63.16 Nepal, Pokhara: Clouds, Color, clouds, Climbing, clouds, Cumulus, collectively combined.

  I share a love of clouds with a person I met when I was 6 years old. Maude and Theo Alge operated a successful clothing store in Highlands North that specialized in school uniforms. Between my sister, brother and myself, our family were taken care of for 36-years of school clothing. Fortunately, we are still in contact. Maude shares her positive feelings of clouds, while I attempt to photograph them. In addition, I enhance my love of reflections and even more so when clouds reflect off smooth surfaces. Then I’m in my element. 

I believe (hope) Maude and Theo will enjoy these formations as they are subtle and blend in with the scenery at low altitudes. 

The middle of the night, quite a scene and always quiet from our position.  

'Bring on the clowns...clouds'...wait, they're coming.
En route to Shiva Temple.

Part of the Annapurna Mountains. (see text for more data).
Inside the grounds of Shiva Temple. (Notice the building across the way which we pass in the early stages on the climb to Sarangkot Tower.)
Sun just shines on building across the way. Hotel slightly right, between clouds on mountain, is on way to Methlang.
Shanti Stupa below.
Somewhat left of the above subject.
Multi faiths, beliefs and therefore, expressions. Back in the temple grounds of Lord Shiva. 

Similar scenes but from a highpoint as well as illustrating the jungle-like growth below.
The long and winding road back to lake level.
Love that section of lake and city. Clouds not too bad either. 

The western side of the lake, no development.
One of my favorite scenes from above.
Clouds extend across city. Love the narrow but low clouds, seem personal.   

  Two weeks before, we spent a couple of nights away from home at Aniel's hotel, Mountain View Cafe Overlook, which sits at a highpoint above Phewa Lake, close to Shanti Stupa, the Japanese World Peace Temple. Like most, if not all concepts of peace and harmony in the world, none seem to be effective practically. Nevertheless, the ideas are essential and necessary, while at least the structures are attractive with many positioned in wonderful locations for those enjoying a bit of hiking and climbing. 

  Recently, we returned for a single day stay which allowed night views of the surround as well as spectacular early morning sights. These are indeed the highlight time. Although on this occasion, we only attained partial views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, nevertheless, the clouds entertained us throughout the morning, even the night, as well as along the trail to the other famous temple in the region, that of Lord Shiva. By the way, Annapurna reaches an altitude of 26,545 feet. Bear in mind the highest mountains in the United States (contiguous) and South Africa are 14,498 and 11,320 feet respectively. 

  Talking of entertainment, we met Abhi Shek on our first visit to 'Mountain View' and of course, received input from Aniel, the owner/manager. Abhi Shek reminds us of our nephew, Justin—they share similar smiles and facial expressions, in particular. We had a good time with this twenty-year old over both periods. Besides the various exchanges, we were returning to the hotel for breakfast on our last visit when we saw Abhi Shek in a parked vehicle doing some office work. The subject of his boss, Aniel came up. Aniel is his brother-cousin, a concept we are still not sure we understand. This led us to mention the Bee Gees and 'He ain't heavy, he's my brother' recording. It drew a blank—he had not heard of the group although he did know of the 'Beatles'. When we returned to eat a quick breakfast following our return from Shiva Temple, the music playing on the lake overlook at the hotel was music from the Bee Gees. We find it fascinating communicating with the locals including the younger generations. It sure adds spice and more meaning to life. 

  Just as we were departing, Aniel called us together for a little ceremony that was heartwarming. He presented us with a Nepalese scarf each and flowers...a first. It was a very tender moment. (See end).  

  As we write this text clouded with strong feelings of trying to slow the advancement of time, we have our heads in clouds and our minds, too. We also have thoughts and smiles of buses, domestic animals, locals and always, mountains. Whilst we have immersed ourselves in the life of Nepal, we also have a desire to remain slightly separate. We are never aloof, but always wish to gain a view from outside whilst often, enjoying the social interaction rather than just answering the standard question of: ‘Where are you from?” I think the next reply I offer will be: ‘From my mother’s womb.’ 

  We skip going to temple for spiritual purposes but rather try to visit frequently to take in the sights along the way, the views from mountaintops and of course, the challenge of reaching the peaks. In the opening line, we mentioned time. This often occurs when we don’t want the trip to end and so we try slow things down. The problem is we don’t know how other than to extend the stay. Well, even we, who are not that quick, have realized that time is constant and no matter what we do, the visit of two months will end. However, there’s always a next time and as Jen is wont to remind me, the same thing will occur in the next location, it has occurred for over fourteen years. Nevertheless, the visit to Pokhara has been most special and we are making plans to return soon(est). 

  I have mentioned buses, drivers and conductors, frequently. Last week, we headed east on a sidewalk and a minivan stopped for us—we were looking out for a bus. We learned they too operate like the bus service. I pointed out to the conductor that his vehicle was full. I don’t believe they accept the concept—there’s always room for more. I hesitated, the vehicle began to move. I lifted my arm, the vehicle stopped. I went into the body of the bus while Jen was led to the cab to sit alongside a passenger upfront. While traveling for the short journey toward the commencement point of the Shanti Stupa (temple) climb, I could not help but smile and marvel as we sat in this vehicle filled with local people, my eyes on my beloved sitting upfront appearing to complement her fellow passengers. We always seem to feel comfortable in these environments, almost like being that of a local wherever we visit. Strange! It was most comforting and uplifting even should I not be able to explain it. 

  The following week, we repeated the hike with an additional leg to visit Lord Shiva and naturally retrace our path. What tickled me was that on the return, we boarded a bus with the same driver and conductor whom had brought us outwards some 6 hours earlier. How deserving of a gratuity for such 'personal service'—it was one of those moments where coincidences give one a boost. 

Clouds begin to dissipate; Stupa makes a frequent appearance, on the right.
Jen absorbs the beauty (and climb) while catching her breath.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Aniel, Abhi Shek, 2 sweaty clowns, and unnamed young gentleman. Proudly wearing the Nepalese scarves given to us.