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.

66.07 Nepal: Begnas Lake, (part 2): The 'consistently inconsistent' Nepal, plus other highlights as we explore Rupa Lake and Kot (Peak).

When awakening to this sight, engulfed in so many features and facets of nature, one cannot help but count...one's blessings. Thereafter, the shower is not that cold, the draught is refreshing, the dust is coloring and the old face in the mirror is, well, more mature.
Our first morning view reminds us where we are...fortunately, Jen reads well.
  We planned a 2-day vacation away from our 'permanent' apartment to visit Begnas Lake which turned into three but could easily have been ten...from previous blog...kindly continue... 

  In typical Nepali fashion, we have included a few photographs we believe show us that no matter what we experience, there's always so much more that nature has to offer. The region is less than ten miles from our apartment in Pokhara but that can be at least an hour by road, and an extremely testing and a trying journey. Our first hurdle though was in finding a bus. We have mentioned many times how the ride is an integral part of the Nepali experience in and of itself. (Funnily enough, Peru was almost identical re busses.) First up: Finding and boarding a bus with the 'gentle' crowd, taking a quick look inside at that which we faced (no seating, inter alia), considering making an instant tactical withdrawal and then after facing the incoming passengers, we retreated. Thereafter, we sought a taxi and wondered, after a short while during the ride, whether there would in fact be a road linking the two towns or were we optimists or worse. 

What's not to like as Jen overlooks Begnas Lake.
Early, first morning treat and reward absorbing Annapurna Mountains (part only).
We're descending toward the bridge (see part of it) before crossing it in order to head to the mountaintop. The hotel/resort sits atop the peak, Rupakot.
Jen getting close to the end of the bridge before a major climb.
We interrupt the hike for a little encouragement, color and shape.
The weather is nothing if not entertaining...quite beautiful...as Jen goes down again only to climb higher.
Unfortunately, another power failure so the elevators are out of commission. Fortunately, Jen faces rather soft, and comfortable, stone steps.
We arrive at the resort and pass to the other side of it to attain a perspective. We stepped in for beverages, met a tour guide/business owner and family, and witnessed some up-market Nepali business practices. (Much prefer the Nepali unpretentious life).
Looking down from the hotel patio (telephoto), we identify part of the route including a portion of the suspension bridge and a corner of Rupa Lake.
 From the hotel patio, we absorb the sights including both Begnas (distant) and Rupa Lakes, below left. Our accommodation was a night at the far-left corner of Begnas Lake and a couple of nights on the crest of the hill between the 2 lakes, following the prominent road leading up from Rupa Lake.
I suppose you could say we spent much time staring into 'thin air'.
We arrived at Begnas Lake and found that the road ended at a large stream where it appeared that heavy construction works were planned and partly underway. Frankly, the driver was lost and thereafter, directed us to cross the stream to enter the town. This proved confusing as we had no idea where the hotels we identified earlier would be situate. We decided to head up a hill, thereafter, asked someone for further information, changed direction and reserved a room at a yoga retreat above and next to the lake. Turns out our original guess is where we wished to head but that too would have been taking an unnecessary risk at that time. 

  The following day, we checked out and wandered toward a planned destination following a little research the previous evening. Fortunately, the views improved once the sun came close to setting while the early morning clouds and mists were breathtaking. After thirty minutes ascending the main road, partly beach sand with sections tarred, we found a place that we had identified previously. As we walked into the gardens, we were overcome with a feeling of tranquility. Often one grows into such a feeling. In this instance, it was as if we struck a barrier and changed zones immediately. 'I kid you not' ("Nice book", see end). While it might seem trite to make the comment, it was as if we stood in a calm zone amongst well-tended gardens, colorful gazebos and thrown in for good measure, extensive exposure to the Annapurna Mountain Range as well as Begnas Lake below. Extraordinary. 

  We've seen the range from a number of vantage points over the years (never as good as this trip) and it was more than amazing. Better not to try to rate it for one of us will probably say this is the best ever and thereafter, be taken to pieces in a 'cruel and unusual manner'. What may well be one of the finest sights ever experienced, awaited us the following morning. Begnas Lake and Town were blanketed in white clouds, virginal might not be an exaggeration, with occasional thinning of the cover allowing for some contrast. The range, however, was bathed in sunlight completely exposed above the clouds. It looked majestic, rigid, golden at times and always showing the lower inhabitants the true pecking order. Remarkable. We hope the photographs provide a visual display similar to that which literally, took our breaths away. 

  We went wandering after check-in and explored potential areas for some serious climbs. We did not have to struggle to find amazing and intimidating destinations. One was a famous suspension bridge and the other, a 'house on the hill'. Actually, it's a structure that seems impossible to reach so much so that we thought the route would be from the rear mountains. Turns out it's a luxury resort positioned on Rupakot, a mountain that reminded us of Sarangkot, a favorite in Pokhara. It was at that stage, we extended our stay a further day. 

