Entering Nepal or How I learned to love Traveling

What me and Diana would have probably said about Nepal before any research or going there. It is landlocked between China and India and is the home of Everest. I'm not exactly sure why I was drawn to coming to Nepal on my Travels, When I was younger I envisioned Australia and Thailand as the ultimate backpacker experience. Well all I can say is I was glad I was so wrong. Nepal is now in my favorite countries after visiting here. But like most epic journeys these days, my time in Nepal began with a plane ride.

The trip to Nepal was by far the longest transit I have experienced. From Cairo we transferred at Doha airport and stayed the night. It was a pleasant enough airport, but still it was an airport. Although we knew about this transfer beforehand it was still tedious waiting through it, yet I did finish a few books after it. when we boarded the plane we were looking forward to the relative comfort of our airplane.

Kathmandu has long been infamous for its runway at Tribuvhan airport. numerous accidents have occurred here and it is known as one of the hardest runways to land and take off. Most recently the terrible incident that resulted in 19 fatalities. As we arrived to land the weather took a turn for the worse and after circling for about an hour, the pilot had no choice but to head for India to refuel. The disappointment of missing half a day in Nepal was negated by a want to land safely, but I was still Itching to visit my first country in Asia.

Again it was evening when we landed and were taken swiftly to our hospital in a 4x4 that looked as if it had seen better days, regardless we were happy for the car and enjoyed a peaceful trip to our Hostel located in Thamel.

Me and Diana work up the next day to the sound of rain against the window, threw back the curtain and saw an epic downpour. Living in Britain you do get used to the rain and it doesn't really bother us, so unconcerned we went straight into Thamel. The internet told us beforehand Thamel is the place for any budding tourist to stay in Kathmandu. We set off to explore the wonderful shops and had the banter with the local shopkeepers. I learnt one of life's truly important lessons here, how to haggle. I found I was pretty good at it (or at least I though I was), but it was so much fun being able to negotiate on anything, something we need to bring back in the U.K. most of the first day we pent just shopping and eating. The momo's were amazing, there types of dumplings but filled with flavour. Diana even got a pashmina, however the jury is still out if its genuine, although she still likes it all the same.

Second day and it was off to Swayambhunath, colloquially known as the monkey temple. I have been to some pretty striking monuments around Europe and more recently the Pyramids of Giza, for me though Swayambhunath was the most impressive I had ever seen up to this point. The steps leading up to the place where even fantastic. 365 steps looking at various statues along the way and even spotting an eagle hunting in the sky. The temple is adorned with the famous prayer flags and the great stupa with Buddha's eyes. Every inch of this place is spectacular from the prayer wheels to the spectacular views across the Kathmandu valley. Having never seen a monkey outside of a zoo, I was hoping I would get to see one and trust me you will see many. You can get unbelievably close to them, and they may get very close to you if you have any food. The temple from its hill top surroundings, local wildlife and to its beautiful architecture were outstanding. I cannot recommend this place highly enough, It was like nothing I had ever experienced and I would love to go there again.

I had enjoyed Nepal from the word go and in just two days we began to love it here. the next few days were full of even more excitement and introductions to a great culture. Nepal has so much to offer and I have the privilege to recall my time there. I'm looking forward to talking more about it in my next entry.