66. 36 Nepal, Pokhara and surround. Nature's coloring: The 'Pansies' and other flora on the mountains of Nepal.

  Flora has a multitude of functions, including adding color and beauty to the world, the latter two attributes being the purpose of this blog (mostly). Despite the winter months, we noticed much growth from a number of plants. The only patently obvious impact of the season during the dormant period was the lack of green of the grasses. It was sorely missed, but instead, we noticed our focus had changed to the lakes, snow-covered mountains and the surprising-colored flowers. Heck, we survived without the green, green grass of home, Tom Jones and lush grasses of Nepal. 

  We also acknowledge the producers and Louis Armstrong for their words from 'What a Wonderful World'. 

"I SEE TREES OF GREEN, RED ROSES, TOO."

Phewa Lake and the City of Pokhara from a resort on a minor peak.

Heading for a peak above Kristi Village.
Flowers high above Shanti Stupa.
"I SEE SKIES OF BLUE AND CLOUDS OF WHITE," 

Views below are from above Phewa Lake, at the Shiva Temple.

A tower we approach only a short way up on the way to Begnaskot.
"THE BRIGHT BLESSED DAYS,"

"THE DARK SACRED NIGHTS,"

"THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW, SO PRETTY IN THE SKY."

(Photo not from Nepal)

 

"I HEAR BABIES CRY, I WATCH THEM GROW, THEY'LL LEARN MUCH MORE THAN I'LL EVER KNOW,"

"AND I THINK TO MYSELF,"

"WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD."

'Spewing' color.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A view at dawn of the Annapurna Range from the town of Begnas. A supplement to the cover page as it was difficult to choose only one. (Licence) 

Bridging the hills and lakes with the mountains.

Tree's a crowd.
The show must go on...it never ceases...to amaze.

It was a morning never to be forgotten...ever.

66:33/4/5 Nepal: A Bull in a china shop, well, a vegetarian restaurant and some odd photographs from unpublished hikes.

  Today, we deal with a very delicate topic because of the religious issues pertaining to cows in Hindu countries and to an extent, Buddhist regions, too. Anyone who has read our text and seen photographs will understand there's almost not a day that passes, except for the sabbath, in which we don't visit a temple. This is not for religious reasons but rather, such temples are built upon mountain peaks and form part of our hiking challenges and regimen. (It is usually a delight to reach them.) It is also not our intention to understand and explain that eating meat from cows is frowned upon by many Hindus. 

  However, with many Westerners and others visiting the country of Nepal (India would be an even greater example), there is a growing demand for beef. We understand while the locals are not involved in restaurants where a beef steak can be ordered (and eaten), or even purchased as a take-out, it appears that the Russians and Eastern Europeans have beefed up the restaurants. Jen says we ought to stay on the right side of the Russians which could prove awkward along many of the very narrow cliff edges. 

  We are frequently stopped in the streets because we apparently look like westerners and asked, "Where's the beef?" It can be annoying but as Jen is oft to say, "You don't want to have a beef with strangers, do you Jeffrey?" Heck, I don't even want a beef with you, my darling, would be my retort, should I voice it. 

  We also found out that 'Uber-eats' is prohibited in Nepal. However, we have learned that there is an 'underground' organization operating surreptitiously, for obvious reasons, called 'Uber-meats'. It's almost an oxymoron in a country that is the world's most mountainous. Why Jen would mention 'moron' under her breath puzzles me but... 

  Anyway, today things came to a head when we were checking out a menu of what we thought was a vegetarian restaurant. I was studying it quite seriously because I'm fussy of what I eat and am a reasonably strict vegetarian. I noticed a fellow hovering about me, and he sort of mentioned that they have some real specials that are 'less vegetarian than you'd expect'. Before I could think of something intelligent to say, (occurs frequently), Jen gave me the eye. 

  Lo and behold, a cow entered the restaurant. I kid you not. Not a goat, but a cow or maybe a bull. I had not had an opportunity to examine it closely as I was caught unaware. In fact, I was stunned. Live beef in a vegetarian restaurant? You can't make this stuff up. The manager seemed to take it in his stride. Of course, Jen and I don't expect you to believe us but hopefully, once you view the photograph below you might.

