To Kathmandu and Beyond

A small window of opportunity to travel has come up,
so I'm heading to Nepal today and hopefully
neighbouring Tibet.  It's been a long-time dream of
mine to visit such an exotic, culture-rich region.  I
also have some spiritual endeavours, and really hope
to gain insight from my experiences in a third-world
country, but more importantly I hope to learn
something - I don't know what -  from the people
there.  

It was a rather sudden decision to go.  I got the ball
rolling by investing in a guide book a few days ago. 
Then I purchased a few travel supplies at MEC,
followed by a flight ticket.  At that point, I
couldn't turn back.  

Consequently, I haven't really planned anything
concrete yet - I'll plot my trails on the flight over
and arrange my adventures during the first few days in
Kathmandu.  To be honest, the more I read, the more
energetic I get - I liken it to having all the
pre-trip planning excitement crammed into a mere time
frame of a few days.

I'll probably trek around the Kathmandu Valley to get
a feel of the people and culture, wander ancient
markets and streets, and see some stunning
Hindu/Buddhist temples along the way.  If that sparks
my interest, I'll make my way over to Lhasa, Tibet -
the rooftop of the world - and bask in the incredible
spirituality and culture there.  

Then there's the adventure.

The world's highest bungee jump, world class
whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and of course,
trekking in the Himalayas.  Don't think I'll do them
all, though mountain biking across villages sounds
very enticing.  

Trekking is my main focus.  If I feel that my lungs
can adapt to the high altitudes, I'll hire a sherpa
and make my way through the Himalayas, probably the
Annapurna region, crossing small villages and staying
in teahouses along the way.  

And of course, I'll throw in seeing Mt. Everest at
some point.

I'll write as often as I can, though without
electricity and fresh water in some places, there will
be gaps.


Wish me luck!


Jesse



p.s.

I've been having mild anxiety attacks because the
Maoist rebel ceasefire was to end on my arrival date -
such ill timing!  But thankfully, the ceasefire was
extended today for a month.