70.17 Nepal: The numerous facets, represented by a scene each, of a hike from Lakeside, Pokhara to Kalabang Buddha Temple and Park.

We began at our apartment, quite a brilliant commencement point, headed through parts of the city as we made our way toward the jungle. We arrived forty minutes later and spent nearly an hour climbing through this, calm and beautiful, area.
After close on 2 hours, we reach Shanti Stupa and walk through the beautiful gardens. At the time, we continue to gaze at the fabulous Annapurna range while taking in the lovely flora...sort of 'two for the effort of one'.
The night is spent at Anil's Mountain View Cafe (guesthouse) above Fewa Lake and below the mountains. It sits adjacent to Shanti Stupa, both at night-and-day.
Below is Fewa Lake and part of Pokhara, not too bad a sight. (Temple sits on the island below).
The following morning, we head to Shiva Temple. That night, we note that the lord never sleeps. He continues to sit and lord over the surroundings.
We are woken by this sight. Sometimes we would like the sun to rise later so we can sleep longer...huh? (It was in the last blog when we mentioned the wise quote from XX: "When you've seen one mountain, you've seen them all." Subsitute 'sunrise' for mountain).
We are on the way to Shiva Temple, enroute to Kalabang, when a strange woman waves to me. I act cool as if this is the norm (although it's never occurred before) and decide to wait to find out what she wants. In the distance (hazy) is Shanti Temple (right).
We arrive at Shiva, enter through the front and take a look at his back. We notice the elephant human (Ganesh) circling the lord. There's an awful lot going on which reflects upon cultural beliefs. We take this all in but are focused on what lies ahead as we seek a new Buddha icon somehere in the distance.
Heading toward Kalabang and the Buddha icon/temple/park. We are not able to make out what the area in front of the icon is yet. Currently going through construction works and the we'll reach the ridge upon the mountain and hike along it.
Jen on the ridge with Annapurna to the side. The ridge is a delightful hike.
Getting much closer...making more sense of the features.
The last 'mile' or should that read 'yard'?
Welcome, Jen...enjoy the breakfast rest.
Love the mountain setting.
An invasion hits the sky outside of Pokhara turning it into a massive aviary.
I think we could live up here.
Returning, perhaps a little (lot) tired but content, excited and realizing the 'grass is always greener on the other side'.
Big, beautiful and stunning mountains; golden flora to salute them.
  We close another beautiful two days being grateful and uplifted after enjoying many varied experiences. Perhaps the most amusing aspect occurred when we left the Buddha Temple and asked an elderly guy whether a particular route would take us to Shiva Temple. He took a look at Jenni and in a very decent and tactful manner indicated 'no'. I replied that she was a very strong and capable woman. He withdrew his opinion and gave us brief directions. It turns out that we had used part of the route the previous year when we visited the Pokhara Heights Resort. 

  I held back, in the interests of saving grace (and face), in not saying that he should have been more aware that I (Jeffrey) am the weaker hiker. Well, got away with it that time. 

Pokhara Heights Resort. We see this building from many different places throughout Pokhara...quite amazing the length of visibility. It sits on one of the high peaks.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

One tough (tired) girl...one very special woman.

  While I have a pen in my hand, I'll complete the blog with a story which made me smile during the early stages of this trip. We hike to Methlang frequently. The path takes us through a jungle, followed by walking in the villages, a few climbs here-and-there, in addition to the steep incline of the whole route. We stop at the restaurant at the peak for a light breakfast each time—it's a tradition as well as an opportunity to connect with the employees. By the way, it's always a good experience...actually wonderful. 

  The procedure upon arrival is to pay 100 Rupees per person for access, which is then deducted from the invoice. It's obviously to limit the free-riders from this wonderful position that's quite high. It also offers swings and various narrow bridges to cross. After our frequent visits, the gate-guard announced that as we were' family' we would no longer be charged the entry deposit. 

  The other day, I entered ahead of Jen, said 'hello' to the guard and then proceeded upwards. Immediately behind me, an Indian family followed, the young woman dressed for ballroom dancing. I could not help notice that when the guard stopped her and asked for the entry deposit, she blatantly pointed toward me and intimated "How come that white-faced-snot-nosed foreigner did not have to pay? Do you know who I am?" What I did hear from the guard, music to my ears, was: "He's family." 

Her face was not placated...in fact, a lot worse.