It all started with a few days in Pokhara, a town that had great views of the Annapurna range but so much smog that we could barely see down the block for most of our stay. Instead of taking in the views, we spent our time shopping for jewelry and eating some of the foods we missed on the trail.
After that, we caught a bus to Kathmandu, where we've been visiting sights like the Monkey Temple (See above!) and the Royal Palace in between tea stops.
But even with all that relaxing and sightseeing, I did occasionally stop to look around at Nepal. Here are the things that made me say, "Hajur?" ("What?"):
1) The calendar: Greetings from the future! That's right, it's already 2068 here (Sadly, teleporters still haven't hit mainstream.) While Nepalis do use the Western calendar for some stuff, the traditional one is very present.
2) The time: In case the calendar wasn't confusing enough, Nepal's time zone is also offset from most of the world by 15 minutes. According to my guidebook, this is to differentiate Nepal from India (which is offset by half an hour). I think it's just to keep us tourists on on toes.
3) Mealtimes: Every time I sit down for a meal with a Nepali, I feel like I've lost an eating contest. And then they ask for seconds on rice...
4) Power: Nepal runs on hydro power, meaning that when the rains stop, the electricity goes dry at scheduled times each day. Most tourist places have generators for the lights, but since it is dry season now (summer will bring the monsoons), I have to be careful when I charge my iPod.
5) The dogs: Show me another country where even the mangiest country mutt is furry and cute. Nepal gets to have this AND the Himalayas!? It just isn't fair.
Check back soon to hear about my next exotic location: SAN FRANCISCO! We fly tomorrow.
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