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.

Sundarijal-Chisopani-Nagarkot-Dhulikel (Cannabis Trail, Nepal)

Oct 16th, 2009 - My warm up trek is complete. Now it is a two day hiatus in Kathmandu and then off on a 9 day, 270km (168 mile) river rafting bonanza on the Sun Kosi. I am hoping the folks on this adventure are both amicable and jovial or this is going to be a long trip. Cross your fingers.

So I met my guide Gopal for this recent hike on the morning of the 13th and we headed out of Kathmandu by car. On the first day we started in Sundarijal and made our way to Chisopani. Gopal is an interesting fellow. About ten minutes into the trek I find out that he has a Spanish girlfriend. Nothing shocking there, until you consider that he also has a wife and a child. It gets better.

He met his senorita while she and her husband were in Nepal on vacation.  And by 'vacation' I mean honeymoon. Gopal was their guide and apparently he went above and beyond the call of duty. I guess you could say he is a ‘full service’ guide. I did not inquire into the particulars but he did make it clear that their nascent relationship was most challenging to maintain and required more than one surreptitious rendezvous. I believe it was the bathroom area that served as a convenient meeting place. 

Gopal’s wife has no clue nor does the husband of his little muchacha. Neither plans on a divorce but this does not deter their hearts (The heart wants what the heart wants). She is coming to visit in April w/o the hubby. Sparks will fly and the earth will move, at least according to the thrice daily e-mails Gopal receives from his guapa. Who needs “The Bold and the Beautiful”? I have Nepal.

It did not take me long to discover that my fearless guide has a third love, known affectionately as Mary Jane. This is not so surprising as the stuff grows wild all over the place. In fact, you can find it growing between houses, next to the trails, and just about everywhere in between. Although drugs in general, and marijuana in particular, are illegal there does not seem to be a whole lot of emphasis on enforcement. As I walk the busy streets of Thamel (a district in Kathmandu) I am offered illicit substances at regular intervals (perhaps I have the look of an addict). Ganja, hash, cocaine, and even heroin are all part of the pharmaceutical cornucopia. Heroin? Seriously? That one took me by surprise.

Every time an offer is made I have to giggle. It usually starts with an offer for a rickshaw ride, tiger balm, or some other type of street fare but soon devolves to a more scandalous nature and is always accompanied with a marked drop in decibel level. “Excuse me. Rickshaw? Monkey Temple? Massage? Girl? White woman? Hash? Marijuana? Cocaine?” Although the thought of shooting heroin and fornicating with a Nepalese hooker while avoiding prison is most attractive I somehow manage to decline every time. Nepal did abolish the death penalty so I am not sure what my problem is.

But I digress. Back to Gopal. He too seemed intent on getting me to frolic with Puff the Magic Dragon and appeared disappointed when I thwarted his advances. It was then that I learned that marijuana is actually legal for one day of the year in Nepal. On Shiva’s birthday (Hindu's supreme deity) I guess whole families hit the bong. And if what I have read is correct Shiva himself is also fond of the magic bud. Kind of makes you wonder why it is not legal the rest of the year, although I suspect it is on a de facto basis.



The trek was not so arduous although I will admit that my legs did not appreciate three days of climbing after an extended hiatus from such activity. We spent the first night in a hill town of Chisopani. As the Lonely Planet puts it the town is like “a grubby little truck stop without the trucks.” However, the mountain views are nothing to shake a stick at.

The town is not so memorable but my encounter with a Nepalese army major was. He introduced himself and upon learning that I was American informed me that he had been to Orlando, Florida. Interestingly, he did two six month stints as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Hati of all places. Where did he go on vacation? Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center. Where else?

The morning after my arrival in Chisopani he was kind enough to show me the small cheese making operation in town. Locals sell milk from buffaloes and yaks from which cheese is made. He then invited me to his small military outpost on a nearby hill for a cup of coffee. How could I refuse? So there I was sitting at a small army outpost on a hill taking in a view of the Himalayas while a major in the Nepalese army showed me his brochures from Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center. That, my friends, is why I travel.









Cheese factory








I bid my new friend a fond farewell (we exchanged e-mails) and set out for the town of Nagarkot. We did a little more lolly-gagging than I would prefer but I suppose it was ok to take it slowly for the first trek. Part of the hold-up was due in no small part to long lunch breaks. Cooking time is very slow at some of these hillside restaurants. A small but significant factor was the rise and fall of the motivation level of Gopal. As you might guess it bore a direct relationship to the level of THC in his blood. At his height he was barking, mooing, baaing, and clucking at the appropriate animal as we walked past for poops and giggles. Entertaining but also a smidge vexing when I was in haul-ass mode. What can you do? He is a pleasant fellow so I have little reason to complain.

