Searching for Himalayas...

As my time in Nepal continues, I decided to see the country as soon as possible and organised a trip to Pokhara through Bikram. His excellent connections and local knowledge did not fail to provide exactly what I was expecting, and though the mountain road-based bus ride was a little hairy, my arrival in Pokhara and the sight of the glistening Lake Fewa quickly calmed my nerves.
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The peaceful, serene Lake Fewa

Checking into the adorable and extremely clean and comfy Noble Inn guest house (smack bang in the middle of Lakeside Pokhara), I made the most of the 5 speed ceiling fan in my room before heading out to investigate the new town. Almost as soon as I stepped on to the main road, a kindly taxi driver - named Padam - offered to take me to the World Peace Pagoda situated on top of a hill above the lake. I negotiated a good price, and we set off. After hauling my self up the many stairs (what is it with Nepal and stairs?!) the Pagoda proved to be worth the effort. Removing my shoes I walked onto the cold marble steps up to the Pagoda and proceeded to appreciate both the Buddhist artistry and the incredible view of Pokhara in pleasant silence. 


A quiet meal of barbecued chicken and potato salad finished my day off nicely, and I headed back to my comfortable room for an early night and a bit of TV before sleeping. The following morning I awoke at sunrise, as per local instruction, to see the Himalayan peaks of Annapurna and Macchapuchre in full glory. No such luck. I continued this routine across the three mornings I stayed in Pokhara in an attempt to bypass the cloudy weather - and now I am back in Kathmandu with no mountains under my belt. Disappointing.

A Hindu shrine perched on an outcrop next to the lake

Day two was spent in an underground cave and with a visit to the nearby Devi's falls - where the stairs down into the cave coupled with the damp and humid air resulted in a damp and humid Jo. Both sites were very beautiful, especially being completely natural, though I was quick to return to my guest house for a cool shower! It was that afternoon that I bumped into the fun and friendly Joanne (spoken as Yoanna in Dutch) from Holland, who had been volunteering in Kathmandu at an orphanage. That evening we met for a tasty pizza and drinks at the nearby Busy Bee bar - a popular haunt of both Nepalis and tourists. Finally day three was a complete relaxation day - no stairs, a little rowing boat on Fewa Lake, and a serene lunch at Once Upon a Time restaurant polished off my mini-holiday perfectly.
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The only downside to the whole excursion was my VERY hot, 8 hour bus ride back to Kathmandu. "Lobster" doesn't even cover the state of my right forearm. However, the lovely Mississipi-ite Abby (whom I met whilst interrogating tourists in Thamel) was waiting armed with Everest beer and a good old chin-wag to welcome me back to the capital, and to distract me from my sunburned tales of woe. 
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Mosquito bite count: 8