Adventures in Nepal

This journey has been everything and nothing that I imagined it to be.  The beauty of Nepal, the people, the pace...In between activities I was blessed to be able to take in some of the heritage and sights and to make my memories of this truly sacred place even more etched in my mind.

I took two days and traveled to Chitwan National Park.  I would not recommend anyone do this in the summer.  Heat index of 108F with 100% humidity.  I melted.  But, I also saw a place so different from the mountains that I often forgot I was in Nepal at all.

Nepali goats

I struggle with the treatment of the male elephants.  They were chained to "protect" them from escaping due to poachers.  I'm not sure this is any better.

We took an early morning canoe ride and jungle walk.  Even so it was unbearably hot.

Crocodile home

Crocodile

Yes, this is a tiger track

We had another trek through the jungle, this time on elephant back.  I did not feel good about it after reading some reports of abuse, but after talking with my guide and getting a first hand look at the elephants I felt more satisfied about how these particular wondrous creatures were treated.  I am certain it is not the same in all areas, but these elephants were healthy and without scars and actually seemed to enjoy themselves.  The issue over using them in such a way is difficult as without the income from tourists most of these animals would not survive since the park needs funds to protect them. In addition, they are used to patrol the park and must be trained as such since even 4WD cannot navigate some of the terrain during monsoon season.  They are work animals after all, but if I had seen one scar I would have refused the trip.

The highlight of my trip came on the last evening.  On a motorbike in the heavy rains - sometimes so heavy we couldn't see, through the back roads of Soarhuara to see a Nepal that I haven't yet explored and few tourists go to.  We were drenched to the bone and in places the water came up over my feet on the pedal of the bike.  We laughed and it was joyous and felt so freeing to be cool and alive!  

My driver took me to the bee yard where I was able to talk bees and taste the absolutely most delicious honey I have ever tasted.  I thought they might have added butter to it but I was told there is a tree, the butter tree, whose nectar tastes like butter and this region is famous for it's honey.  It is sublime. 

Playing in the rain - like children everywhere

I was able to spend an afternoon at Durbar Square Patan.  The Durbar (Royal Palaces) are stunning in their splendor and I could only imagine what it must have been like in the glory days.

 

I also spent an afternoon in Durbar Square Kathmandu. This Durbar was heavily destroyed in the earthquakes and it was heartbreaking to see the rubble among the majesty.

Can you see the tree through all the carvings and decorations?

Dhindup by some of the rubble - I wish I could have seen it before the earthquakes

Dhindup and I also spent a few hours at the Dream Gardens - a lovely oasis on the outskirts of Thamel, Kathmandu - only a few minutes from my hotel.  The calm and quiet was serene after the hustle and bustle of the city - yet we were only feet away from the walls and gates.  I wish I had visited it earlier as I would have gone daily to meditate and center myself but am glad I got there at all.

Even here at this oasis we could not escape from the effects of the earthquakes