In Nagarkot I slept at the Hotel Viewpoint which, as you might expect, had an excellent vista of a portion of the Himalayan range. One of the most enchanting features of the mountains, especially when viewed from a distance, is that the snow capped peaks appear to materialize out of a blackish-gray void directly beneath them. Ethereal, magical, and majestic.

At dusk the peaks bear a subtle shade of pink and at dawn are illuminated by a rising sun. I’ve discovered that capturing the reality of their grandeur on film is not so easy a task. The distance, the light, and the mist conspire against amateurs such as me from duplicating the essence of the scene. I imagine that the quality will improve with subsequent treks deeper into the Himalayan heartland.





I cannot resist mentioning the group of Chinese tourists that found it impossible to simply take in the scene without engaging in incessant chatter about who knows what. I believe a slap fest was in order but who the hell am I? Really?All I wanted was a few moments of relative quiet while I basked in the quasi-spirtual nature of the scene. Selfish me.

Have I mentioned the Maoists? Starting in 1996 a communist insurgency arose seeking to further the plight of the disenfranchised. To make a long story short they persisted and eventually became a legitimate part of the government. Their leader even served as prime minister for a spell. Their propaganda can still be found painted on the walls in towns and villages. From a tourist standpoint the Maoists never posed much of a direct threat (more of a wrong place, wrong time potential scenario).

Although encountering the rebels on the trail would result in the solicitation of a small ‘donation’ normally a receipt was given so folks could pass unimpeded the next time around. For the most part tourists enjoyed this and viewed the receipt as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Gopal had an interesting experience some years ago. While guiding a trek with an American bloke he walked right into a firefight between the Maoists and the Nepalese Army. They pressed on through a small gorge (with packs overhead for optimal protection) and made their way to a small village school were they hunkered down with the teachers and children. After the Maoists skidaddled (theirs was a guerrilla hit and run operation) the army surrounded the town and began questioning the villagers. Gopal told me had his client not confirmed that he was in fact the guide it would have been good night Irene for him. Nothing like a nice relaxing trek through Nepal.



The final day of my trek was probably the least enjoyable. Although the morning found us meandering down through hillside villages the better part of the day was spent walking along the road through a number of not so attractive towns and exposing ourselves to the relentless cacophony that is third world traffic. Everybody honks. Nobody listens. I love it.



WTF?


Adventure + Pinic = Awesome


By the end of this day I thought my legs might revolt. Walking on pavement for three hours or so will wreak havoc with your lower extremities. We were going to catch a local bus to our hotel in Dhulikel but Gopal thought the hotel was much closer than it was. It was his first time to this particular hotel and he did not realize that it was 4 km outside of town.

The Dhulikel Mountain Resort was rather hospitable and the view from my window was not unlike the one I had from the top of the hotel in Nagarkot, which is to say beautiful. The drawback to staying in such a place (up market) is the distinct lack of peers. The crowd on this night was a mostly a group of mature German tourists. Not exactly the ‘swing naked from the chandeliers’ crowd.

Before dinner the guests were treated to a sequence of traditional Nepalese dances. Normally, I shun such things as more often than not they are nothing more than cheesy tourist poop. This actually turned out to be quite entertaining and although it was performed by young amateurs many of the dances are in fact authentic.

One of the most interesting was the dramatization of a medicine man/witch doctor. In some of the more remote areas advanced medical care is non-existent so folks have to rely on traditional methods, which includes the chanting, singing, drumming, and incantations of a medicine man. Although it was performed with a healthy injection of levity in reality these ceremonies can be life and death. Gopal informed me that his father is himself one of these traditional healers.




We were also presented with a couple of comically dubious performances. I shall not forget the Yak & Yeti dance. Imagine two individuals, one donning a yak costume, the other showcasing a yeti disguise engaged in some sort of musical/theatrical interaction. The yeti entered the scene mounted atop the rambunctious yak. He dismounted and the bizarre ritual began. At more than one point during this unique exchange it appeared that Mr. Yeti was attempting to dry hump Mr. Yak. Probably not the effect they were going for but that is what it looked like. I may be mistaken but I think the Yeti was break-dancing at one point. Never seen a yeti break dance? Clearly you have not lived.




The next morning I was treated to some more stunning scenery painted in the colors of a rising sun. I find it hard to believe I could tire of such a sight. The trip concluded with a hot, noisy, nauseating and adrenaline-laced car ride back to Kathmandu. I stared straight ahead from my station in the back seat to avoid vomiting but had to channel subtle pangs of terror as a result of the traffic snafu.





