70:22 Nepal: Pokhara: A touch of this, and that, with much humility. A return to hiking following 'food poisoning'. We need to begin eating grass and leaves.

"Hey, Kids, that's not the way down. You'll fall and hurt yourselves." As an aside, the number of 'new-born kids' we've come across is very high. We imagine the dads spent much time at home with the moms this past winter.
Apparently, it's a reasonably route. Actually, this fellow 'flew', landed poorly and therafter, limped for about 5 seconds. The enthusiasm of the youngsters is amazing as they frolick at each opportunity.
  Unfortunately, a bout of food poisoning laid us low for 3 days, after which we undertook a reasonably long walk followed by a medium length but tough hike. The latter proved to be most enjoyable but not without some muscle pain. We put our heads together and decided that should we continue eating the same foods, a further attack would affect us jointly, once again. 

  Thus, in another show of brilliance, we have decided to split the food consumption into different groups for each. Simply put, Jen will only consume vegetables, particularly greens (legumes, etc) and all other healthy groups so that she maintains a good chance of combatting, avoiding really, a negative recurrence. I, on the other hand, will struggle with the food groups including burgers, fries, cakes, cookies, breads, ice-creams, sodas and those risky and challenging foods. Look, the way I see it, someone has to do it. 

Sunset, prior to snowfall expected later that evening.  

Sunrise following some snow. 

The mustard fields back home and the spicy woman in the background outside her 'new home'.  

If a body sees a body coming through the rye...be sure it's not mustard seeds. 

"Listen kids, I've asked you twice already. Please form a straight line. And while you're at it, wipe those smirks from your faces. Eyes front! Ears back!" Heck, the modern generation. 

Jen heading down a long steep section spots activity in the river. 

The washerwomen having completed their washing and rinsing, now heading home.  

We receive daily reminders of humility, the tough life, and the blessings we enjoy. Today was another of our daily wake-up calls as we joined a group at the latter stage of our hike who had washed their clothes in the river. They collected them, squeezed out the excess water, bundled the heavy clothes to be carried on their backs and headed up a steep set of rocky steps, followed by another hill before arriving home to hang them out to dry. Should we ever complain after washing our clothes, hanging them on the line, followed by collecting and folding them, we should be embarrassed, if not ashamed.

Jen made an offer for the red, cashmere shawl as we walked past the wash line. It was rejected. Phew! 

"Correct me if I'm wrong. However, there seems to be an awful lot of bull in this country."
You asked for a 4-door taxi. So, what's the problem? If you have weight and size issues, think about walking or eating less grass. In the meantime, jump in or I'm leaving without you. By the way, my policy is: "No diapers, no entry".
Our magnificent 'friend', Machapuchare, getting ready for bed. It must be a helluva business laying itself down.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

70:21 Nepal: Kahun Danda: An underrated hike to a supreme location.

The target: The white tower of Kahun Danda, over 2,000 feet elevation gain, just protrudes above the peak.
Jen about to reach the 'elegant' tower top, the last couple of steps were built in a fashion to make it the toughest part of the hike. Notice the "blood stains" from unfortunate trips.
Possibly, the finest vantage point, in our opinion, of the Annapurna. Truth be told, the sheer size of the range, it's height together with the cloud formations and different weather patterns combine to make each day a treat, actually a privilege, an unique opportunity to witness this magnificent edifice and surroundings. 

  We have mentioned this before, but it still tickles us. Perceptions, perspectives, and falsehoods. Our eyes tell us the highest peak is Machapuchare (pyramid) but it is just under 4,000 feet lower than the peak on the left and a little less than that number of the right peak. (Clearly, we have some internal issues/conflicts within our bodies.)
  This is a hike we required the services of a taxi to reach the trailhead. The term 'trailhead' is a loose one. Basically, it's the starting point of a hike which in theory could be anywhere. Our definition is it's the position where we commence the hike, but in the general vicinity of the trail/path. In theory, when we commence walking from our apartment that too could be considered a starting point and therefore, a trailhead. However, the nature of the trails in Nepal is that they are practical links between villages, towns, schools and shops. (Our vague definition). 

  Some of the photographs will show us walking/climbing along paths, steps, sand and stones, mostly between villages, houses, primitive abodes, and also on roads. It's very flexible as to routes because there are always multi-paths going to obvious places as well as those that have been developed for reasons we cannot fathom. Nevertheless, it makes it interesting as one discovers new and/or different routes linking the same destinations. They often change the nature of a particular hike. 

Another lovely position. However, I did not mention that perhaps she should have faced in the opposite direction to view the mountains...but what do I know.
A little perspective of where we fit in the world. One of us sits in the ivory tower above and literally 'towers' over the other.
Meantime, to reach this amazing position one can take a number of routes. We prefer one along village paths rather than the road. It makes life more interesting when you have to guess the correct path.
Jen elects to take the steps at the beginning of the hike. Once again, the elevator was not operating.
As we continue up and through the farms/houses and other abodes, we are often consoled should we have forgotten to brush teeth. The resident at back brushes hers, next in line are the cattle and then I'll have my chance. It's very cooperative and comfortable.
Love the colorful flora.
Not sure but this might be considered stunning...Annapurna 1 at 26,700 feet.
We are north of the city. To the south is where we spend much time. In the distance, one can see Shanti Stupa and beyond it, Shiva Temple to the right.
Jen is approaching the last climb which is about to become almost vertical. Well, that's the chance/risk/beauty of the less formal routes.
As we reach higher, a section of Pokhara gives one a different perspective of how large the city is.
A view of the surround, at the peak.
Jen leads us down on the way home.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  A supplement of more views of the Annapurna Range. 

Beginning at Annapurna 1 continuing to the pyramid, Machapuchare (Fishtail).

Continuing to the right from above photograph.
Seeing we're in the Himalayans, let's throw in a little Tibet(an).
He was so proud that he was able to keep pace with the little Tibetan.
The proverbial 'one more' mountain. 

  "Hey! Have you room for one more? Please, I'm so tired and I don't even need a helmet." 

It was a reasonable request; after all, it's a comfortable 5-seater.

  One of the difficult concepts to understand in this part of the world is that of the scooter, rider and passenger/s. Invariably, one will find that the person in control of the scooter, let's call the driver/rider, will be wearing a helmet. However, the passengers are mostly without head protection. In addition, small children ride with parents often. Those that are able to stand but too young to sit on their own are positioned between the legs of the driver. Next comes the third passenger and in some cases a fourth passenger as well (picture above). Babies and young kids are held in the arms of the mother. This is typical although the most common will be 2 persons per scooter. 

  My question to the Nepalese is how does the driver, in clear conscience, ride with a helmet while his passengers, often including young children, travel without head protection? On subsequent inquiry, it appears that only 1% of passengers wear helmets.

70.20 Nepal: A few illusions we have discovered. Does that make us rather brilliant?...Perhaps, just a little less stupid than usual.

  While there are a number of ways of illustrating the different aspects of Nepal, today we continue with our way of looking at life through a pair of odd brains. Well, we suppose that's one way of expressing it. On second thoughts, this might be a good time to take a break from your screen. 

 Sarangkot Tower appears to be higher than Annapurna 1 (to left). We thought this to be true until we discovered the altitude of the Annapurna 1 is 26,700 feet whereas Sarangkot is about 5,500 feet...a mere 21,000 odd feet lower. Maybe it's idiotic rather than illusionary.
The illusion in this case is that these two do not know each other. We happen to be aware of their recent marriage. However, they had a disagreement, hence, the separation. Nevertheless, the bond is tightly maintained as they remain committed to alignment or symmetry, even when asleep. Some consider this 'playing hard to get'.
The illusion in this instance is that the building on the right, Pokhara Eye, appears to be below that of Le Glamour on the left. In fact, it's about 800 feet higher. How do we know this? We walk frequently from the latter to the former on a steep incline the whole way.
The illusion is that this is a full moon. While some might see a perfect circle, what we are actually observing is something completely different...It's the sun.

Baby tiger attacks local man but is flattened by his pregnant belly. The tiger was fortunate that the man, Purna, is only 4-5 months gone.
Jenni rushes to aid of tiger and pacifies it. What's the illusion? 'Tiger' is spray-painted dog. First-class paint job though. Heck, this is Nepal.
Jen reckons she's climbed more than a million steps over the last 9 weeks. Might be illusionary, but I can relate to the feeling.
We were offered a wonderful apartment on this curve. While the upper-level units go for thousands, we would be charged rent of $50 per month only. What a bargain. The proviso is that lower level apartments are subject to risk of periodic flooding. Then again, they are dust-free.
After the incident (last blog of 'suck my hind teat'), Jen has made friends with this cheeky bunch. Had you been with us, you might have heard her greeting to this group: "Hiya, Peter, Paul and to you, too, Mary." Her show of hand was definitely a wave rather than defensive preparation for an attack...so she tells me.
In all humility, Jeffrey has been invited to join 'Blood, Sweat and Tears', the musical group of the late 60's (for our younger viewers), in a rendition in Pokhara of their song: 'Spinning Wheel'. As a very large crowd is expected, an additional ferris wheel has been installed in the lake. (Raincoats are advised.)
Jen spends more time in the jungle than in her apartment. Not true but close.
This is where the bull-dozer was invented.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

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 vocation.
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