We were also closely watching some potential issues in Kerala India. Although their supreme court ruled women were alowed to visit the Sabarimala temple, protests erupted. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-46744142
To be safe, we began to adjust our travel plans to see India at a later date. Since Chitwan is such a beautiful place, we decided to stay for 3 more nights and do nothing. It was really nice. We chose to eat in a few of the local restaurants and expand our knowledge of the area a little. It was a great time to rest up, do some Yoga and walk for exercise. On one walk, we came across a large number of Kathmandu University students each carrying multiple paper surveys. We were soon asked by a group of them if we would assist. They turned out to be Environmental Science students. 250 of them are 3 month's from graduation. They all came to Chitwan at once as a school trip. They were struggling to find tourists to fill out their 4 page tourist survey related to visiting Nepal's parks. We met another bunch of girls on our return trip and although we had already completed a survey, KT had not (she was still in bed lol) We welcomed the group to the hotel grounds and managed to get three more surveys filled out for them with KT and a few others. The girls were so nice and welcoming. They asked us if we plannned to return to the Tharu Cultural Dance and were happy to hear we were. They wanted us to dance with them on stage and we all agreed. KT was thrilled to meet some students like herself and was so pumped to see them in the evening. The girls were so excited to see us. The Tharu community show was packed. Not only was it a Friday night, it was also home to some of the 250 University students. They were having a blast. The show was once again great. On the last dance the public is welcome to join. This time it was very different than the last. Normally the Tharu dancers lead and the public follows and emulates. Not this time. The floor was stampeded with students who did their own dance. It was kinda crazy but still fun. After the show, the girls asked KT if she could hang out for a sleepover. Why not? KT had a fun time.
The Hotel Hermitage staff were kind enough to arrange our return Tourist bus to Kathmandu. I provided a nice tip to be shared with all the staff. We were nervous about possibly missing the bus and kinda panicked when we left later than the required 7:45 AM. There seemed to be no issues as there was plenty of space on what appeared to be a second bus. I like taking the bus in Nepal. They are filled with many locals and tourists from neighboring countries. It's a fun community often with great music. The bus stops on interesting break locations offering a glimpse of Nepal never seen from car.
We were soon back in the arms of Kathmandu and the beds of 8848 Hostel. As we had 3 nights, Janardan offered suggestions for a tour and Sarala was available. The plan was Kathmandu to Thankot by taxi. Then take a very new cable car to Chandragiri Hills. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandragiri_Hill,_Nepal After that, 2 more trips to the ancient city of Kurtipur https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtipur and Chovar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chobhar,_Nepal. It was a nice day
Our last night in Nepal was really special. We had planned to meet up with Sarala and treat her to a farewell dinner. Janardan suggested instead he treats us all to a special Nepal Culture and dinner. Sarala came early and with time to kill we walked to the beautiful Garden of Dream. After the park Janardan walked us to a part of town we have yet seen. Although the roads and backroads are skinny in this part of town, they are lined with amazing spots. The Atithi Satkar Nepali Restaurant is no exception. With seating for large groups, this place offers a wonderful dinner that is brought out slowly. During dinner you are treated to traditional music and dance. It was a great way to spend our last night. https://atithi-satkar-nepali-restaurant.business.site/
We had most of the next day to chill and prepare for Visa's and details of our next few countries. KT went out with her Kathmandu friends. We soon had to say our final goodbyes to Janadran, Ravi and all the great 8848 staff. Our flight left Kathmandu at 11:40 PM, yawn. After a few hours in a China stopover, we headed to Siem Reap Cambodia.
For us, every Chitwan morning is met with fog
The backside of the hotels kitchen and eating area
What you see each morning if you are adjacent to a jungle
I ordered something local, yum
On the bus back to Kathmandu
A nice Tourist bus for this ride
Pit stop for a bathroom break, snacks
Yay back to 8848
Let's take cable car
The starting height
K lets do this thing
It's pretty new
Despit a clear day, it's still pretty smoggy down there
Road construction
Sarala had lost her bottle on the Trek
He picked one up for her in Pokhara
KT customized with with her name written in Napalese
We also purchased for her some thin gloves
She was happy
Almost at the top
That's a moderate altitude change
Not a bad view from here
Still some more climbing left
The temple behind required no shoes
Note the shoe rack along the wall
It was kinda cold on the feet
Cute little kid and family emulating the statue
Printed mountain views helpfully defined their names
Many of the trucks here are beautifully decorated
Heading towards the ancient city of Kurtipur
Sarala had not seen it for years
Since the earthquake, much has changed
Sadly these sites are rarely visited
It's a little out of the way for tourists to come :-(
Clear day to see the expansion of Kathmandu
A little garbage cleanup is required below
The sun offers a great chance to dry stuf
Most dogs are super friendly and happy to get some attention
Waiting for our Taxi dude
This place is called Whoopee Land.
Both KT and Sarala need a lesson on what that word traditionally meant :-)
Our last stop the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling Nunnery was closed for renovations
A nearby statue is almost ready
Chobhar Gorge
Garden of Dreams
Sarala gave us gifts, nice
Dinner and a show
First a donation
KT had a blast with her friends
This Coffee shop offered clay pots to be signed and placed in the rafters
I hope they are earthquake proof
Out of order sorry.
Check out that rats nest of wires
This is our new daughter
She requested to be adopted :-)
Momo's and friends
Let's go see our new Mom and Dad
Rajua Gurung, a kind friend whom we bought our coats from
Some Pano's
Some movie links
Tharu Community Dance 1
Tharu Community Dance 2
Tharu Community Dance 3
Taxi back to 8848 Kathmandu. Dusty and bouncy. Look out for beautiful bus paint jobs
Dancing at Atithi Satkar
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