46 comments:

  1. I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks puffingbird blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is imperative that we read blog post very carefully. I am already done it and find that this post is really amazing. buy pot online

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just pure brilliance from you here. I have never expected something less than this from you and you have not disappointed me at all. I suppose you will keep the quality work going on. buy medical cannabis seeds

    ReplyDelete
  4. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it! white widow seeds

    ReplyDelete
  5. The most expansive medical marijuana program in the nation happens to be located in the great state of California, one of the largest and most populace states in the nation and also the most proactive when it comes to medicinal Cannabis In California.CBD Oil Canada

    ReplyDelete
  6. It turns out that even the hottest port has a few places where you can get off the beaten path. Here are some recommendations that will make you feel like you're in the know how to get weed out of your system in 24 hours

    ReplyDelete
  7. Numerous studies - many of which are still ongoing - have purported in their results the practical medical application of cannabis for treatment. Click here

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yield is regularly estimated in grams and is worked out by the normal yield found by the raiser. marijuana seeds

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. cbd cannabidiol benefits

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! cannabidiol prescription

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for sharing this great post. Very interesting ideas! (as always, btw) dab rigs under 50

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Buy CBD Gummies Online

    ReplyDelete
  13. I’ve been making this blog a regular stop lately, once again, thanks for a thoughtful post. Cannabis

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. ID Photo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. cbd gummies

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for sharing such a useful information, I will be checking your blog for further updates and information..medical cannabis for animals

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful illustrated information. I thank you about that. No doubt it will be very useful for my future projects. Would like to see some other posts on the same subject! Weed delivery

    ReplyDelete
  18. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! programme sport anti cellulite

    ReplyDelete
  19. When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. la diete 2 semaines brian flatt

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is good that you always mention the positive image of these types 메이저놀이터 of topics but on the other hand if you need related assistance. I really love this post and hope to see such informative news furthermore. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. I love to 릴게임폴리스 reading an article that can make people believe. Thanks a lot for sharing a piece of wonderful information which I am looking for a longer period of time.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It was very useful to me. This is 릴게임 truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  23. When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. Buy moon rocks online

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family. CBD Gummies

    ReplyDelete
  25. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. CBD Coconut Oil

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you so much for such a well-written article. It’s full of insightful information. Your point of view is the best among many without fail.For certain, It is one of the best blogs in my opinion. https://andotherbrands.com/product-brand/green-roads/

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it's discussion, thank you. https://justcbdstore.com/product-category/cbd-vape-cartridges/

    ReplyDelete
  28. Quality assurance and great products have been a major concern among experts in the cannabis industry. To meet recommendations for producing medicinal marijuana products that are both effective and adequate to meet our clients’ needs, our company is strictly adherent to delivering just the gold standard. Based on a consensus, our quality assurance committee has resolved to a strict adherence to the protocol in order to maintain a standard across the production chain. The quality of our lab-tested products is unmatched in the entire industry. Cannabis Market is the leader!

    buy exortic carts online

    Buy alaskan thunderfuck

    Buy gorilla glue #4 online

    Buy granddaddy purple feminized seeds

    Buy blue dream Weedstrain

    Buy white widow weedstrain

    Buy girls scourt cookies

    Buy blueberry kush online

    buy exortic carts online

    Buy pineapple express online

    Buy purple haze feminized seeds

    Buy Stiizy pods online

    buy exortic carts online

    Buy gorilla glue #4 online

    Buy Stiizy pods online

    buy mario carts online

    Buy white widow weedstrain

    Buy bubble kush online

    Buy blueberry kush online

    Buy lemon haze online

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CBD OIL TINCTURES TO BUY?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks DO CBD FULL SPECTRUM TINCTURES GET YOU HIGH?

    ReplyDelete
  31. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. HOW LONG WILL CBD OIL STAY IN MY SYSTEM?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. cbd hash

    ReplyDelete
  33. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... CBD Oil for Dogs

    ReplyDelete
  34. Really satisfied with all the information I have found in this article. It gives immense knowledge on physical education, it is very helpful and quite generous to spread a good message. 유에프씨카지노

    The author has done a brilliant job on summing all the points here. You just made a new fan with your writing skills. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I heard about this naming agency from several people that it gives online courses in making company names. With their information-rich lessons, you will never run out of creative ideas. Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil

    ReplyDelete
  36. CBD oil is getting one of the most sizzling new items available today. Indeed, yearly deals of CBD oil items in 2018 was almost 600 million and is assessed to be developing at a rate surpassing 107 percent every year.CBD Topicals

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. https://trippyrepublic.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. buy cookies minntz the soap

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am always looking for some free kinds of stuff over the internet. There are also some companies which give free samples. But after visiting your blog, I do not visit too many blogs. Thanks. glo extracts

    ReplyDelete
  40. Exactly what I was looking for! A naming agency that will help me spice up my brand ideas with a very reasonable price. Thank you for this! what does tincture mean in cbd

    ReplyDelete

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