  Only one day, you may question. Truth be told, each day seems like an extension. Besides, Jen has to get back to Pokhara to feed the kids, bake bread while I have to tend to the lawn and sweep the pool. As an aside, sometimes Jen says, when she's upset with me, that I'm losing my mind. Go figure! I'm just as sharp as I was when Gav went off to college. That reminds me, I think it's graduation coming up soon and then he joins Microsoft. Heck, time does fly. 

  The hike to Rupakot turned out to be a 'biggie', at least 3,000 feet (accummulated) gain, per the experts. Although tough because of additional ascending on the return journey, it was during evening we felt a little worn...okay, maybe a bit more than that. We would like to mention the kindness received from an elderly woman as we trudged up the slopes through one particular village. Thank you. In addition, until we reached the really high sections, the villagers continued with the usual questions, being language, country and age, occasionally, destination. 

  People have asked and probably questioned how we can hike so frequently and actually continue to enjoy it. Good question. We spend much time soul searching ourselves and probably even more time seeking directions back to the correct trail, and home. However, it allows us great opportunities to meditate, think deeply and if we may utter, become philosophical, resulting in the development of great 'intellectual' minds. While we cannot be certain, we believe anyone who has read our tomes of great works over the years might recognize the deep wisdom. 

  Give us an example, I can almost hear the requests from yonder. Well, let's open with a mere tidbit of what could be considered radical thinking, but committed to paper would allow future generations to benefit. Selfish or self-focused is not our mantra. All should benefit, not just us. If we're going to spread it about, everything will be able to grow and flourish. What's that, Jen? Oh, okay. Pardon me. Jenni was reminding me that upon returning home, besides cleaning the pool, I should not forget to spread the manure on the lawn and rose beds. She really takes care of me. Should that be rarely? I forget. Back to philosophy. Of course, this leads into a rather unusual dissertation that will follow shortly, as soon as the next blog. (I mentioned my Mom earlier.) When she was alive, I always had confidence that at least one person would read our 'wise' words. Alas...the times have changed. 

This week we're into bridge perspectives. Beats dealing with 'a bridge too far or one to nowhere'...just saying (writing).
Isn't it fascinating when nature messes around, it's considered exquisite; yet my Mom had other thoughts of my messes. (I miss her).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A room with a view...from the hotel (where we did NOT stay). 

  Hi Kid...enroute to the peak.

"Kid Me Not"...ahem! Our last book publication.

Brief Introduction to the Annapurna Range.

Machhapuchhare is to the left, Phewa Lake below, Sarangkot Peak across the way and we're in our element. 

One of many peaks in the Annapurna range, the highest reaching over 26,000 feet, at sunrise.

A view of the same range from the town of Begnas, clouds covering the lake, heaven delivering the 'jewels'.

66.05 Nepal: Begnas: An introduction only, yet a life experience.

  We planned a 2-day vacation/trek away from our 'permanent' apartment to visit Begnas Lake which turned into three plus but could easily have been ten. We'll return, we are pretty certain, unless something better catches our interest. However, that's unlikely, for our visit which began hesitantly, took off like a rocket, on the second day. We could have used boosters to lift us to the heights towering over the lakes, though. 

Nevertheless, for the less energetic or may we say lazy, the atmosphere filled with both tranquility and beauty is most fulfilling. In typical Nepali fashion, (continues next complete blog)...we have included a few photographs we believe show us that no matter what we experience, there is always so much more that nature has to offer. (One of our greater understatements.)

A less than stellar arrival in Begnas Lake. Whose idea was this?
We find an apartment for the first night to the left of the buildings ahead. We can 'live' with the view of Annapurna, at the yoga retreat, we think.

We awoke to the whole valley (next apartment), lake and everything else covered in cloud while the Annapurna Range was clearer than we have ever seen. Truth be told, this was a sight that will leave an impression forever.
There are incredible advantages of being a monkey.
Other sights of this incredible range viewed in exceptional circumstances (in our opinion), will follow in later blogs. Truth be told, we are in awe and once again, awfully humbled as well as blessed to have viewed these and many other scenes.
'Like a bridge over troubled water', (it is my fervent hope that) 'I will lay me down' (should I be needed).
We go 'native' temporarily.

Jenni identifies our next hike, Rupakot,...what's new? Top right-hand corner; buildings are part of a luxury resort.
and begins to pay the price, or perhaps, reap the benefits. 

We return to reality after Jen waits while I search for soda water in the downtown area.
Begnas Lake below, Annapurna above and the rest of us in-between, near sunset.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey