Word of Advice

A good thing to remember when coming to Nepal is to have some cash ready for the visa fee. And a passport photo.

I had no cash on me as I thought they would have ATM’s at the airport. Well they had, but they were all located outside. So I had to make a deal with the clerk at the visa desk giving him my passport so he could allow me to go outside the airport to the ATM. Outside I was confronted by a horde of touts, all screaming and grabbing after me. I told them that I didn’t want any taxi or hotel. I need an ATM! They got me to an ATM booth that I quickly entered and then closed the door behind me. The touts all stood outside the booth looking in through the windows.  Better not take out too much money, I thought to myself, as I have to get through that flock outside.

But after several attempts the ATM just told me my bank is busy at the moment. As I stepped outside the touts were all smiling and asking if the ATM didn’t work. Then they all started pushing me to the next ATM that was 200m away. This ATM had no booth and again the touts were all standing around me and watching every move I made. I got the money and quickly putted it deep down in my front pocket and started running back to the airport, with all the touts running after me. When I finally came to the entrance a guard started to wave his big stick against the touts and they all vanish within seconds. Relived I stepped inside the airport through the entrance where I first came out. But then the guard grabbed hold of me and asked me what business I had going inside here, this was exit only. I tried to explain the situation to him, but as his English wasn’t the best, it took some time to make him understand me.

Well, inside and back at the visa desk I had to exchange the rupies from the ATM to USD as they didn’t accept rupies for paying the visa. So after maybe two hours after landing, I finally got my visa. So lesson learned, always bring money for your visas.

Bags are back!

My bags are now safe after two days of waiting. Off course a strap was broken on my backpack, making it a bit difficult to carry. Now I got to find someone who can repair it. Got a tip from the guesthouse owner about his “cousins” repair shop.  Seems everybody has a “cousin” around here who is working at a place you are seeking after. But I guess I’ll check this place out later today.

Two Days and Two Nights

It's been a long way, but now I'm in Nepals capital city Kathmandu. Bit it wasn't without complicatioms though. My bags were lost on the plane from Heathrow to Delhi, where my connection to Kathmandu would be. Also in Kathmandu the place I booked for the night turned out to be full. Good thing Thamel is full of cheap rooms. About the bags they told that they probably will be here by tomorrow. I guess that would mean two days here. We'll see.

Hectic times before departure

Indian visa arrived just today! Quite tight considering the flight to Nepal is the 13th. Got travel insurance just an hour a go as well. Last minute man, that’s me. Got disappointed over the Visa. Apparently it starts counting from the date of issue, not the date of entry. Meining I’ll loose some days! It sucks.

Decent Boots Acquired!

Just bought myself some decent Gore-Tex trekking boots. Heard that they only sell cheap copies in the shops around Katmandu. Wouldn’t want to find myself with broken boots 3000m above sea level with a 4h walk to the nearest mountain village. Of all the trails a viable the newly founded “Indigenous Peoples Trail“ is highest on the wish list.

Counting the Days

It’s only twelve days left. Twelve days before the airplane takes of heading for Katmandu. In thirteen days my feet will touch Nepal soil. The following 45 days or so will be dedicated for trekking the Himalayas, breathing fresh mountain air and for meeting lots of interesting people. They say that snow can come early some years, better be prepared with warm clothes.

The Plan?

What's the plan? There is no plan. Well, other than that mentioned yesterday I would say everything is quite open. There are some wishes though; to get spiritual in Dharamsala and psychedelic in Goa, maybe spend a couple of weeks in Sri Lanka. Sometimes planning a head is good, but going with the flow usually turns out to be the most enjoyable path to take in the end.