Let me begin by saying Namaste, and I hope you are all well.
Moo and I have spent the last two months pottering about in the stunning Himalayas and we're here to tell you all about it, so if you've got plans.. like watching paint dry, cleaning the toilet, counting how many kitchen tiles you have.. then by all means stop reading now. I mean really, those tiles wont count themselves.
Anyway, it all began when we ventured to our first workaway placement in a small town called Gaunshahar in central Nepal. As it is not on the tourist map we were allowed a real insight into Nepali mountain life. From morning cuddles with our neighbours baby to Dal Bhat and Roxi (local wine served from an old oil canister), it was a truly special experience. Our responsibilities here ranged from teaching (playing with) the children at the school to actually helping with the construction of a new library. This proved to be quite a challenge, carrying heavy boulders up steep hills in the scorching sunlight - but it was a rewarding one, watching the progress rapidly improve each day until we finally had a building!
Construction in progress
Team work
Lovely neighbours
Breakfast views
Cool dude
<3
The Dillu Lama
Home, sweet home
Miss these lovely little people!
Teaching baby monopoly
The original residency of the Nepalese royal family
Following our two weeks in the mountains we made our way to Pokhara, the hippie hub of Nepal. We'd made plans to start the Annapurna Circuit after just a couple of days there, but found that time has a habit of slipping away while you're relaxing in a café watching the fireflies by the lake... So one week later we got moving and embarked upon the first big trek of our lives!
What a way to start, too. From lush green valleys, to stupendous waterfalls, apple pie, deep fried mars bars (oops - veganism was suspended for the duration of the trek - not only do you need strong legs for the trek but you also need strong will!)... and then of course to the snow. Beautiful, untouched winter wonderland.
Making friends with the policemen
Lunch views
I have to tell you about what was possibly the best night of the circuit for Moo. We had been trekking for a few days and had started to reach high altitude, where breathing was becoming harder and the temperature had dropped considerably. It had been a tough climb to the town of Upper Pisang, and the group were ready to retire for the evening. Having found a lodge and unpacked, Moo and her roomie, Gemma, noticed that their beds were damp. Given that we were at high altitude and our breathing was shorter already, we knew that sleeping in damp conditions wouldn't have been sensible. So, in true British style, we gently explained the situation to the owner and asked if we could have an extra blanket, or to switch to the neighbouring room. Apparently this was all too much, and it essentially ended in a heated discussion where we were invited to deal with it or leave. Of course, Moo doesn't handle rudeness so well, so packed up her belongings and stormed out into the cold wearing her flip flops.
The others decided to stay; they hadn't quite been at the brunt of the debate as Moo had, and it was more personal for her by this point. Fuck rudeness. So off she went, a little lost MooCow wandering about in the mountains searching for a bed. She didn't have to wander far before she heard a distant voice cry, "SISTER!! DI DI!!". Turning the corner revealed a smiling old Nepali lady tending to her vegetable plot while waving Moo over. Intrigued, we approached, and discovered that she had a 'guesthouse' of her own. Although extreeeemely basic and completely unoccupied despite being on a busy strip of the trek, this was by far the best decision we made. She welcomed us with open arms as if we were her own flesh and blood. We spent the evening sat around the fire with her and her friend, being chain-fed Tibetan tea (made with Yak butter) and tschampa porridge. We enjoyed a hearty Dal Bhat for dinner and returned to our bed with a warm feeling in our hearts. Although this was one of the colder nights of the circuit, Moo and I slept with ease. Leaving her the next morning was tough, and she gave us both a big squeeze (and a homemade apple pie) before sending us on our way.
One simple evening of kindness really enhanced our whole experience of the circuit, and we will be eternally grateful to our Nepali mother for this. She encouraged us to bring back our own Mother (who we showed her pictures of and she exclaimed NAMRO! - Beautiful!) and I'd be delighted to do so.
Well, Mum. What do you say?
If you look closely you can see the word AVALANCHE written on the mountain...
Arrival in Manang - eat EVERYTHING
My first yak sighting
Loading the fire with yak shit
Crossing the pass
Chocolate apple crumble <3
Quick swim mid-trek
Round 2 - reaching Annapurna Base Camp (can you spot me and mini Georgie?)
Again - can you spot us? Possibly the first cow and kiwi to cross the Thorong La Pass!
That's all we'll bore you with for now, expect another blog in the coming weeks documenting our final month in Nepal. It's gonna be a good one!
From One Nutty Moo to Another
x
