Sunshine one beautiful day. The kids are a delight.
As I tumbled into the abyss, falling steadily down, not accelerating as one would expect, my mind wondered what had brought me to this position. A few days previously, we had flown a long journey from the United States to Asia, arriving in the tumultuous Kathmandu. Unless a person has experienced it firsthand, I doubt whether a reasonably sane human could envisage such chaos. To its credit, it’s organized chaos. However, please don’t ask me to define the term. That would be chaotic for my brain which currently is functioning well below optimum which in and of itself may be an optimistic assessment. (written 6 weeks ago, continues below...)
The target, Sarangkot observatory viewed from above lake level or thereabout. Our commencement point was at the lake, a little intimidating. Nevertheless, it tells most of the story.
The observatory and target with some background.
The ridge well below the peak. One can make out the cable car pylons near the ridge. The cableway runs below the observation point but passes it beyond to the left. In all 3 pictures, the antenna tower is a good indicator.
The only negative of the day was the haze. Had it been clear, we think the visuals would have been stunning from such heights attained.
Jen reckons it was one of the steepest paths ever. We thought the one at Dhampus (a few days ago) held the record. I concur. Picture cannot capture the true extent by a long way.
Taken on another day, the contrast caused by different air quality.
Getting lower, the ferris wheel, a landmark for us, comes into view (toward the left, close to water edge).
A view from the top from where we ate breakfast.
A particularly special day, taken on our descent. When we first saw the peak, we knew we had to get there. It took some thinking in finding a path as there was a dearth of information. In the end, like all things, knowledge is vital and of course, provides solutions. There are a few routes possible.
The white building to the left and beyond that's under construction is the cable station.
We took a different route up because we were unsure of a particular junction. For a short while, we joined the main road and passed the 'World Trade Center', the parking lot filled by the scooter. It's a modest 400 feet square foot structure whose owners have optimistic ideas. One can dream.
A steep set of steps to the official viewpoint.
At breakfast, we look down to the water from where we commenced and notice a 'room with a view' in front of us.
I was so sure that's my left foot...or is it the right? 'Anyway, looks like I missed your droppings, Daisy.'
The views are wonderful but the day's haze was detrimental.
A view of the Stupa across the lake when we're still low...well, not that far up.
Two days later, Jenni stands to the left of the stupa (above,) in the early morning, with another stunning view of the city.
When we were less than halfway up, we searched for the position we had reached at the Rock Garden in Methlang on two previous occasions from different routes. Note the icon with back to us in blue, to the right.
A couple of weeks before, we were at the icon shown above in the far distance.
We had set aside a few days to settle down in the city before tackling the inimitable Himalayas. Good thinking. During the first three, we acquired provisions, dodged motor bikes and taxis and tried to tune out the honking of horns. Meanwhile our bodies absorbed the dust, dirt and the foul particles we cannot see that permeate the atmosphere. We wondered how the Covid virus managed to survive the hostile environment—it sure ain’t easy. The sleeping was restful between the frequent interruptions of unruly guests, late traffic and all-night party goers. Sometimes, it seems like a climb up Everest should be a walk in the park compared with surviving civilization of the city. The older I get, the more I experience of life, the more I realize the concept of ‘civilization’ is most flattering to humans. In less tactless moments, I have much more vivid and I think apt descriptions of the concept which applies universally and definitely not only to our current locale. In fact, we also experience very touching and kind behavior over in this part of the world as in other places.
The observatory and target with some background.
The ridge well below the peak. One can make out the cable car pylons near the ridge. The cableway runs below the observation point but passes it beyond to the left. In all 3 pictures, the antenna tower is a good indicator.
The only negative of the day was the haze. Had it been clear, we think the visuals would have been stunning from such heights attained.
Jen reckons it was one of the steepest paths ever. We thought the one at Dhampus (a few days ago) held the record. I concur. Picture cannot capture the true extent by a long way.
Taken on another day, the contrast caused by different air quality.
A view from the top from where we ate breakfast.
A particularly special day, taken on our descent. When we first saw the peak, we knew we had to get there. It took some thinking in finding a path as there was a dearth of information. In the end, like all things, knowledge is vital and of course, provides solutions. There are a few routes possible.
The white building to the left and beyond that's under construction is the cable station.
We took a different route up because we were unsure of a particular junction. For a short while, we joined the main road and passed the 'World Trade Center', the parking lot filled by the scooter. It's a modest 400 feet square foot structure whose owners have optimistic ideas. One can dream.
A steep set of steps to the official viewpoint.
At breakfast, we look down to the water from where we commenced and notice a 'room with a view' in front of us.
I was so sure that's my left foot...or is it the right? 'Anyway, looks like I missed your droppings, Daisy.'
The views are wonderful but the day's haze was detrimental.
A view of the Stupa across the lake when we're still low...well, not that far up.
Two days later, Jenni stands to the left of the stupa (above,) in the early morning, with another stunning view of the city.
When we were less than halfway up, we searched for the position we had reached at the Rock Garden in Methlang on two previous occasions from different routes. Note the icon with back to us in blue, to the right.
A couple of weeks before, we were at the icon shown above in the far distance.
We had set aside a few days to settle down in the city before tackling the inimitable Himalayas. Good thinking. During the first three, we acquired provisions, dodged motor bikes and taxis and tried to tune out the honking of horns. Meanwhile our bodies absorbed the dust, dirt and the foul particles we cannot see that permeate the atmosphere. We wondered how the Covid virus managed to survive the hostile environment—it sure ain’t easy. The sleeping was restful between the frequent interruptions of unruly guests, late traffic and all-night party goers. Sometimes, it seems like a climb up Everest should be a walk in the park compared with surviving civilization of the city. The older I get, the more I experience of life, the more I realize the concept of ‘civilization’ is most flattering to humans. In less tactless moments, I have much more vivid and I think apt descriptions of the concept which applies universally and definitely not only to our current locale. In fact, we also experience very touching and kind behavior over in this part of the world as in other places.
My fall continues and unfortunately, Jenni joined me although she suffered different symptoms. It has caused us to further delay our departure for the mountains but remain in the ‘jungle’ for a longer period. What will cure us and how long it will take is of course unknown. However, we will pursue all measures we believe will aid us in our endeavor to halt the decline, stabilize ourselves, and make the effort to regain strength. The thought of a good stretch, an enduring climb, viewing the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayans in their glory, beauty and overpowering hostility is too enticing to allow human maladies to prevail. Add in the camaraderie of fellow adventurers, the humility of the mountain people and the other seductive powers of nature and it adds up to something not to be missed. We await and fight for a reversal of our temporary decline as we enter day 6 slightly improved.
Conclusion:
One evening during the tough period, I lay in my bed feeling dejected and awfully sorry for myself. I turned to face Jenni who is a trooper, looked in her eyes and felt inspired. A thought came to me which many people have read often enough. I said, “Don’t worry, my Jen, this too shall pass.” I had no hint that things were changing but knew, somehow, we were going to make the change happen.
Over the last month, I can’t remember a time in my life that I ever felt consistently more inspired, grateful and filled with joy and adventure. We obviously cannot expect to remain on this ‘high’, it’s unrealistic, but would hope to stay in the positive realm. Carpe Diem.
We're under the cables...at least we know the way back.
Co-existing, the old and new. It's a tough environment but filled with much humility, too. One is most fortunate to learn lessons of life almost daily. We learn from our friends, our peers but mostly from strangers in foreign cultures.
Cheers,
Co-existing, the old and new. It's a tough environment but filled with much humility, too. One is most fortunate to learn lessons of life almost daily. We learn from our friends, our peers but mostly from strangers in foreign cultures.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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