844 days, 20,256 hours, 1,215,360 minutes, or 72,921,600 seconds. That is the approximate duration of my world tour. I never wanted it to end and now, in a manner of speaking, I suppose it never has to. If you wish to go by country do so by clicking on one above. They are numbered in the order I visited them, more or less. If you enjoy reading about it even a tenth as much as I enjoyed living it then you will not have wasted your time. Grab a refreshing beverage, settle in a comfortable chair, and make a journey across the world, experiencing it as I did. Then get off your ass and check it out for yourself. You're not getting any younger.

Into The Jungle Book (Chitwan National Park, Nepal)

Feb 18th, 2010 - Tomorrow I am off to Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal. Once a hunting ground to the elite it is now considered a shining example of nature conservation in Asia. Think I've given up on tigers? Not a chance. Folks seem to be slightly less pessimistic about my prospects than elsewhere (Sumatra, Bangladesh, etc.) but we shall see.

I am trying to avoid the Disneyland package tour that everyone and their mother appears hell bent on participating in. It is a three day/two night extravaganza that includes a cursory jungle walk and an elephant ride. I am not against riding elephants (that almost sounds dirty) but it would feel more authentic (is that possible?) if it was a necessity rather than a mere dalliance. I am not necessarily above it. In Thailand I gave Dumbo a spin and, although it was fun, every time I think about doing it (just for the sake of doing it) I have an uncontrollable desire to kick my own ass. That being said I will probably succumb to Dumbo's allure as from what I read an elephant may be the best way to meander through fields of freakishly tall grass (known as elephant grass as it were). You can even help bath them in the river. I passed through the area some months ago and saw a mature gentleman sitting on the back of Mr. Pachyderm with a speedo. Wrong. Just plain wrong. Can anyone really argue that this man did not deserve to be slapped?

So in lieu of a tour I am going to find a suitable place to lay my head and see about hiring my own guide. Hopefully, I can find a semi-knowledgeable naturalist. There are many treasures within this park to include myriad varieties of flora and fauna. Tigers, leopards, rhinos, sloth bears, and a crocodilian by the name of gharial all dwell within. With any luck perhaps I will get a peek at some of these jungle denizens. There are jungle lodges within the park's interior which would be ideal. However, staying at some of these places requires organ donation as the rates are steep. It is probably worth it just for the experience but I think I will give slumming it a try before I part with a kidney.

Heeeeeeeere, kitty, kitty, kiiiiiiiiiitty.............


12 comments:

  1. Nepal has been on my list of places to visit for many years but I did not know where to go and what to see but thanks to this blog, I know now! So grateful for this article and the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It has been amazing to experience the services of the ever promising Green Visa in Vietnam They are one of the best tour operators in the country who would give it their best to make your trip a memorable one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When traveling abroad, one must always take in consideration good and cheap international travel insurance. Travel insurances have now become a necessity when traveling. Many travel companies and insurance companies have coincided so as to make sure they provide the customers with the superb service they truly deserve. this website

    ReplyDelete
  4. When traveling abroad, one must always take in consideration good and cheap international travel insurance. Travel insurances have now become a necessity when traveling. Many travel companies and insurance companies have coincided so as to make sure they provide the customers with the superb service they truly deserve. دورات اون لاين

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looking for a reliable travel insurance policy when making travel plans has become a common phenomenon. Wondering why travelers today lay so much emphasis on getting themselves insured? If you think it isn't required then read on to change your mind. Luchthavenvervoer Ternat

    ReplyDelete
  6. The July 4th holiday weekend is coming and now's the time to book that Las Vegas bus tour to the Grand Canyon. Trips depart daily and go to the West Rim and the South Rim. Learn more. Read this article. Pathfinder 4x4

    ReplyDelete
  7. The July 4th holiday weekend is coming and now's the time to book that Las Vegas bus tour to the Grand Canyon. Trips depart daily and go to the West Rim and the South Rim. Learn more. Read this article. الوعبه

    ReplyDelete
  8. This can be consequently lovely along with inventive. I merely enjoy your hues along with anyone becomes the idea inside snail mail are going to be cheerful. Packers and Movers Noida

    ReplyDelete
  9. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Packers and Movers Jaipur to Goa

    ReplyDelete
  10. When traveling abroad, one must always take in consideration good and cheap international travel insurance. Travel insurances have now become a necessity when traveling. Many travel companies and insurance companies have coincided so as to make sure they provide the customers with the superb service they truly deserve. desert safari in dubai

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is often as a result exquisite and even very creative. Freezing take pleasure in that tones and even whomever makes the application with the -mail can be beaming. Packers and Movers Bangalore to Himachal Pradesh

    ReplyDelete

'Love me or hate me, but spare me your indifference.' -- Libbie Fudim