Ria's India Trip

Well, I left Nepal this afternoon at about 2 pm, three hour flight later I arrive in Bangkok at 6:30 pm. I'll be leaving here at midnight, 9 hour flight later I'll arrive in Melbourne at 1:30 pm. So nearly 24 hours in total. I'm tired just thinking of it. I'll probably shuffle through customs like a zombie.
It's hot and sticky here, and it's hard to believe that only a week ago I was piling blankets on top of my fleece lined sleeping bag to deal with the -5 degree cold.
I'm killing time here by spending (too much) money on duty free. Nah jk, I have enough to carry home as it is.
Can't wait to see all you guys in Melbourne real soon.
Nan, I'm getting a lift home from the airport so don't worry about getting me from the train station. :D

R

Here I am in Kathmandu, flying out tomorrow, arriving home the day after.
Have been doing some last minute shopping, about to go check out Durbar Square.
My bags are pretty much packed, I am bringing home SO MUCH STUFF! I left Melbourne with one backpack and one day pack and I'm coming home with 1 backpack, 2 day packs, a big carry bag and a shoulder bag. Only hope I'm not over my weight limit. :/ The sad thing is, most of my shopping isn't even for me, it's all gifts. Next time everyone can just get fridge magnets or something.
It's very tempting to buy lots of dvd box sets here (they have some good ones, ER 1-14, the compete Sopranos, etc etc) but even though I have enough money, there's just no room for them
Well I'm off to enjoy the chilly weather here before coming home to Melbourne's heat...

:D

Wow, so here I am back in Pokhara. The trek didn't go exactly as planned, we were meant to fly to our first walking point, but heavy snowfall there left us with our flight cancelled two days in a row. On the second day we jumped in a van and drove to our trek halfway point. From there we walked on an improvised route. Some days were a bit tough, lots of very steep climbs, followed by very steep descents. My legs haven't hurt so much since I did the half marathon last year.
On our second day walking we had only recently made it to our lodge before it started snowing like crazy! It was pretty amazing walking in the snow the next day. Freezing nights though!
All the places we stayed at were pretty basic, but after walking all day they seemed like the Hilton. The food was all local fare, lots of dahl bhat, and a few yak cheese pizzas. Lots of local rum too.

This afternoon I've booked a parahawking flight! It's paragliding, but they've trained birds of prey to fly with you and lead you to warmer air. I'm very very excited!!!

Tomorrow we head to Khatmandu, where I'll be checking out Durbar Square and "Freak Street" (from the hippy days), and doing last minute shopping. Then it's back to the airport on the 21st.

The others are talking about how good it will be to go home, and stuff they are missing but to be honest I'm not ready for home at all. If I had another month.....

Wow, it's been a while. So much to update!

Firstly, to my family, I"M STILL ALIVE!!!!

Secondly, since we last spoke I've left Delhi, been to Varanasi, over the border to Lumbini, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kathmandu, and back to Pokhara. Our tour group is down to three. I've been on a boat ride on the Ganges, seen human cremations up close, see rhinos and their babies, countless deer, touched a 17 day old elephant and ridden an adult one through the jungle. Bought heaps of trekking gear and seen Mt Everest from a scenic flight!!!

Tomorrow we start our 9 day trek. It will definitely be challenging (on one day we climb 1200 metres, on another day we walk 24 kilometers). I am very, very excited.

I most probably will not be updating the whole time. Power will be scarce, internet even more so.

I love you all

Ria

Here we go.....

Just a very quick one as am about to leave to catch an overnight train. Have left Jaisalmer, spent a night in Bikaner, and a night in New Delhi. Tomorrow morning we will be in Varanasi, where I hope to be able to post a longer message.

Love all, and Happy New Years!