FIRST SOJOURN IN NEPAL – May 30 to June 6, 2008
A year after the original trip, this is the only time I could blog this but it is not difficult because the experience remains fresh as it was during that time.
5/30/2008 – Flight and Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Exhilirating is the word to describe seeing at least 4 mountain peaks that went above the sea of clouds. Looking through the window of the plane, all I could think of was how high those mountains were. We were flying roughly at 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)! I am sure one of those peaks would be Mount Everest. We were 30 minutes from the airport and what a sight to behold – the Himalayas – like solid rock and snow-capped. We had to circle 3 times as the pilot announced that some repairs are being done on the runway. As we go lower and approached Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu, the sea of clouds was replaced with a vast ‘farmscape’ dotted with what looked liked concrete houses. Sparsely at first then becoming more and more densed. I could just breath a sigh of relief that we were nearing the ground. Reminiscing back over the years, my queasiness in airflights increase proportionately with my age, haha!
Arriving at the airport, Tribhuvan International air terminal is a bricked edifice (I always loved brick buildings) and the facilities reminded me of the old Manila International airport decades ago. The Immigration area was simple, antiquated and with, I think only two duty free shops, which I did not bother to enter as most the items sold were liquor and cigarettes, both of which I have given up since 1993. I was hoping to buy something for bro Megh’s wife and for Basant’s mom but then I remembered that I had saris for each of them already. Thereafter, it was in the conveyor section when I realized how neglected most things were inside the airport. For nearly 40 minutes I waited and finally got all my bag – the last thing I needed was lost baggage. No inspections and then all the way through at the waiting area where I immediately saw Basant; he then introduced me to Megh – embraced these two brothers in the Lord.
I finalized my hotel booking with Tibet Guest House (TGH) long before the trip and they provided an old hi-ace van. Together with us in the van a young Russian lady (whom I noticed at the Immigrations section when the customs officer were asking a few questions as he checked her passport and visa). That is the term they use for budget hotels – guest house – more like 2-3 star accommodation in other countries.
So Basant, Megh and I talked on the way to TGH but my tourist eyes were all over the places we passed through. Looked like old Manila except for the people and style of buildings – commonly 3-storeys of higher depending on its purpose but averaging 6 storeys as we approach the Thamel area (the ‘tourist district’). That was about 30 minutes through bumpy and muddy roads (it was drizzling that cool morning) which could only fit about two small cars. Everything was interesting to me, maybe because its my first time to visit, but more so I believe that God has set a place in my heart for the peoples of this country.
TBG was located in a good and clean section of the Chhetrapati area, right about at the edge of Thamel road. It was quiet and the building, though not new but was well kept. After some formalities at the reception, we went straight to our 3rd floor room. The elevator reminded me of what we had in my college days at De La Sal
le. It was old, small, fitting only 4 to 5 people and slow. As we entered the room, I finally felt….hungry! I must admit the local food is something I am looking forward to. We had lunch at TGH’s Nurbu restaurant with Basant’s cousin joining us. Our first meal consisted of goat biryani (less oily than the typical south asian biryani) and tibetan momo (looks like oversized dry dumplings) which is a lot different the authentic Nepalese momo (similar to the Japanese gyoza but steamed and served with hot curry sauce).
The next highlight of the day was meeting Basant’s mother, Mrs. Balkumari Ghimire. I felt awkward but happy to meet her. Don’t really know what to do whether to give a handshake or the typical Nepalese way of respect – ‘namaste’ hand’s palm-to-palm like praying just under the chin and to reach down to her feet with the fingertips of my right hand and bring the same hand to touch my forehead…well, I ended up smiling and doing the namaste clasp. As you can imagine, Basant became our indispensible translator for almost the entire week 
.
5/31/2008 – Bibles
Our Christian brother, Megh Gurung, spent much time with us this day. We sped to a bible bookstore located in a 1970’s designed 2-storey house tucked away in a small street where only one small car could pass. We met three Christians, one of whom was the administrator. I could not remember his name right at the top of my head but he is a chinese-looking man and we got to know each other’s work in the ministry. He said I would easily pass for a Nepali with my looks (I took that as a compliment; it would be good for me to blend easily). There was a good number of bibles available – thanks be to God – many in Nepalese only, while a New Testament only was available in Nepalese/English in 2 columns (NRSV translation). Glad to see that NRSV was used, a respectable translation. There were very few books in fact, some CDs of Nepali Christian songs and a few imported NIV study bible which were so expensive by Nepalese standards. Just thinking that if I were a very rich person, I would legally commission books by John MacArthur, D. A. Carson, Mark Devers, some old Reformers like Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon be made available in their language (sigh!)
We left the place with a full plastic bag and box of bibles to be distributed the following day when I visit the Reconciliation Church in the Gurjudara (spelling?) district of the Kathmandu valley. More on this in part 3.
It was late afternoon when we finished followed by dinner together with Basant’s mom. After Megh left for home, the rest of the evening was spent preparing what to wear to church, reviewing my preaching notes on my laptop, and some moments to share the Gospel to Balkumari as Basant translated. I seized the opportunity to convey the truth and at the same time, Basant and I presented her a big OT/NT bible in Nepalese. Oh yes, she also prepared the sari which I gave her (a cream colored Indian-made silky material with small jacquard prints in light gold, the edge in baroque-style prints in bright turquoise color).
My thoughts were filled with the excitement of what I will see and whom I will meet the next day while I went to bed…Zzzzzzzz…
6/1/2008 – The Lord’s day at the Reconciliation Church
Yes, Saturday it is – their weekend, and for Christians, it the Lord’s Day here. The sky was overcast and a bit cool. The monsoon starts in June each year and after breakfast, I decided to dress formally even wearing a pair of leather italian ‘pointy’ shoes that I bought last year, for the first time. Oh, church starts midday after everyone had their lunch in their respective homes. Megh came to take us to the church; we hired a Tata cab (the people’s car) – small hardy vehicle that navigates even an unforgiving pass. It was just right for the four of us plus the driver (right-hand drive). Of course, I had to be in the front passenger seat or else I’d occupy half of the back seat, hahaha.
It took us nearly 45 minutes to reach the church after going through hill and valley and hill and valley…right into a large open expanse of arable farmland. Then came a loud bang as the driver was avoiding a deep pothole – the car’s axle landed on a huge smooth stone. I thought the car was a goner, and we would have to walk 3 kilometers more. But the car kept going – whew! That was a 400 rupee trip (about $9). The church building is bricked, painted and
had very large windows. It was just beside a brick factory with mushroom nurseries
alongside – that was quite a view, fascinating in fact. As we walked through a small steel-barred gate, we pass by a small concrete house on the right and the women were sitting alongside, I suppose they were waiting for us and we were introduced. Finally we met Mina – a teenage girl suffering with diabetes whose one eye was severly affected by her condition. Megh approached us for assistance on her medical condition about 6 months earlier and since then JOGL has sent funds for her consultation, minor eye operation and medication.
Entering the church building (built upon the funds provided by Irish trekkers with whom Megh became the trekking guide), I was not surprised that a cut-out shamrock was stuck on the wall near the pulpit, truly Irish. One of the Nepali traditions that I have began observing is their greeting which I call the ‘namaste hand clasp’. Unlike the secular greeting of namaste, Christians would say “Jaimisi!” which means ‘joy unto the Lord’. The other one was to always leave your footwear outside the door, hence out stays my pointy pair. We sat at the back on chairs while the rest sat on mat covered floor with all the men on the left side and the women on the right side. The choir started and everybody joined in singing. Some were familiar tunes sang mostly in pentecostal groups to which I joined in English (so no problem there). My eyes would occasionally glance to mama Balkumari and prayed that God will open the eyes of her heart.
Despite having my share of years on the pulpit, I felt my throat was very dry that I could barely squeal a sound as the time came nearer for me to stand before everyone. Megh introduced Basant and me, and we were presented with a “topi” each. It’s the traditional Nepali cap. I really felt thankful because the topi was a good “connection” to them – something like when in Rome, do as the Romans do – of course that has to be contextualized. However, I also felt self-conscious as I know caps of all sort make my face look, what shall I say, chubbier?!? 
Finally, it was time to deliver the Lord’s word to them. Matthew 5:13-16. Unfortunately we did not have the facility 
to record the entire message but Basant was able to record a part of it through the digital camera’s video mode. I will upload it in the near future. According to Basant, bro Megh was a very effective translator, saying it word for word. I kept my english sentences simple, clear and to the point. All ears were listening and I made sure that each one was looking at the Scripture exegeted so that they too will find their answers from God’s precious Word.
The good news is, a year later, the brothers and sisters at the church keep on encouraging one another to be salt and light – how good indeed is the Lord to keep His Word in their minds and hearts!
Before we left the church, the bibles were distributed, I was introduced to another outreach worker and the other associate pastor was in Malaysia at that time. A sister came with freshly harvested plums – yummy! Bibles were distributed and some were just too eager to get hold of a copy – previous gifts are these.
That day did not end there. We walked to bro Man’s house (Megh’s brother-in-law) and just nearby is Mina and her sister whom we also visited, advised, encouraged, checked her blood glucose level (I had my diabetes check kit with me) and she was hypoglycaemic at that moment due to medication. We advised that she immediately eats a full lunch of chapati (flat unleavened bread fried on oil) and chicken curry, and gave her 500rupees. Also present were Man’s family and Megh’s son Subash who plays the guitar in the church music team. It was heartwarming to be with my Christian Nepali-family. Language could not separate us for the Lord by His Spirit connects us in love and truth.
Rain poured, first a drizzle then a downpour and we do not have any choice but to go through it with only two umbrellas till we reach bro Megh’s place which is on top of a hill! Through an uphill rocky road at first, then a paved portion, then a short cross on the main highway, then up again on rocky and muddy road while the rain kept pouring. By the time we reached Megh’s house, I had blisters on my feet – but it was fun and my once pointy shoes now looks like snow shoes full of clay and hay, hahahahaha…Basant, my ever-helpful brother in Christ scraped all the mud from our shoes and rinsed them with water. Bhim (Megh’s wife) served each of us a bowl of hot (I mean chili hot!) chow mien noodles. Deliciousssss! The ensuing hour was spent with women from the church, answering their questions on what the Bible says about overcoming temptation, patience in suffering and knowing the faithfulness of God. We also spent some time on the house’s rooftop where there was a fruitful vine of chayote (big ones). Climate was very cool and lovely up there. I wished I had my own house in Kathmandu.
Returning to the main road was easier without the rain and we took a taxi back to TGH. I was tired and my feet were really aching but the joy of the Lord filled my heart. Basant, his mom and I had our dinner at Nurbu’s that night.
The Lord has truly blessed us all this day. Amen!
6/2/2008 – Plans, plans, plans
We’ve all had trips where we planned for weeks, even months, and when the time came it did not happen the way we hoped it would be. This is one of those days. Kathmandu consists of three main district and I was hoping to visit the Bhaktapur area where some good cultural sites and restaurants are located. However, Basant had already planned that all of us would travel the next day to Pokhara (160 kms) westward and made arrangements with Megh to purchase the “tourist bus” ticket.
We did however visited Durbar Square which is the plaza opposite the Royal Palace. While I was having my photo taken with Megh, a man with a letter came to us in a persistent way but his old age showed by the way he walked towards us; he was asking 
for some financial assistance (I could not remember now if we ever gave him anything). More pictures taken with the old unused temple at the center of the square. The temple and other structures are more than 200 years old and in a way, I would have expected the government to have done more to preserve these structures since they are part of the main attraction for most tourists. There was the central temple – closed now and has become the meeting place of the younger generation of Nepalese. A bell-tower with a humongous brass bell! In the past it was used to warn the palace for oncoming invaders and at the same time to signal announcements from the king. We
also went in the “Kumari’s residence” which housed one “kumari” (child-goddess). In Hinduisim they believed that every person and most of living thing in fact is a god. So they have these young beautiful children prepared for this (among the Newaris) and one is chosen to be a kumari until she reaches puberty where she begins to live an ordinary life within her community. We 
had a glimpse of her – a chubby, fair-skinned, chinky-eyed girl, about 10 years old – when she, on cue probably, peaked through one of the upper windows briefly but we were not allowed to take photographs. She looks just like any ordinary chubby fair-skinned, chinky-eyed young girls everywhere – just plain human and thrust into an idolatrous generation. My thoughts now are for the Gospel to reach them as well.
Then we proceed to Freak Street but then it started to rain hard and we decided to take the taxi to one of their modern malls. When we got there, an trade fair / exhibition was ongoing at the top level of the gloomy mall. It was very informative for me to see their handicrafts and sweets; there was also a booth the anti-rhino poaching campaign. The photo of a dead rhino because its horn was poached was quite powerful. Being there, we bought pairs of thick socks and a bag. Before sundown, we went back to the guesthouse and Megh left for home.
We left Balkumari at the guest house as Basant and I started looking a good pair of trek shoes; very little choice available and all ‘made in China’. Thamel, being the tourist mile, sells everything expensive but Basant advised me not to talk and let him do the talking. We have not studied sign language so I could not keep my part of the deal. We reached an area quite far from Thamel and bought a pair for NPR3,000.
Back to the guesthouse and took his mom with us for dinner outside. I am always very careful with what I eat a day before and we came to one of the local restaurants nearby. It turned out that this Bangali vegetarian restaurant serve the one of the best foods I have eaten since I arrived in Nepal. They have the Shahee Paneer, a dish of homemade goat cheese, veggie bits, puree of spices and light cream which was really good. My favorite is the Paneer Qorma – red colored sauce over pan-fried paneer. I tried doing it myself when I returned home but it did not quite turn that way, however, Paneer became one of my all time favorites! The owners are very mindful of their clients and made sure that all is well with every table. I’d go back there in my next trip to Nepal, God willing.
The rest of the night was spent packing things for the entire trip.
6/3/2008 – To Pokhara
We had a very light breakfast at the guesthouse and waited for directions from Megh for the travel agent’s office where we will have our bus ride to Pokhara. So, we left the guesthouse at 7:30 and took the ever-present Tata taxi. Reaching Swiss Travel agent’s
office, I had my neck cranked looking for the “tourist bus”. Lo and behold!…I think this picture will tell it all…well not all really because inside, it’s even older. Not that I am complaining but I was just expecting a t-o-u-r-i-s-t bus. It was a good ride though; the driver and conductor are Tibetan refugees and 75% of the passengers where foreigners. I sat with Megh, behind us were Basant and his mom. My ticket costs more than the rest of our group; they said it’s the tourist fare or perhaps, they knew beforehand that I am heavier than the rest (lol).
The highway going out of Kathmandu valley was long and winding, much longer than what we have in Baguio. Kathmandu is 1,400+ meters above sea level. We had a small accident along the way when our bus suddenly stopped and the Toyota Hi-Ace slammed lightly at the back of the bus; no damage on us but broken headlight for the Hi-Ace. While the drivers were busy blaming who’s who, a house caught my attention along the road; it would have been a very good subject for photography but I only took a compact digital and left my professional camera. There is another house made of stone and clay and alongside these two house is a small corn farm. The whole view just got stuck in my mind and it is one of those things that I remember immediately as soon I think about the road travelled from Kathmandu to Pokhara (160 kms). It
took us nearly 2 hours to reach Dhading, our first stop. While everyone took time to eat or go for the public toilets, I spent a few minutes looking around; the tree-covered mountains on one side with a large river flowing beside it. Opposite side of the road are corn farms at the side of the mountain. A lone eagle gliding overhead caught my eyes and I watched it thinking about its freedom from up there looking down at us. After enough time to take snacks, off we go to Pokhara. Still a long and winding road ahead between two mountains. At one point, we passed by a vertically straight cliff made of solid rock jutting a few meters out of the mountain-side and the highway passed under the cliff’s overhang. I could not take a picture because we were moving faster. Some passengers were snoozing, Megh was snoozing too beside me holding a book that I gave him about the excellency of the Gospel. I wanted to read also but the view was far too interesting to ignore. Almost 2 more hours again, we arrived at our next stop at the Village Restaurant in Tanahun.
Lunch was served to the passengers as part of the deal included in the fare. Daal-bhat-tarkari (lentil-rice-curried veggie) with some more available at the buffet table. I have to eat now after skipping the opportunity to eat at the first stop. But it was controlled because it will be still another two hours to Pokhara. Tanahun is the last section of the trip with zigzag road going down and the rest the highway was on a level. The temperature has become a bit warmer outside; it was good to have airconditioning in the bus. While waiting for the bus to move on, I was looking at everybody there, trying to discern nationalities by the languages spoken, their mannerism (peculiarities, I think). A few of them reminded me of the late 1960s hippie era. I was a kid then but I have a bunch of cousins older than me who would emulate everything about being hippies. It felt like a trip back in time!
Some of the passengers went off at some of the smaller villages that we passed, one of whom was another overseas worker who, based on the label on his cargo box, came from Doha, Qatar. I thought for a while I knew how he must have felt, so excited to be with his family, but I have no idea how his time in Qatar figured. Many Nepalese in the Middle East are not treated very well but these are a hardy and resilient people who learned to survive in difficult environs. So as the bus passed by him, I could only wish him a truly happy time with his loved ones.
We left Kathmandu at 7:30 a.m. and it was nearly 2:00 p.m. when we arrived in Pokhara. The only other highlight on the way to Pokhara is passing alongside a portion of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Unfortunately the only photo I have of it is out of focus. It is the deepest gorge in Nepal but I think the better view would be on a plane. Speaking of planes, there is an airport in Pokhara which was just 3 minutes away from the center of the town. From the bus station, we took a cab to the Fewa Lake-side section of town where most of the hotels, inns, restaurants, bars, tourist shops, int
ernet etc are located. Megh has already arranged for rooms with Hotel Meera and I was pleased about this hotel (you can read my review of this establishment on Trip Advisor). Two rooms for $25 per room/day; Basant shared with his mom and Megh and I in another room. First thing was to go to the restaurant and ordered food – I was really hungry – I think I took the carbonara spaghetti (not really the best) but who cares! I was so hungry, I could eat a horse . Everyone’s excited to see the lake but first things first: a bath, clothes change, pharmacy to but some basic medicines, and then the leisurely walk to the boat station of Fewa Lake. Megh met a Christian couple who runs a spa/massage parlor just across the street. My first encounter with a snake (cobra) charmer playing the flute to entice the cobra to dance. I did not really pay attention because I knew the man would just ask for money but then I just joked that I could have his snake prepared for dinner (lol). Next stop was the pharmacy and a convenience store. Bought a bottle of french red wine bottled in 2002 (not to drink, but take to the Philippines); price was quite cheap at about $8. I did take it home and kept it in my book cabinet together with other souvenir items from Nepal. By the time we returned to the hotel, Basant’s mom was ready to join us to the lake. At the entry edge of the tourist strip was the access road to the lake. We passed by the former king’s vacation compound which was lined with bamboo trees with about a hundred storks roosting. They were still active and noisy, and the air was kinda thick with the smell of the bird droppings. But it was a scene to behold indeed with so many storks in one place. We decide to take a boat ride to a small island 250 meters from the station.
The lake was surrounded by verdant mountains and atop one of these mountains is a white buddhist stupa (Peace Stupa) reflecting sunlight from a distance. About 250 meters from the boat station is a small island with a colored hindu temple (Barahi Temple). It was said the that members of the former royal family used to frequent this island and had it further developed for the people to visit. The lake water was greenish which I believe was contributed by minute algae providing a rich amount of food for the fish population. Restaurants skirting one side of the lake would catch their fish fresh from the lake providing tourists with a continuous supply. From a distance however, it is bluish perhaps the way the suns rays are reflected. So after a couple of minutes we were able to negotiate for a boat (there were dozens of boats available) to take us to the small island.
