63.06 Nepal: Pokhara: Contrasting scenes from lake level with that of mountain positions.

  We wander at lake level for a short while, and then head into the mountains. 

The still, calm waters with a polished sheen and a hue of blues join with reflections of clouds to provide stunning and tranquil views, not forgetting soul enriching moments.
After a wild scooter ride, Jen elects to take the bus home. And we tell everyone that we walk and hike. We slipped...(we kid)
  It’s probably not wise to predict what will occur or even try to gauge possible occurrences—it could leave a person flat-footed or perhaps on a wild ride. Of course, most of the time one’s day can be planned and the said plan adhered to with minor variances here and there. It’s the things that come from ‘left field’ that confuse a person. Why do I raise this? Of course, there has to be a story somewhere in this little lot. One hopes it’s a decent one...see below...

 The fishermen walk upon the surface...

...while the boat skates upon the surface.
Change the focus, alter the coloring.

Then, on the next day, we head up a tricky jungle ascent and experience some of the wonder of Pokhara and Nepal.

Jungle on the one side, city below.

Shanti Stupa across the way, always a dignified sight and site.
Haunting, mesmerizing...just love it.
An infrequent view of one of the Annapurna Peaks.
Sprawling city.
  Following two strenuous hikes on the mountains, we began the day without hiking plans but a willingness to rest. We then set out to do some shopping; we do that often because of the nature of the country's retail structure as well as a lack of our own transport. 

  On our way to the shops, we met Krishna, a youngster we got to know quite well last year. Thereafter, we decided to have lunch on a formal basis, something contrary to our usual brunch on the trails. We found a vegetarian restaurant which in and of itself is hardly surprising. It’s a popular form of food in the country. 

  During the shopping trip, which usually entails visiting a number of stores as each specializes, my credit card was not accepted for reasons I could not understand. Therefore, we paid cash instead, the common method of payment. That threw me out a little as our cash resources were depleted and I would need to visit an ATM. We returned home to offload the groceries and departed again for veggie burgers and salads and dare I add, French fries. 

  We were sitting at the table watching the world go by, in a fashion, when it struck me that I might not have sufficient cash in my wallet to cover the meal. Oops! Although we sort of knew the proprietors, I did not want to have to explain our low cash system and the need for a short-term loan. I said to Jen I would dash down to an ATM, about 15 minutes roundtrip. I also warned that should she be tempted to sneak my fries while I was away, there would be serious ramifications. Funnily enough, as I have aged, potatoes which I had been crazy about are no longer an attractive vegetable. I’m sure that’s something a reader might find fascinating. Well, I try. Juicy, ripe tomatoes, green peas and saucy, spicy Jenni...um...concoctions are a real turn-on, though. 

  I headed off with Jenni’s words echoing in my mind ‘don't get lost’. At the first cash machine, I went through the typical process, and waited for the dispensing of notes. ‘Transaction cancelled’. I tried again—no change. Then I searched for another machine, a few minutes further away. Result: the same. I tried another card. No luck. The guard outside the bank suggested I repeat the process. 

  Just then, a message arrived from Buddha. Actually, it was Buddhi, our landlord, perhaps a messenger (angel). He had noticed me struggling as he rode past on his scooter. 

  “Climb aboard, Jeffrey,” he shouted, “I’ll take you to the more reliable machines.” 

  It’s a problem at times, the issue with ATM’s not always functioning. That Buddhi passed by at that moment, that he noticed me standing around, and that he offered kindness was incredible. 

  I climbed onto the back of the scooter, a first since I can’t remember when, and we headed off, not into the sunset, more likely the rain. Buddhi was shielded with a helmet while Jeffrey relied upon a hard head. We rode at least 5 minutes further away from the restaurant, negotiating the potholes, not always smoothly, while successfully avoiding other motorists and pedestrians. I did not wish to hold onto Buddhi so I grabbed the back of the seat behind me firmly, wondering how stable I’d be should we take a hit. Not a pleasant thought. The ATM’s, as Buddhi suggested, functioned smoothly, allowing us each to top-up our wallets. During this period, I hoped Jen would not be too worried but what would she think other than something negative. The uncertainty in her mind worried me, even more so than the security of my fries, burger and salad. 

  All’s well that ends well, especially when one is a recipient of human kindness. Thank you again, Buddhi. 

Water changes color yet again.
The cable cars have just crossed, the scene of a great trail.
It only takes a twig to block or accentuate a view.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey