A glimpse of my Nepal adevture

The first thing friends said when they heard I was travelling to Nepal for 6 weeks was, why? Don’t I ever just want to go to Spain and sit next to a pool? Are you going to trek Everest? Am I staying in Kathmandu? Where would I stay? Who would I be with? Don’t I ever get lonely or scared?
My answer is to always follow my gut instinct, get the basics in order (some customs, cash, transport, visas etc), have no expectations other than to experience the place, people and culture fully, be friendly and it’s surprising that people are friendly back! And no I never get lonely or scared but I may like to experience the places I visit with others. The travelling community is so vast if you have the confidence to just say Hi. I’m not always sure where I’ll stay but it won’t take long to find somewhere that will suit my budget or mood.
I travelled to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sarangot, Dhading region and Chitwan National Park back in Oct/Nov 2010. I can honestly say the friendship, hospitality and adventure I experienced was second to none. There was so much to do in such a short period of time that unfortunately Everest and the trekking tourism were not on my agenda on this occasion. I wanted to get to know the true culture and living of those who we hear so much about. Who is a Sherpa? Where are they from, what drives them, what makes them laugh, cry and celebrate?
Starting at the obvious landing point of Kathmandu, I spent the first night roaming the bustling smoggy streets. In taking the noise of the city in all its forms. I’d heard that Kathmandu was badly polluted and in just the first night I could feel the fumes starting to build up on the back of my throat.
Although not in full swing of the trekking season yet, Kathmandu was getting its self ready for its annual festivities of Dashain and Tihar. The next following days and nights was spent engrossed in watching shoppers from all walks of life stock up on clothes, gifts, luxury goods and endless supplies of offerings for their gods. The endless street markets, heading off in every direction from Durbar Square had their own experiences each full of character, colour and indescribable smells. Thousands of goats, ducks, chickens and the likes were being slaughted in and around the sacred places and temples ready for the festive reunion of their distant and nearby relatives. I was also lucky enough to see the religious icon, the living goddess, Kumari Devi to. The whole experience was such an exciting and invigorating environment to explore and be part of. I was welcomed with open arms by those who wished to share their culture with me. I learnt so much about the Nepali culture in such a small number days.
With travel excitement, I headed for the 9 hours journey on the local bus out of the smog and into the clear hills of Mosar in Dhading Besi. I was spending the next 10 days with a family who I had not met yet but who made me feel welcome from the moment I entered their home. It still amazes me that with such a language barrier, we managed to communicate successfully and with great warmth and laughter.
To be continued...