Weather was fine, temperate to warm. Basant kept asking if I would let him swim but I cautioned him about the water. I recommended that we do some checking first before swimming. Boats would take about ten persons but we had one just for our group ( I wouldn’t want to risk sinking the boat, hahaha.) Megh, Basant and his mom are shown on the right photo as we wait for our boat to “park” so we could get into it without wobbling the boat and falling off into the lake. In a few short while, 
we’re on our way to the island. Of course, Basant, was at the head of the boat – he was extremely excited about the entire boat ride that a photo opt must not be missed or else…. too excited that he almost occupied the entire camera lens for himself (see left photo for proof ). The air was becoming a bit balmy but the sight was truly beautiful as we get closer to the island and the backdrop of dense trees on the side of the mountain, dotted by a few vacation homes here and there. I wondered if they were also for rent because it has a better view of the Annapurna mountains that would reveal snow-capped mountains by the morning. The camera lens became really busy from the boat ride to the island. It has been a long, long while since I had my last boat ride. The last one I had was sometime 1987 in the Persian Gulf. This was the first for Basant and his mom and I truly share their joy too. Megh was a bit quiet, formal even, more his nature to be so, or perhaps just shy since this is the first time we
all met. Upon reaching the island, we disembarked and the whole place as only about 1,000 sqm. I noticed immediately the colorful hindu temple and its caretaker, a man who does hand painted portraits/views, a camera man, a small kiosk where they sells corn, seeds that can be thrown into the lake to feed the fish. There were lots of doves and I am quite cautious because that was the same time when bird flu was becoming a worldwide concern. Saw ants and spiders on trees and a few cats too – how they got there must definitely be through boats. Basant and I, before our trip to Pokhara, were able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his mom and I was observing what she will do as she looked at the hindu temp
le. Perhaps she was more conscious of what we might be thinking. We continue to pray for her that the Lord may open the eyes of heart that she may see the kingdom of God in Christ Jesus, her need for salvation and the grace to repent and entrust her life to the Lord Jesus. While enjoying our time on the island, a seemingly drunken Nepali lady slipped and hit her head on the boat’s wooden bench causing here to continually bleed. We would have loved to assist her on the way to the hospital but since she had some friends with her, the returned to the main shore to seek medical attention at one of the clinics in 
the island. When spent some more time just exchanging thoughts about plans for the evening and tomorrow. Since Megh is also a professional trekking guide, he would know the spots to visit and I left it all to Basant and him to do the planning. Upon our return our hotel room, we freshened up and prepared to have dinner at one of the local resturants, Nepali Chulo (chulo is an old nepali word for earthen stove). It first time to taste sticky cakes made of barley; it had a medicinal taste, interesting, but Megh believed that it was an older stock of barley seeds used which means it should have been more delicious. I’d try barley cake again when I return to Nepal. The lighting of the outdoor restaurant attracted more bugs than we could handle and the restaurant servers provided some smoke repellant (we call it katol in Pilipino). After dinner, we walked nearly a kilometer on the tourist strip looking at restaurants, souvenirs shops, a German bakeshop selling tarts, muffins and cinnamon rolls (yummy!); I could’nt resist so its a bag of pastries for me. There were a few girlie bars which was unusual for me for a quite conservative society. Liquor is served in almost all restaurants but I did not find anyone getting drunk in any of the open bar/restaurants that we passed by. I had my sister in mind everytime I see a souvenir shop with hand crochetted blouses sold but Basant inquired and haggled. I had an experience earlier in the afternoon when I inquired for a blouse for my sister and they quoted a price 10 times more than what they have quoted Basant; the lesson is let him do my shopping, haha. It was really tempting to do more shopping but I wouldn’t want this visit to Pokhara to be a shopping spree. I am totally fascinated with the general serenity of the place. Perhaps there are months in a year where the main street is peppered with tourist but not this time and I found that a real treat! Well, we finally returned to the hotel to retire for the night. After preparing ourselves to sleep, bro Megh and I had some exchange of thoughts when I happen to see a preacher on tv whom I immediately knew was one of those prosperity teachers (I think it was Crefto Dollar). From there I explained to him what this Word-Faith group is and the kind of perverted gospel they are pending to unbelievers and confused sheep. Much of what I have said has surprise this brother but I can understand his lack of knowledge on this arena. Before my night ended, it was time to be alone with the Lord through His Word and in prayer. It was a full day.
6/4 – Trip to Sarangkot, Devi’s Falls (Patalley Chhango) and the Underground River
Waking up to a cloudy, drizzling day is always one of my favorite moments. It was still quite early so I sat by the the french bay window of our room and to my amazement, the white egrets (?) we saw yesterday roosting in the bamboo grove where all flying from right to left of my window. That was quite a scene! I also ordered breakfast for 4 and went to Basant’s room to wake him up and his mom. Breakfast of toast, egg, hash potatoes and tea was served. Balkumari has an interesting take on tea – she would put a dash of pepper powder into it (interesting and actually taste good with a squeeze of lemon juice).
