by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
Greetings from the Kathmandu Airport. We are waiting on our (delayed) flight to Pokhara. They divided the group in half for this flight, and my mom and I were in the second group. We got an extra hour of sleep and to prep. However, once we got to the airport – the first group was still here. There was weather this morning that has delayed most of the flights, so now we are waiting for everything to catch up.
The good aspect this is that is we were doing our Everest flight today, we wouldn’t have been able to go because of the weather. I am thankful we went yesterday, no doubt.
Last night we went to one of the former palaces which has been restored and has a restaurant and shops. We got to eat the typical “royal meal” (aka what the majarajahs used to eat) and see examples of native Neaplese folks dances. The meal included wild boar! And yes, I ate it (my mom not so much). As is typically me, I of course, thought of Moulin Rouge and kept waiting for Spectacular, Spectacular to break out. It never did. 🙁
At some point today, we will get to Pokhara. I’m not sure what we are up to once we get there, but I am sure it will be awesome. I really enjoyed our time in Kathmandu and look forward to returning at the end of our trip. The school we visited yesterday was quite interesting – and I will share more about it later. It was a school that also has a non-profit component to do more than just offer a free school for underprivileged kids. This country is amazing. I have seen so much over the past few days that it almost seems overwhelming, but I am thankful to see what I am seeing first-hand. Experiences like this help me remember to keep perspective on various things in my life. I am sure I will talk more about this as the journey continues.
I have already taken ~2000 photos! My guess is that I will hit 10000 before this trip is over. Best ideas ever were to rent the wideangle lens and buy a ton of memory. We should be departing soon, so I shall sign off for now. I miss you all, but am having a blast.
Namaste.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
But I made it to Nepal!
Today starts our first full day in Kathmandu. After arriving yesterday
morning at 8 am, we had a low key day with nothing hard scheduled. I
was most thankful to get out of my travellig clothes – 30+ hours of
travelling later.
Instead of resting and napping, I left the hotel with 6 others in my
group and we went on a walking tour in “Old Kathmandu”. After getting
lost (surprising? I think not) we ended up finding the route we wanted
to be on.
We were walking through the “side streets” – basically if it had
wheels and/or legs it would try to travel down it. We passed shops
selling everything and anything. Take a turn down a small pathway and
you’d find yourself in a quiet courtyard with a small temple or
shrine. Some were simple, some ornate, all stunning.
It was also amazing to see people from all walks of life walkin
through the bustling streets. Also, I have come to the conclusion that
there are hipsters everywhere, yes even in Kathmandu. Oh, and the
Nepalese like Bieber. I kept seeing posters hung up at some of the
shops and even playing at a cafe.
And yes, they also sell Glee DVDs. Heh.
I am really glad that I went on the adventure yesterday. It was a
great immersion into Nepal. And I got to know some of the people I am
travelling with.
So far I am loving this country. It is so different than what I am
used to, but yet I feel comfortable. I’ll likey be uploading photos in
a separate post – keep a look out. Still working out the logisitcs of
posting.
I hope you are all well.
As the Nepalese say, namaste.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
Some things spotted in the duty free shop and in the food court.
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
So I made it. 12 hrs after leaving JFK I have arrived in Doha, Qatar.
Initial thought? It is as warm here as it was in Minnesota when I left. Odd.
The flight was uneventful, I even managed to sleep. The entertainment was phenomenal. I watched Glee, Mad Men and Parks & Rec. Just like being at home – kinda.
I am currently chilling in the Onyx Lounge. Best $40 ever spent. Free wifi. Free snacks and beverages. And shower facilities!
Here are some photos from the flight too. Mainly to show our route, etc. And a classy picutre of my mom and I.
One more flight and I’ll be in Nepal!
by Melissa | Blog Post, Travel
I made it to JFK. Got lost. Found where I was supposed to be. Checked in for my flight to Doha. Found my mom.
Now I just need to eat. And charge my phone.
Have run into other people from my trip, and yes I am the youngest in the group.
I did, on my flight to JFK find 3 useful things in the Skymall magazine. Photo evidence provided
Next post will be from either Doha or Kathmandu. Two more flights. Only two more flights.
Cheers. 🙂
