Himalaya Baby!

 So the bus trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara was quite an adventure! We were in a procession of about 10 tourist buses - all varying degrees of completeness and about 20 huge trucks - all similar to a gypsy convoy in NZ. All colourful, with funny things written on the side. The road was like the Skippers Road, combined with the Otago Penninsula Road, combined with the Queen Charlotte Drive....anyone who knows how well I travel on windy roads and at the back of busses will know how daunting the first few hours were for me! Made it though, with a new friend who told me all about Nepali culture, custom and his business! Top pic of leaving kathmandu.

 And arrived in Pokhara to an incoming storm that was apparently very unusual for this time for year. Was very impressive thunder and lightening. I met some Norwegian girls on the street so hung out with them for a bit, and then found Paul and his kayaking friend which was pretty exciting!  Went to bed a happy girl and woke to a stunning day...

 Paul anbd I went for a morning run up to a temple on the top of a nearby hill. I walked most of the way up blamed the altitude and then found out it was only 400m to 1000m so was left realising Im just unfit!) Still, a 600m climb before breakfast was a good effort and we had a great breakfast at the top looking out over the Himalaya!~ HUGE MOUNTAINS! Hard to come up in the pic but was stunning.

 Random place in Pokhara

Funny sign outside a shop. The tourist areas are really nice - tar seal etc but the rest of the town is quite similar to the back blocks of Port Vila - clay dirt roads, lots of rubbish around, stray dogs, random small shops. But lots of very friendly people - heaps of Tibetian people which is cool. I cranked out mny first proper phrase in Nepali and the waiter laughed at me and my phrasebook but got me what I asked for! Sweet!

Am off tomorrow for a 10 day trek into the hills and up to 4000m at Annapurna Base Camp. Am looking forward to be in the trail and hanging out in little villages! Will update once I return!

Thanks for your messages and prayers - Dhanyabad (Thanks!)