The first main event of the day is going to Sarangkot. It is on a hilltop and the viewing deck for the famous Fish Tail mountain, locally known as the Machhapuchare. I didn’t know what to expect really but I was a bit anxious that we may not get to see a full view of the mountain because of the slight fog and low nimbus clouds. On the way up, we took a taxi and the zigzag road was a bit narrow for me that I was holding my breath (I was actually scared as we went higher that I would almost prefer to walk). Reaching the topmost curve, we disembarked and ventured by foot up to the hilltop. There were two stalls of Nepalese handicrafts but the view of the Pokhara valley and part of the Kali Gandaki gorge was truly breath-taking. Even more unforgettable is when, for a short while, the
Atop the Sarangkot viewing deck with Basant and his mom, Balkumari
cloud cover broke and the famed fish-tail shaped snow-covered top of Mt. Machhapuchare peeked down towards us. I could not describe that feeling to see the world’s 6th highest mountain before me. Being reminded of what the Bible say about creation testify to the invisible all-powerful and eternal God (Romans 1:20)…I could only praise the Lord for what I saw. The low greyish clouds began to gather and Machhapuchare is once again concealed from our sight. Then it was time for a lot of pictures and although my knees were shaking from altiphobia (fear of heights), Basant, his mom and I would not miss any photo opt on this hilltop.
Time to buy some souvenir items from two novelty shops atop of Sarangkot hill near the viewing deck. We had a ‘happy time’ with 
Basant’s haggling skills. He would literally slash the price in half and it was amazing to watch how much discount we got in the end. We bought a curved kurkhuri dagger with a decorated leather sheath, a double weave 100% cotton throw in rich color and Nepali tribal design, an 1960s style
necklace of amber stones on black string, handcrafted stone pendant on leather string, and a singing bowl (I think it is made of solid brass with black enamel coating with engraved nepalese words) – this is crafted by Tibetan monks and are used in their ritualistic worship and chanting. The bowl itself is struck with a piece of wood and as the bowl vibrates, you rub this wood on the lid in a circular fashion. The sound would reverberate louder as you rub the lid. The photos here of the knife and bowl are only representation and not the actual ones we bought. I took all these souvenirs back to the Philippines. It was back to the hotel to leave our things behind and proceed to Patalley Chhango or Devi’s Falls just across town.
The water falls is typical and lacks any ‘wow’ effect; perhaps because it is not yet the rainy season. They say that the river that contributes to the falls rages when it rains hard. However, there’s this legend about a woman who was washing clothes was swept away when the river suddenly rose and she was plunged into the deep ravine with the waters never to be found by her husband again. Quite a tragedy; but the cave connecting the ravine is in no way a tragedy to behold – it was ‘wow’ for me and claustrophobic too. The air is moist and fine water spray fills the cave as we go nearer to the bottom of the falls at the edge of the cave where an underground river begins. The more adventurous would go through darker areas. The path was meandering with stalactites and stalagmites jutting out from numerous parts. Unfortunately, the only pictures and movie we took were a bit too dark. In the end it was unforgettable for me. On the way out, we passed by a group of Hindu men singing with instruments; quite entertaining. Oh yes, I have to pay more for entrance fee because I was a foreigner. Hmmm, ain’t it a racket, haha.
Meal time was the best and we went to the lakeside Boomerang restaurant and had a cozy lunch under a gazebo. We ordered Nepali specialties because I was hesitant to have Basant’s mom try any western fare for the moment. My favorite is the Shahi Paneer (fried milk curd cubes and smothered with curry sauce made from very natural ingredients. We also had the Lamb Qorma and a local catch from the lake (the fish was quite boney but tasty). We had roti bread (pan-fried bread) and rice, plus local salad. The waiters were young and friendly. Megh recommended this restaurant to us. As an official trek guide on his spare time apart from the church ministry, he gets to visit places to take foreigners during the trekking season. And Pokhara has one of the best trek ranges in the country called the Annapurna Trek – that’s one activity that I hope I could get to do one day (at least the 5 day trek package). One funny occasion when I wanted Megh to take me to one of the outreach churches at a mountain near Kathmandu, his actions spoke a lot when he looked at me – sizing me up literally. And with a laugh I said that I will loose ‘extra baggage’ before my next trip to Nepal.
(to be continued)
