Pokhara: Lakes and Motorcycles

First of all, I wish I could post photos more often on this blog, but unfortunately I rarely have access to a computer to do so. I only have my tablet, and I can't do it with that. But hopefully soon I'll be able to post more.

I just got back to kathmandu after almost 10 days in pokhara. Pokhara is the 2nd largest city in Nepal, which isn't saying much. It's actually pretty chill. Which is one of the reasons I stayed there so long. It's right on a beautiful lake and looks out over the lower Himalayas. Every morning you'll see dozens of paragliders soaring over the lake, enjoying the best view of the mountains.

A lot happened, but my tablet doesn't have much juice left, so I'll be brief.

I got destroyed by a Nepali kid in pool. Total shark. Luckily I had no money on the game! This was at a restaurant his mother owned, so I'm guessing he had a lot of practice :-)  They also had a guitar, so I got to play a bit for the first time in a while.

I went to my first Nepali yoga class. It was in a room barely big enough for 5 people. The guy who led the class seemed very knowledgeable. The style was very slow. Maybe too slow, though it was closer to what I like than most yoga in the states. I can't wait for the yoga retreat in India.

I met a couple great guys, one from Portland and one from Seattle. One is living in Nepal now, running a textile business. We went on a long bike ride to some caves and through the less explored parts of the city one day. It was on the day of the transportation strike, so the roads were clear. Except for all the children playing cricket and soccer in the streets, who would always smile and yell, "Hello!" over and over as we passed. That was one of my favorite experiences so far.

A couple days later, we rented a couple motorcycles and road to a lake about 45mins away. The ride was exhilarating, but also challenging. Neither of the two had ever ridden a cycle before, and me only in training to get my license. But we did well, I'd say. There was one point when I stalled out on a steep hill and had to push the thing a ways to get to flat ground. And that time when what I've now identified as a water buffalo ran out in front of me. And then having someone on the back of my bike the first time. On roads that rarely were paved, and not well when they were. But now I'm not at all afraid to ride back home. Although the other drivers on the road here are much more aware than those in the USA, mainly because there are more bikes on the road than cars. Riding here gave me a fresh, unique view in the place. I loved it.

Walking down the street, I get asked by barbers leaning out their windows if I want my beard shaved, at least twice a day. I know i haven't shaved in a month, but i like it!

Battery is going to die, so that's all for now. Feeling so grateful for this opportunity, and for great support from my friends and family :-)