Head in the Clouds

  Pokhara, Nepal
December 26, 2014
 We did not need to be at breakfast until 10:00, but Bill was awake at 5:00 and I was awake at 6:30. So, after doing some catching up on the blog and with the rest of the world, we headed to breakfast. We just barely beat a huge tour from China. So we ate quickly and headed down to the main drag to go for a walk and do some shopping.

 
We had only walked a block or two when Dipak hoped out of a van and said "hi". Since he was free and we were free, we decided to do some activities so that we could have more free time in the afternoon. 

 
Shayam picked us up and we went to the Gupteswar Cave and saw the incarnation of Shiva in the form of a stalagmite Bill and Dipak. Further into the cave we were able to see a canyon that has been carved for hundreds of years by water and the river where Davis Falls continues from. 
We also had a brief walk by the Tibet camps where hundreds of refugees have been living since they escaped the Chinese invasions.

 
Then we drove North and stopped briefly to take a photo in Old Pokhara to view the old style of architecture. Then we climbed the steps to Bindhyabasini Temple, one of the oldest Hindi shrines in the area. There was a great view of Annapurna and we were able to see many people waiting to give an offering to a Hindu goddess. The surrounding temples are dedicated to other gods, but this one was the most popular.

 
We also went to see the milky waters (has dissolved limestone in it) of the Seti or vanishing river, under the bridge. It is said to be revered, but is surrounded by lots of garbage Bindhyabasini Temple. 
We made it back to the hotel on time for a quick change before we were picked up by the Avia Flying Club. We signed our waivers and then had a few confusing moments when we were asked how much we paid for the paragliding tour. We were not sure how much the tour was because it was part of our package, but once we figured it out, it was all good. We later found out from Elina, one of the pilots, that paragliding is strictly regulated, which is a good thing, but if we had been spot checked and we said we paid more than the listed price, then the company would be shut down for at least three days. 

 
We were picked up by the crew around 11:00, then headed up the mountain to 1450 metres. Vitaly the "Bad Boy" from Russia was Bill's pilot and Bijay the "Boy Next Door" was my pilot. Bijay and I took off first and we hung out for a short period of time near the take-off spot with other paragliders, an eagle and a vulture, until we found an updraft Finding the Thermals. We began to loop up and up and up. At one point we were climbing 3 metres per second. It was incredible! 


 We maxed out around 2200 - 2300 metres and had a stunning view of the lake, the city and the Annapurna range. It was absolutely stunning! We were up so high that we were able to go through some clouds! Amazing!  After hanging up in the clouds for a while, we then glided across the lake, over to one of the temples on the opposite hill. Afterward we coasted back across the lake and landed gently on near the spot where Bijay was raised! 

 
Bill also had an incredible experience and enjoyed his time with Vitaly. He especially enjoyed when they caught a good thermal and Vitaly giggled with delight like a school girl!
We actually really enjoyed our time with the pilots. They are all very professional and really fun! They pointed us in the right direction to grab some food and drinks later today Touching the Clouds - LiterallyStory!.
On the way back to the office, Bill joined the pilots at one of the shops, Wheats to Sweets, to grab a snack for us. The apple turnover was so delicious! 

 
We made it back to the hotel with 15 minutes to spare. Shayam drove Dipak, Bill and I to the International Mountain Museum. The museum was divided into three areas. The first illustrated the lives and culture of different tribes in Nepal. The second area was about the mountains in Nepal and the potential risks of global warming. Lastly, an area about the local and foreign people who have conquered the mountains here and around the world.

 
We were dropped off at Jiva and had a late lunch - Vietnamese noodles with peanut and sesame sauce and a burger with millet chips, a carrot, orange and ginger smoothie, and a beer. Delicious! 

 
We then walked along the path by the river further into town, then headed to Eclipse for Happy Hour White Poinsettia. We sat on the beautiful deck and enjoyed popcorn and our long island iced teas (BOGO). We slowly made our way along the street and weaved in and out of shops. The prices are more expensive her than Kathmandu and most do not seem willing to barter. So, we only ended up buying a card that I will frame and a Christmas ornament for our tree next year. 

 
We decided to eat dinner at Moon Dance again. We were seated inside the door, but next to the open fire place, so it was not too chilly. Bill had a tandoori chicken pizza and I had pan-fried fish. We enjoyed our meal, but did not eat a lot since we had such a late lunch. 



 

Pictures & VideosReady for Take-OffStory!Chasing Theresa (She's the dot in the middle)The Mountain MuseumA Nice Lunch