  

  Out of curiosity, I asked the manager whether he could provide a form of menu. He beckoned me to follow him into the back while Jen remained fixated on the cow which was gazing at the candy counter. A cow with a sweet tooth, it was amazing. I suppose after a life of grass and ...grass, who could blame it. 

  "Be on guard," I whispered to Jen and then headed after the manager. 

  Long story short, he showed me a type of menu, which seemed to be coded. He quickly explained how it should be read, which I considered pretty smart. Meat was only served at certain times and days. Time was critical because it influenced what a person could eat. Meat was not kept in freezers as it was imperative that regular inspections not result in discovery of illicit food. 

  Typically, people would arrive and select a 'cut of meat' after looking at, not a menu, but the animal. It was important to understand the gender of the animal, too. For instance, if you were a person that liked to chew on the hind teat, you had to be there when the animal was a female, obviously. They had also developed the system to such a degree that they were able to get drinks from the animal, too. Naturally, should you want a 'Bloody Mary', then it had to be a cow on duty/offer so to speak. Should the animal offering of the day be a bull, then those requiring alcohol would be disappointed. Nevertheless, you could order the 'Red Bull' despite the colors of the bulls being black and brown.  

  While a very popular choice was the side of beef, easily pointed out by a customer, the more hidden parts require the use of the menu to explore the animal's anatomy in detail. I believe it gets much more complicated once delving deeper, but I decided to depart before I threw up. When he told me about the fizzy drink both genders provide, I really thought he was taking the 'pee' out of me, but it turns out it was from the animals. 

  He also mentioned that logically, those in a hurry to eat, should be prepared to order raw to underdone cuts. For diners of a more patient nature, the long wait could be eased by the offer of a horn to chew upon, I suppose, as an hor(n)s d'oeuvre. 

  When I asked whether they took precautions in case of a surprise visit by a food-inspector, he retorted, "We always keep at least an eye out of the animal for such purpose." 

  At that stage, not only did I dash out, grab Jen by her 'juicy' rump, but decided to halt a second or two, and offer thanks for being a vegetarian.

Lesson learned: "When it comes to reading about meat, written by a vegetarian, always have with you 'a pinch (grain) of salt'." 

I thought we were trying to get away from California.
People have asked where does that bull come from?
On a slow day, we often play hide-and-seek...lot of fun.
Are you going to move the truck out of Jen's way or am I going to lift you and the truck and...?
Check!
On Sarangkot trail, "I talk to the trees but..."

We have to convince Ellie, our granddaughter who is a superb dancer, to accompany us back to Pokhara. We found this 5-star modern dance studio.
Such enthusiasm on the way to school. Are they normal?
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Machu Picchu (2013): A few photographs to provide some perspective to the former cover picture, now the initial one.

A perspective of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu from a highpoint.
Jen reaches the peak of Machu Picchu Mountain (Over 2,600 feet gain from after entry to park).
Smokin'?
Telephoto view from peak of the Machu Picchu Mountain looking down on the Inca city. We were both sick on the day so after the climb from our village, we were pretty youngish ruins ourselves.
A regular view from peak with backdrop of Huayna Picchu.
The edge of the town from where we commenced at 4:30am. (Pleased we are beginning to 'mature').
Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. (As an aside, we have always perceived similarities in the country with that of Nepal.) Machu Picchu is classified a wonder of the world. As mentioned earlier of our ill health before the climb to the peak, Jen suggested recommending the 'subject' for classification as a non-Inca ruin.  

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

66:32 Nepal, Pokhara, a mini-trek to and about Sarangkot, a rather testing, but superb experience. (Part 1)

Early days, in the safety of the jungle.
From the jungle, across the lake we salute Shanti Stupa and higher up, Shiva Temple. While they have no religious significance to us, we respect their functions but really enjoy the physical challenges they present for our endurance.
Beyond the mountain housing the temples mentioned above, we see the Tower on Matikhan upon the rear mountain. Truth be told, we still wonder how we reached it. Sometimes we ask ourselves 'why'.

  Over many years, one of the discoveries we've made is that the harder we persevere in any endeavor, the more satisfaction we achieve. While, of course, there are failures (many), we believe the real issue is that there's always an element or degree of personal fulfillment which follows. A positive result is an obvious desire naturally. We submit that when a person undertakes a task, project or adventure with a whole-hearted effort expended (plus passion), such completion is success in-and-of itself. 

  Expressed differently, there's a feeling that permeates the soul, for a short while only, in which a person feels whole, fulfilled and positive. Because the way of the world is complex and brilliant, by the day following, the process has to recommence. The previous successes and highs are not carried forward. As an aside, for some simple advice offered humbly, we'd submit: While we notice or read of many people seeking satisfaction, elation and other forms of 'high' feelings through the use of drugs, excessive alcohol and other 'easy' means, hard work of a positive nature wins every time...it's always successful, at least to a degree. 

  We remember Gary Player, a world-famous golfer, who was once 'accused' of being 'lucky'. We'll always remember his retort for it was simple, wise and enduring. He replied, "I find that the harder I work, the luckier I get." (Also attributed to Samuel Goldwyn.)...continued toward the end... 

We spot the target, Sarangkot Tower, one of our destinations.

Enroute, we watch the 'show-off' birds flying below Annapurna Mountain. The Pokhara Eye Hotel, a frequent sight is in view, too.
On our return, we pass the hotel and drop-down into the gardens.
For perspective, an early morning view showing (faintly) the 'Pokhara Eye Hotel' toward the right. (Le Glamour to the left).
Jen climbing toward Methlang, a village we reach and pass through frequently.
Weather is changing and the mountains are haunting; we are in our element, maybe a little weary.
We are getting close to the tower and the new Lord Ganesh statue (gold). Hope the elephants can trunk us up with a little help. (see below)
Perspective 2: Photograph taken from our commencement point, showing the Sarangkot Tower (destination) and the odd mountain or two.
The new icon (Ganesh) positioned below Sarangkot Tower. Phewa Lake, some 3,000 feet below, Pokhara to the left and rear, Shanti and Shiva across the way, as well as a few other high points reached on the Nepalese mountains...correction, 'hills'.
We seek and find a path through the villages, avoiding the main road.
A view from our room for an overnight stay. The atmosphere was stunning.
The night life of Pokhara from our new home (temporary).
On the way down the mountain, we find some wonderful views of the Big 'uns'.
A view of Annapurna from the Sarangkot Tower at 6:30am. On the left is Annapurna 1, the highest at 26,950 feet plus a favorite, Machapuchare, some 4,000 feet lower, if you can believe that.
We are approaching our favorite place for breakfast. Jen likes to choose her own ingredients fresh for a hot mutton stew on toast.
  A lovely woman wrote to us recently and said, I quote, "Nepal has really changed you." 

  While we appreciate her comment, we don't think it's true. People don't change much over the years. We believe the important issue is that either we understand our passions in life early on should we be fortunate, or when we do discover them, in both cases, we pursue them with purpose. We believe the latter is pertinent as we continue pursuing our passions universally, obviously some of them being in this location. 

  To lighten it a little, our son, Gavin, introduced us to the music of the band, U2 (following our discovery of the Beatles). One of their songs, the title is relevant to our comments, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", might indicate that life is about the journey. It is indeed an important facet of life but may well prove extremely frustrating. Far better to be doing what you desire until such desire changes. 

  Finally, we believe this rather common principle, with a slightly different slant, taught to us by the late Mannie Edelstein and his wife, Gail, encapsulates the above writing. One day, Mannie asked us what we intended accomplishing in a certain project. Our reply, something we had always thought valid, was: "We will try hard to accomplish..." 

 "Jenni and Jeffrey," he retorted, quite fiercely for a man with a gentle soul, "What do you mean by 'try'? Either you intend to do it or forget about it. Try is not good enough." 

  Thank you, Mannie, we are trying...sorry, we meant we are at 'full-steam ahead'. 

  We developed a concept, an adage, following some experience over the years: 

Should you not do it when you can, then don't cry when the time arrives when you can't. 

Nepal is well-known for flags, color. We noticed a 'flag-farm' as we cut through an off-trail piece of 'dyed-land'.
Also, has some great athletic women in the jungles. This species is known as the 'Nepalese Tigress', one of a kind...and decent. (Apparently, one of us appears to be repenting.)
We'll continue next time and leave you with another wonderful scene, especially as the mountains were hidden for the last ten days. Awfully temperamental in this this part of the world. Then again, it is the Himalayas.
Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey