70.19 Nepal: Eclectic events from various hikes.

We have so many hikes which have not even touched the surface of the blog. In the meantime, we have published a few pictures which provide, we think, alternate perspectives of Nepal and its hiking/life opportunities. Should you not like what you read/view, please have it out with Jen.

There comes a time when a person should be frank or at least, e(a)rnest, take your pick. Nevertheless, one should always question 'For whom the bell tolls'?
Machapuchare, at nearly 23,000 feet, is elusive. Finally, we may have caught it 'in the frame'. Hopefully, this will lock the 'hill' into a more stable existence.
Here is my fair lady...had to get her to the church...correction...temple on time. Turns out we were the only people at temple...so much for the religiosity of the locals. We 'benched' on our own.
You color our world, you lift our spirits.
Look, son, but try not to stare. The bloke with the funny thing pointed at us is known as 'homo sapiens'. Just so you know, he is neither a homo nor wise. Please don't ask how they gave him the title, I just chew the cud. By the way, I'm not tied to any fixed opinion either way, but for a pole.
Don't you just hate it when one of those greenhorns tries to be funny. I mean, green auto...heck!
Jen warned me about being 'smart-mouthed'. When I told her how magnificent I thought this scene was, she roped me to one of the trees when I had my back to her. 

"You love it so much," she announced, "Perhaps you should spend some time absorbing it all." 

I really found this mystical, perhaps haunting, but beautiful. 

"Please release me, let me go, for I'm getting a 'humperdink' back."
We pass through Devi Falls and see this model. Jen thinks it's a more viable alternative to the Himalayas across the way.
"I can't see what's wrong with this place as a permanent home. Look at all the parking available. Not to mention the hot and cold water flowing from the roof. I believe the sellers have thrown in the scooter as an incentive. It's a helluva deal."
And you wanted to get away from an upside-down Western world.
I like to be believe I don't shock easily any longer. But when Jen tried to pat this calf, we both almost swear its reply sounded like "You can suck my hind teat". Phew! Typical modern day youth.
Not that this pose impresses one of us. I mean who doesn't like a narrow, curvy waist?
Jenni catches a nice shot of her husband at his temporary job. His culinary skills have proved to be superb. He remembers to sandwich the burger between the two buns...most times.
We still prefer a human server...perhaps waiter is a better description.
Finally, on vacation, I found my calling.
This is a very misunderstood signboard. "Do not throw your garbage here" does not mean that a person may throw garbage where no sign exists. Nevertheless, that's the norm.
It's termed alternatives. First 'in-store service', followed by 'home deliveries' and now 'Jungle Service'. One can only wonder what will follow.
You continue to paint our surroundings, we thank you again.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

70.18 Nepal: An admissions conundrum.

Admissions conundrum: 2083: Can't we keep it simple?
  I spent much of the day pondering an issue. Fortunately, the day was very enjoyable, so I did not let the dilemma get to me...too badly. When we passed this information/advertising poster, it struck me as almost impossible to understand. Let me start at the beginning and try to get across the various issues. 

  Admissions to pre-school for 2083 mean that enrollment is now open, some 57 years into the future. I have heard of popular schools, but I believe this one really flatters itself. It means that for a person to register say a 3-4 year old kid, the planning of the birth of the child, (average age of 20 years for first-time parents), should take place in 41 years' time. (Conception and pregnancy say 1 plus 3 years for entry age.) As the parents-to-be, are not born as yet, and the grandparents to be might not be born either or are very young, it appears that the future great-grandparents need to enroll their future great-grandchildren. As to how many, their genders, names are anyone's guess when completing an enrollment application. After a while, I became further confused, even more frustrated and gave up thinking of it. I have to admit the Nepalese are far smarter than me. In fact, they live in a different dimension. 

  For this system to function, the existing applications should have been made for previous generations of unborn kids, in this case, the grandparents and parents of the children due in 57 years' time, many years earlier. If ever one could see the need for AI (artificial intelligence), this must be the occasion . Perhaps a reader might sympathize with my confusion and realize as strenuous as the hike was in places, it was nothing compared with the mental struggle and anguish suffered while pondering the ramifications of the process. 

  After the hike, I decided to raise the issue with Jen. She considered the issues I raised, tried to empathize with me and then came up with a rather simple and succinct answer. She expressed herself quite nicely by sharing my anguish but also, pointing out a small but easily missed point. 

  "Jeffrey, you probably forgot that while most of the world is currently in the year 2026 (Gregorian), the Nepalese are far ahead--their year is currently 2082 with the new year just 'around the corner'. Now big boy, do you have any other issues you require further elucidation? By the way, I know when I see you walking about on these mountains you feel like 129 (73 plus 56) years old, you're still relatively young.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

I think I need a good sunrise and sunset to provide some comfort following a tough day in the Himalayas. 

Sunrise...
Sunset............I feel back in equilibrium, but still feeling my age.

70.17 Nepal: The numerous facets, represented by a scene each, of a hike from Lakeside, Pokhara to Kalabang Buddha Temple and Park.

We began at our apartment, quite a brilliant commencement point, headed through parts of the city as we made our way toward the jungle. We arrived forty minutes later and spent nearly an hour climbing through this, calm and beautiful, area.
After close on 2 hours, we reach Shanti Stupa and walk through the beautiful gardens. At the time, we continue to gaze at the fabulous Annapurna range while taking in the lovely flora...sort of 'two for the effort of one'.
The night is spent at Anil's Mountain View Cafe (guesthouse) above Fewa Lake and below the mountains. It sits adjacent to Shanti Stupa, both at night-and-day.
Below is Fewa Lake and part of Pokhara, not too bad a sight. (Temple sits on the island below).
The following morning, we head to Shiva Temple. That night, we note that the lord never sleeps. He continues to sit and lord over the surroundings.
We are woken by this sight. Sometimes we would like the sun to rise later so we can sleep longer...huh? (It was in the last blog when we mentioned the wise quote from XX: "When you've seen one mountain, you've seen them all." Subsitute 'sunrise' for mountain).
We are on the way to Shiva Temple, enroute to Kalabang, when a strange woman waves to me. I act cool as if this is the norm (although it's never occurred before) and decide to wait to find out what she wants. In the distance (hazy) is Shanti Temple (right).
We arrive at Shiva, enter through the front and take a look at his back. We notice the elephant human (Ganesh) circling the lord. There's an awful lot going on which reflects upon cultural beliefs. We take this all in but are focused on what lies ahead as we seek a new Buddha icon somehere in the distance.
Heading toward Kalabang and the Buddha icon/temple/park. We are not able to make out what the area in front of the icon is yet. Currently going through construction works and the we'll reach the ridge upon the mountain and hike along it.
Jen on the ridge with Annapurna to the side. The ridge is a delightful hike.
Getting much closer...making more sense of the features.
The last 'mile' or should that read 'yard'?
Welcome, Jen...enjoy the breakfast rest.
Love the mountain setting.
An invasion hits the sky outside of Pokhara turning it into a massive aviary.
I think we could live up here.
Returning, perhaps a little (lot) tired but content, excited and realizing the 'grass is always greener on the other side'.
Big, beautiful and stunning mountains; golden flora to salute them.
  We close another beautiful two days being grateful and uplifted after enjoying many varied experiences. Perhaps the most amusing aspect occurred when we left the Buddha Temple and asked an elderly guy whether a particular route would take us to Shiva Temple. He took a look at Jenni and in a very decent and tactful manner indicated 'no'. I replied that she was a very strong and capable woman. He withdrew his opinion and gave us brief directions. It turns out that we had used part of the route the previous year when we visited the Pokhara Heights Resort. 

  I held back, in the interests of saving grace (and face), in not saying that he should have been more aware that I (Jeffrey) am the weaker hiker. Well, got away with it that time. 

Pokhara Heights Resort. We see this building from many different places throughout Pokhara...quite amazing the length of visibility. It sits on one of the high peaks.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

One tough (tired) girl...one very special woman.

  While I have a pen in my hand, I'll complete the blog with a story which made me smile during the early stages of this trip. We hike to Methlang frequently. The path takes us through a jungle, followed by walking in the villages, a few climbs here-and-there, in addition to the steep incline of the whole route. We stop at the restaurant at the peak for a light breakfast each time—it's a tradition as well as an opportunity to connect with the employees. By the way, it's always a good experience...actually wonderful. 

  The procedure upon arrival is to pay 100 Rupees per person for access, which is then deducted from the invoice. It's obviously to limit the free-riders from this wonderful position that's quite high. It also offers swings and various narrow bridges to cross. After our frequent visits, the gate-guard announced that as we were' family' we would no longer be charged the entry deposit. 

  The other day, I entered ahead of Jen, said 'hello' to the guard and then proceeded upwards. Immediately behind me, an Indian family followed, the young woman dressed for ballroom dancing. I could not help notice that when the guard stopped her and asked for the entry deposit, she blatantly pointed toward me and intimated "How come that white-faced-snot-nosed foreigner did not have to pay? Do you know who I am?" What I did hear from the guard, music to my ears, was: "He's family." 

Her face was not placated...in fact, a lot worse.

70.16 Nepal: Kristi: Towering over the town while hiding below the Annapurna Range: A spectacular day.

After nearly 2 hours, we have reached a position that allows us views such as this, Annapurna 1 at 26,700 feet. Shanti Stupa sits on a peak to the left.
We cross the river by way of a suspension bridge and notice the water is flowing again.
The beauty for us of hiking in Pokhara and the surrounding regions is that each hike can be modified, adapted, reversed and incremented in length, in so many ways that they each become a different experience. As an example, there is one hike to which we referred to as the 'Towers' on the way to Mattikan. The latter itself can be reached by at least 4 known routes. The Towers, including sub-routes, have even a higher number of paths leading up to them. They are better described as being positioned above Kristi, which is the home of a government medical office. 

  What that actually means is not something we can be sure of but will offer an opinion that much paperwork is filled out within the office as well as on the outside patio. Should a person be working on the patio, then throw in magnificent sights of the Annapurna Range as a real benefit (tax free), the various temples such as Shanti, Shiva and smaller ones, together with villages visible on the many surrounding mountains...(continues at end). 

From the viewpoint where we invariably rest and partake of hot beverages, we marvel at what we witness.
The blooms reappear after a short and reasonably warm winter. We began at ground level to the right of the tree and below.
As mentioned in the text, this scene witnessed from Kristi was (is) stunning. The Towers referred to frequently are where we headed after changing our plan.
In the early stages, Jen is climbing steeply (most times) with the range in the background.

After a long stretch in the jungle, we reach the main road through the villages.
We absorb the farmlands and flora.
We're getting much higher. Machapuchare joins Annapurna 1. The former protrudes proudly but happens to be 4,000 feet lower. Go figure!
There is always someone to talk with, answer questions and throw around some bull. Depending where one looks, one can expect a surprise or two. Strange to believe the buffalo is intimidated by this woman and many others, too.
A buffalo without shame. Perhaps it should spend less time late at night seeking whatever he sought and be a bit more sprightly in the morning. Perhaps it should consider sunglasses.
One of the distractions: Kristi Medical Office (of paper work) appears. Hence, a change of direction.
Jen peers at the Towers on the hill from the medical building and the range at rear. I also gaze at (her)...the rear.
A better shot of the Towers and Annapurna 2.
Jen making her way to the Towers via the Temple...climbing steps for a change.
A view of the steps and path from Kristi to the Temple/Towers.
Jen leaves the steps and makes her way to the top via a very tough path.
Looking back at the road and Kristi Medical office from the path.
Jen sits on the Temple surround and wonders whether she has been a 'good girl' on the day.
After crossing the river, climbing back toward chaos...the bus, traffic and roads.
We reached the office on the way to another destination which caused one of us to suggest a different route home, that is, return via the Towers. This means we would approach them from the opposite side from all previous visits. After a near-heated discussion, we changed direction and headed toward the Towers situate above Kristi, which are built on the side of a temple. The Buddhists like to position temples in almost impossible positions; probably liking the concept of combining physical exercise with spiritual growth as worshippers struggle to reach these high and far-away places. Truth be told, we don't believe we have ever come across worshippers at the mini temples; maybe they are more symbolic than practical. Then again, the hours might differ drastically from our times of hiking. We like the concept of sweating to reach one's destination, confessing to one's sins when tired, and returning home for a shower to get rid of the physical debris after shedding the sins earlier, at height. 

  Obviously, people realize our love of mountains, viewing and climbing them, and while we post many pictures of such sights/sites on the blog, we try to limit the mountain views within reason. I would like to fail in this endeavor, but Jen keeps me in line or perhaps on track. In this part of the world, they are indeed high and most attractive, daunting and captivating. One could describe them in many ways, perhaps there are insufficient adjectives to do them justice. It always reminds me of the person who said: "If you've seen one mountain, you've seen them all'. We suppose if you've had chocolate ice-cream once, it's sufficient, too. 

  When we arrived at the government office, the mountain range beyond the towers was outstanding. I do believe I lost my breath and not from the climb. It was overwhelming, and at times, ghost like. It appeared as if it was high above us and within reach by stretching out our arms. It was an amazing sight. Hence, the idea of changing our route back became irresistible. It meant we would follow a steep set of steps upwards, and thereafter a very crude path further up to the temple. We would then pass through the temple grounds and across to the towers, struggle along another crude path, actually not a formal one, and walk down steeply through the orange groves back to our original route. (They really are tangerines (naartjies), but who are we to correct the locals.) Effectively, we would have completed a wonderful loop. 

  This particular hike with its multi-levels of opportunities has definitely become a favorite and without even taking into account the stop for hot beverages on the way up where we not only have a double-serving, but in addition, view the mountains from a different perspective. The sight is once again, unbelievable. At that position, we recall mentioning it in an earlier blog, after sitting on the verandah for less than 5 minutes, we begin to feel our minds moving to a different space. Fascinating. The young man who serves us is someone who reaches a place within us that for yet another reason, we do not understand. It feels so good to see him although we do not converse much. Actually, it happens often at many of the places we visit for food, drinks and recovering from a hike. 

  Should we analyze Nepal, well, attempt a simple analysis, we might look at the basic aspects of life and conclude those facets do not meet basic western standards. Levels of hygiene, litter, infrastructure, noise levels, water supplies, transport, etc. are way below what one could reasonably expect in a modern city or country. Therefore, one might depart from the land having been most disappointed. Based upon the facts mentioned (plus many more) that would be both a fair and reasonable conclusion. 

  Yet, we agree with the facts but arrive at the opposite conclusion. How can that be? Perhaps, perhaps because the people are different. Maybe, society is still driven by the heart and soul and less by the desire for material success and comforts. Perhaps, wealth is not the ultimate goal in life. Obviously, this is a very basic answer but it may encompass the core of life in Nepal. 

  We think, to provide a more personal perspective, it's probably fair to add an additional thought. Our perspectives have changed over the years. Our desire for luxury living has changed, too. While we obviously understand the need for material wealth and do feel fortunate in this respect, we don't have a desire to live to the expectation of modern citizens. Rather, as Jen has mentioned, living here reminds her of the early days of her youth in South Africa, a different age, a different lifestyle. 

  Briefly, we enjoy not having a vehicle (and being without many other conveniences excluding hot water/toilets/showers); our apartment is comfortable with the basics but few luxuries. While we could retain people to perform many services for us, we are more comfortable undertaking them ourselves. We may be odd, strange or just silly but at the end of the day, we do what makes us content, what satisfies us, and more importantly, what is fulfilling.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

 Loved this view, the photograph.