First week in Nepal

Already we've found life in Nepal to be very different yet reassuringly similar to India. Granted we are in a very touristy area, which will influence the local culture and feel but still things are different.

There is much less traffic, we can cross the road by looking both ways and then walking, without worrying a scooter will appear out of nowhere and mow us down.

There is a lot less staring and much more smiling.

It is not customary to say thank you here. This is a little odd to us, yet in India it is not normal to say please so if our manners are off when we get home, please forgive us. Thank you!

The women wear typically Indian dress, Salwar Kameez and saris.

Early to bed, early to rise. Sunrise is at 530am and sunset is 630 pm.

In our first week we've gently settled in to life here. 

Our first day here we had a mega lie in. It felt like jet lag from all the travelling we'd done! Then sauntered round the shops, popping in a few trekking and kayaking places for prices and had Chinese for lunch followed in the evening by the most delicious Japanese food we've ever had! The flavours were delicate and the presentation was spectacular. No photos I'm afraid though, we ate it too quickly!

The next day we spent a whole day on a row boat on the lake (Phewa Tal). Its not huge but there are enough pockets and bays to make it an interesting day. There's an island temple to Lord Shiva, as many Nepali people are Hindu, and a few cafes along the further shoreline.

That evening we had Korean food with names like Bibimbob and Yem bob. Tasty and amusing.

We've visited the international mountain museum, which showcased the different cultures of Nepal including languages, religion and local dress. Obviously there was a huge section on mountains. Did you know... Nepal has 10 out of the 14 highest mountains in the world? 

It was very interesting, if a little repetitive. There were quotes from famous mountaineers on their opinions on getting to the top of these great peaks. Surprisigly their views on mountaineering are very similar to mine, "Thank God it's the top, we can go back now!"

I breifly lost Martyn in the knot section, we were glared at by a yeti and there was an exhibit on the amount of rubbish brought back from Everest in one year alone.

I've also now tried my hand at kayaking, we rented them for a few hours on my favourite place, the lake. After about half an hour of paddling in circles I managed to cross to a bay on the other side in a roundabout way. I rewarded myself with a swim. It was brilliant! The water was cool but not cold, and although it was a little green it's still a clean lake. Laying on your back with blue skies above and mountains all around was just breathtaking.

We enjoyed kayaking so much that tomorrow we're doing a 'kayak clinc' to learn effective techniques and how to Eskimo roll, so that the day after we can go on a river and play in rapids! Woo!