Trek Day 2 - Chill Day
A 5:15AM rap on the door means it’s time to wake up … sunrise.
The 1st step outside reveals crystal clear skies and a SPECTACULAR view of the Annapurna Range.
Click, click, click … picture picture picture. If only the camera could catch the emotions sweeping across me. Try as I may, any descriptors seem melodramatic while simultaneously not dramatic enough.
A.MA.ZING!
After an initial round of picture-taking most of us settle into our chairs with our coffee (or tea) and just absorb what we can. The scene unfolds before us as the light sweeps across the mountains and changes the colors and textures, and over time clouds begin to form so the view is ever-changing.
And then … then I notice a “vertical” cloud. At that moment I recall one of the trekkers who had parted early this morning telling me she had witnessed an avalanche.
So, is this an avalanche??? I watch closely and see the cloud moving down the mountain, and so the answer is “Yes, indeed it is. An avalanche.”
WOW!!!
A leisurely morning here is an extra special treat. We will be staying here again tonight so today will just spend time exploring the village (up and down all the steps) and relaxing.
Prior to out arrival I could not figure out why I might want to spend two nights here. (My trek planner had suggested it.) One of my new friends from the Rise tour, Deborah, who also went trekking – different route but night in same village- said she was jealous I got two nights here. Apparently, she knew more than me, and yes, it turns out two nights was perfect.
I spend my morning leisure time sitting outside staring at the Himalayas while reading and working on my blog. We are heading on our village tour at 10AM and considering I woke up so early I had a chunk of time to just savor being here. Is it too much if I say, “Heavenly”?
But it really is!
Budir, Sujan and I head off to explore.
Those damn steps again LOL
But of course, I love it. The views, the people, the lifestyle. It's worth every single step. And since we only spend about 1 1/2 hours exploring, it's not too bad, and it's a good warm-up for tomorrow's 5-hour trek.
During the village excursion Bidur tells me about Gurung Museum (basically a homeowner created their own museum to showcase their culture – okay, three homeowners did this so there are three Gurung Museums – but this one allows me to dress up in traditional clothing.
Fun!
Of course, I look ridiculous, but I enjoyed it. I wish I had taken photos of under the top to show you that she wrapped a heavy cloth around my waist to “help with back problems” and it was amazingly comfortable. It felt very cozy, and I can see how it offers these women extra support as they do backbreaking work on a regular basis.
Because of Tihar the kids are out of school so of course we pass several groups of them singing and dancing for a money offering. Each group of kids has its own personality. Some shy, some bold; some offering tika when I place the money in the straw tray; some offering a marigold; most singing the same Nepali folk song, “Resham Firiri.”
(I will have that sung stuck in my head for the next three straight days as we continue to encounter this same scene.). This song is not mandatory for this tradition, but it certainly is the popular one.
But honestly I have come to enjoy lots of Nepali folk music.
We view the schoolhouse from above – all the grades, 1-10. A group of kids is shooting hoops.
During Tihar there is a different celebration each day: Today is the dog. Dogs are honored with a Tika and a marigold garland. SOooo cute!
I believe I mentioned this in an earlier post but there are dogs EVERYWHERE in Nepal. They seem stray but they are mostly community dogs. Very docile; mostly napping away (except at night, of course. THAT is when they decide to bark.)
It is harvest time so this scene in the rice field is a common one … here it was especially cute because the kids were playing and laughing while the women were working.
We stop for a tea break – I love the “milk tea” which is basically like the tea I grew up drinking (nd still drink) – tea with milk and sugar.
During our break we enjoy watching a little girl have a great time playing with a noisemaker.
Bidur decides to buy one for his nephew and he shows me pictures of him. He is super close to his nephew. Very sweet!
We head back to the lodge and literally relax for the rest of the day. (Well I do. I don’t ever know exactly what the guide is doing when I am relaxing but I know he always pops up as soon as I emerge from bed or nap or wherever so clearly he is super attentive. I never feel alone, and that’s nice.)
I take a nap; I read; I work on my blog.
A gorgeous sunset -
the colors did not last that long
and it was only dumb luck that had me look up at the right time to capture this sky.
The Texas crowd is gone and has been replaced with two couples – very nice people. We enjoy Happy Hour (no peanut salad tonight, though, bummer!). Both couples travel a lot.
I have “spaghetti” for dinner. Nope – not like the spaghetti you are picturing. Spaghetti noodles, yes, but I think there is egg in there and maybe some onions and garlic and even a taste of ketchup. But for some crazy reason I love it and I finish every bite. Typically I can't finish any of the meals I am served. Too much food. Nepali typically eat two large meals a day that is why the servings are so generous.
And the only picture is in my mind so you will just have to trust me …
Off to bed at 8 … More fluff reading and secretly missing my wifi. (Bad habit, I know. I always watch some TV in bed on my iPad at night. Oh well, not here.)
Thinking of our 8AM start time for tomorrow’s long trek ahead.
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