Kim and TD + an unexpected lay off + 15 28 months + wanderlust + gratuitous cursing = a dream fulfilled
Posted in Nepal on Jul 29th, 2009
Nepal ended up on our itinerary because of our explicit desire to trek in the Annapurna range. Even before we arrived, it was clear this was not the ideal time for trekking. The monsoon season from June-Sept brings rain almost everyday and obscures the mountains under an impenetrable layer of clouds. Our guide friends from [...]
Posted in Nepal on Jul 27th, 2009
Once our Chinese visas came through, we headed for Pokhara, the gateway to the Himalayas and required stop for any self respecting backpacker in Nepal. Although Lakeside is similar to Kathmandu’s Thamel district, you can quickly see why people come here in droves. First of all, it is way more chilled out – with practically [...]
Posted in Nepal on Jul 22nd, 2009
Print out the visa application from the Chinese Consulate’s site and attach a passport photo. Be aware that you can submit applications on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Kathmandu. Drop-off time is 9:30-11:30am. After a night of heavy drinking, don’t lag in the morning and arrive at the consulate at 11:20am. Remember to bring a [...]
Posted in Nepal on Jul 17th, 2009
“Tiger balm, sir? You want Tiger balm?” holler the Nepalese touts who pace the streets of Kathmandu, pushing this Chinese medical ointment as if it were crack. Other guys offer trekking tours, hotels or rickshaws for a hefty commission – at night, hash and weed is their focus. Kathmandu has been a well-worn hippie and [...]
