And that's a wrap!

A change of pace, weather and scenery has made for a really relaxing time at Kata beach.

Books were read, swims were swam and a couple of lazy naps were slept.

Now our bags are packed with dirty washing and special things from throughout our trip and we are ready to start the journey home. Mum tells us we are heading home to a heatwave. Hope that means more lazy beach days ahead!

Overload

Our last day in Kathmandu was packed with so many sights to see.

We were tired. We had seen so much. However what we did see will stay with us forever.

The sight of hundreds of monkeys at the monkey temple and the Buddhists moving around the stupa clockwise to spin the prayer wheels.

The sight of three holy cows surrounded by thousands of pigeons eating the rice they were given as an offering.

The sight of a water buffalo being unexpectedly sacrificed in front of us. The Nepalese are so calm usually that the violent act left us unsettled. Did I mention I have been a vegetarian since India... (It's ok Ross I think all will return to normal once we are home!)

The sight of the burning ghats and people's bodies being cremated. Unlike the Ganges the river is not very wide and the smoke wafts across the river and across your face. Everything returns to the water. A lovely philosophy however the river is littered beyond comprehension.

And then overload was reached.

We are off to Phuket now to sit on the beach and let everything soak in. We are so lucky...

Lions and Tigers and Bears; Oh My!

During our last two nights in Chitwan National Park we have been able to step back and enjoy the rhythm of the day.

Mornings have been foggy.

The mountains sit in the distance with their snow capped tips seeming out of place among the green forests.

On our jeep safari we saw no lions, tigers or bears.... However we were lucky to see deer, birds, crocodiles, lizards and best of all three rhino; whom we named in order, Ricardo, Rhonda and Ronnie. Rhino are solitary animals and just hang out by themselves... None of them were at all fussed we were checking them out.

Sunsets have been savored.

We joined in with a local troupe of Nepalese stick dancers last night in some traditional dancing. At the point at which Dan had to unzip his polar fleece and fling it to me so he could really unleash his groove I wasn't sure if the locals were ready for his moves...! They all commented afterwards that he is a very good dancer. Nepalese Idol maybe? Ricardo, Rhonda and Ronnie could be judges...

The breeze blows softly in Pokhara

The streets of Pokhara are decorated with hundreds of thousands of Tibetan prayer flags. During the days, which have been sunny and warm the breeze has sent them gently moving, which symbolizes the prayers being offered.

We began today by watching the sun rise at the Sarangot lookout which made the Annapurna range, part of the Himalayas, glow pink for the briefest moment. It was freezing so a cup of tea for 20 rupees was absolute bliss!

After breakfast we hiked to the World Peace Pagoda. The view from the top was worth it! Each time we catch a glimpse of the mountains from a new angle they are breathtaking!

Off to Chitwan National park tomorrow for a bit of jungle time. Hoping for more sunny days with the beautiful soft breeze...

Goodbye India and Hello Nepal

No trip to India is complete without a dose of Delhi belly and we were served our fair share on our last night. Our flight from India to Nepal was very "uncomfortable" as a result. However Dr Dan dished out the antibiotics and now we are feeling like healthy travelers again!

Yesterday we travelled from Kathmandu to Bandipur; a small traffic free village in the hills. The quiet town square was a welcome sight and a delight for the ears after the hectic pace of India. Our room in the guesthouse we are staying in has a small balcony which opens up to views of the Himalayas with their snow caps in the distance.

Dan and I went to go for a quiet walk through the village square this morning to see it transformed. A Nepalese film crew and 40 or so actors and dancers filled the space as a country backdrop for their movie. Kids, shop owners and people chasing a spot to sit in the sun watched on in a quiet manner.

Village life with the backdrop of the mountains is very peaceful... and the cuppa tea served on the terrace just seals the deal!

Varanasi and The Ganges

The holy water of the Ganges is central to the city of Varanasi and the Hindu rituals which some people perform here daily and some people travel from afar to do. Our very long day was bookended by witnessing these rituals.

The morning began with a sunrise boat trip. As our boat rowed down the shore we saw men bathing in the water and making offerings to the gods, washing being beaten and the bodies of those passed being cremated. The water was very still and reflected the pinks from the rising sun like a mirror. The whole trip was so moving... Or maybe we were tired and emotional from the 5am start!

In the evening we placed lit candles surrounded by marigolds into the dark river and they drifted alongside the boat. The lights from the shore were eerily reflected in the water across the river. The opposite side of the river is bare, which highlights the constant activity on the other side. The Hindu people believe that fire is the most pure element and use it during their rituals. Just seeing the burning ghats were the cremations were taking place and seeing the bodies wrapped and waiting left us without words...

And again on sunset the kites filled the sky...

On the Road and Rails

Yesterday we left Orchha and made our way to Kurajaho. The road was lined with people walking, families in rickshaws and in trailers towed by tractors who were returning home from the previous nights festivities.

It took us 4 hours to travel 170km.

Four hours!

We visited the karma sutra temples in Kurajaho, which was a very touristy place where we were hassled by hawkers constantly.

We are now aboard the sleeper train to Varanasi. A twelve hour trip!

I have been much more prepared for this overnight experience.... I have however had flashbacks to the sleeper train in Thailand... honeymoon romance anyone?