70.04: Nepal: Pokhara: Animal Farm with a backdrop of magnificent mountains. The journey up-and-down.

Sometimes there's not much difference between kids of different species...they are bouncy and want to have fun. This kid rolled around and then stood on his hind legs. The grownups did not appear impressed or even interested; however, we were. Maybe it's true; we're not really mature.
"If I have to come down to sort you out you'll regret you ever laid eyes on me. Get that, Bully."
"Oh, you are coming up. Just so happens I have an appointment so I'm leaving. Next time, I won't let you off so easily, twinkle toes. And by the way, if you dropped a few pounds you might be better on the inclines...Jen, let's get out of here."
Meantime, earlier in the hike Jen used a road to reach the beginning of the trail. Watch the scooter! At the blue sign to the left, which we have no understanding of it's meaning, we'll make a left and rise (with some effort) to the top.
We cross the bridge, walk along the road for a while, make the turn and face this amazing sight.
Jen takes a break from her construction job and goes walk-about, looking for her trowel.
We continue up although we are still at very low altitude, look left and see Shanti Stupa on the front mountain, a regular hike although, not for the religious experience. The result is always uplifting, both literally and figuratively. The stupa is at an altitude of 3,600 feet. Behind it, looking only a little above Shanti, is Annapurna at a mere 26,700 feet. Talk about illusions.
When the elevators are not operating, a person is forced to use paths and stone-steps. The reliably of the equipment is most disconcerting, but we struggle upwards.
The higher we get, the more overpowering are the mountains, particularly, Machapuchare. On the mountain in the foreground is Sarangkot, a favorite hike, a sort of love-hate relationship.
Every now-and-again we'll pass a home. While they won't meet basic western standards, the views are fantastic.
Struggle continues.
We have made progress in relation to Shanti Stupa.
Closing in on our destination.
Jen arrives...stunning position.
Big-shot raised his head with a look of disdain and mockingly looks down upon us. He followed us , not believing we had an appointment. Having a bull and cows gives a family status as well as a lot of cleaning up functions. While dogs are independent in the country, that is, nobody walks them, people take their cows, bulls and buffaloes walking, yaks too. (No yak-yak).
Perched above the City of Pokhara, feeling rather fulfilled and a touch weary.
The closer one gets to the city, the reality of life becomes apparent. This is not a comment on the quality of existence but rather, it is not western wealth. However, it has many qualities missing from latter societies.
Heading down sharply as we approach the swing-bridge.
Following a bull fight, the winners cool off and the red capes show the blood from the activities. We head back home after enjoying another home-made brunch (cereal, yoghurt and fruit). Looks like a win-win situation although some might say there was a lot of bull.
Down one side and up the other, the beauty of a river crossing.
The hills are alive with the sound of crunching.
After a wonderful outing, we enjoy some tranquility.
Cheers, 

'Yo-Danda' and Jeffrey