Saturday, September 28, 2013

Kathmandu 09/29/2013 - Pokhara

Leave it to a Resurge team to put in long days all week and then use the weekend to … put in long days!

Today we got up at 4 a.m. to get on the road up the mountain at Sarankot to see first light on the Annapurna range (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarankot).  It was interesting to wind up the winding, dark and potholed road and see the locals already up sweeping in front of their stores, walking up the hill to get exercise, and making food for their families.


We finally made it to the pinnacle and as we waited for Nature’s show to begin, the area filled in with more and more tourists.  Then a few buses arrived, and there was this other human show that was interesting too.  Unfortunately the peaceful quiet one would hope could accompany such a scene was not going to happen.  Quite the contrary; loud voices and clicking cameras on tripods dominated the moment.




Finally small rims of pink appeared on the tallest peaks, and then to oohs and ahhs the sun peaked up over the horizon and made a showing.  Then each peak began to brighten up and show its full height and glory.  No clouds to be seen around the mountains, but there were fingers of fog throughout the valley and the foothills.  Very nice display.






I had to be careful taking pictures because occasionally as I was looking through the camera, I would see a flash of color up close.  Enthusiastic neighbors.

Except of course Hien, but we had an arrangment because I can see over her head!



We made our way back down the mountain, had a wonderful breakfast, and everyone made their way back to bed for a nap.

Vickie serenaded with her ukulele.




















Flight back to Kathmandu, relax and shop, a couple of people not feeling great, and we move hotels in the morning back to Hotel Tibet International.  Trekking season, so all hotels are full.

Old-fashioned scale at the airport.


Did some shopping once back in Kathmandu.  Anne needed a pair of speakers to show a teaching video, and the shop owner and her daughter made a beautiful pair themselves.

No lawyers in Kathmandu!  So much construction; some of the store and home fronts have been bulldozed away to widen the streets.  One has to watch closely lest you trip on steps or fall in a hole in the sidewalk!


Thoughtful store owners will remind everyone to take care.

No comments: