58.01-05 Nepal 2023: A Peek into City Life...talk of tough living conditions for its citizens...and some incredible opportunities we found.

Kathmandu, from a stupa (Monkey Temple/Shrine).
Temple used infrequently where siblings may bless each other...not surprising then.
We would not know where to begin relating information, our experiences, observations and dilemmas that have arisen from and in this fascinating country. It's not often that we are stuck for words but in this case we are. We'll take a break and try to get our minds back in gear. After a particularly rough start in the country due to illness, we are finding our feet and fortunately, also found some fascinating hiking opportunities. We also have walked Kathmandu extensively, and currently, the city of Pokhara as we prepare to move toward treks in the high mountains. 

 What's striking is living in neighborhoods, amongst the locals and getting to know them, even slightly, while dealing with the customs, regulations and chaos. What's always been something fascinating for us over the years is that we seem to immerse ourselves naturally into the lifestyle and forget we are foreigners although we obviously stand out prominently. Maybe it's the hats.  Children, particularly the babies and early schoolers, provide joy and bring sanity into the world. They are true blessings.

 Funnily enough, we don't really notice our 'strangeness' until a local driver, or scooter rider, fails to stop while we're crossing a road while having the right-of-way. At times like that, we remember exactly who we are and how we'd like to exert ourselves. Alas, the rules of the road have not yet been published in this country. We'd love to think 'coming soon' but perhaps litter is even a larger issue. 

  This blog incorporates a few pictures from a number of city-walks and at least 3 hikes, too.

A 'celebrity guest' at the Monkey Temple pursuing its faith.
Typical Nepalese Restaurant at the beginning of the climb to the stupa.
From the stupa trail, the air quality couldn't be better to stimulate frequent coughing spurts.
Arriving at the stupa.
Two days later, Jen across the water from the stupa.
Heading toward the village of Sedi, Pokhara. 'Houston? We have an air issue.'
Couple days later, wind and rain clear the air. Pokhara is staggering in extent.
In the village of Methlang, an African meets up with an Indian...elephant, after a steep climb.
We had no idea what it was, but it became our destination when we spotted it from far below.
We reach our destination just before an electric storm, sit for breakfast and Jen feeds the wildlife.
Locked. Now we look down on this contraption we spotted from hundreds of feet below.
Back in Kathmandu, I'll scratch yours if you'll do mine.
The city is vibrant, alive, chaotic including occasional moments of tranquility as roving photographer, JenniBen, captures.
The first day in 5 when the air cleared. What a difference. We look forward to many more in Pokhara.

Jen captures the separation of meat and fish.
"We don't discriminate against horses but it's not advisable to utilize the machine wash."
As we move higher, a small part of the town comes into view.
The stupa from the other side of Fewa Lake. (We took far fewa pictures because of the poor air quality.)
And finally, we reach the 'World Peace Pagoda' for midday prayers and brunch. (Most people take a taxi or scooter to reach this attraction. Of course, Jenni forces me to walk with her.) I spoke to an Indian fellow who was accompanied by his young family. He asked me where the path we utilized went. I told him to lake level from where we began the ascent. I in turn asked him from where he walked. Not understanding English that well he replied, "India".
Next destination: The High Mountains of the Himalayas...a view from Rock Garden, Methlang.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey