toward Annapurna. We commence the hike to Sarangkot from across Phewa Lake, head past the two high buildings, clear the jungles and thereafter, the villages, arriving at the tower on the peak.
A view of Le Glamour from many miles away: We're standing above the village of Kristi on the peak of Mattikhan.
Another hiking position, another of the hotel and Machapuchhare (Fishtail), returning from Methlang.
Sarangkot from the City at dawn.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A closer view of Sarangkot Tower as we approach from 20 minutes out. 

We'll get back to you on this local StarYaks' drive-through outlet'...need to do some thinking.

We've got the name, now do we follow through with the concept and business? To brew or not to brew, that is the question, William. It is probably not well known that Starbucks was termed as such because the founders were tickled by the inclusion of 'buck', as in antelope, in the name. While I was never impressed with the concept, often wrong, if nothing else we think we've got the equivalent concept for Asia and specifically, Nepal, plus the appropriate name. We've never held out to be original or smart, goes without saying, but after walking behind yaks as we climbed some mountains in high-altitude-Nepal, we have been inspired by the sights and sites before our eyes (and noses). 

  We are thinking of launching our double expresso which will be sold on the slopes under the name of 'Yak-yak'. A triple expresso will also be available although we have yet to think of a name. 

  We will be able to sell cups of coffee cheaply, providing our customers with an advantage. In the mountains at high altitude, people lack two basics--oxygen and liquid. We will satisfy this need with our product of coffee. Simply expresso...expressed: Partial liquid coffee, plus oxygen pumped into the ingredients which will reduce coffee content (and cost) while filling the product with hot air. What a concept! Yak-yak. 

Our mantra is to provide customers with fresh milk delivered directly to the store. We call it from 'teat to tummy'. No bull...need apply.