Back in Nepal

There's some countries I like, some I dislike and some I absolutely adore. And the one I can easily call the best place on earth is Nepal. So I had to go back, again. 2nd time this year, 3rd time in total. And I'm already planning a trip for next year...

Now I only had 3,5 weeks and I also had to work during the time but it's still better than nothing. The country is pure magic. Like a drug. You just have to get more and more. 

Monkey temple

I had loads of plans but I ended up changing them basically all the time. I spent lots of time in dusty Kathmandu. I love the city. It's dirty, polluted and full of people. But there's something I can't really put my finger on. It's just amazing. And there are my favorite places & people of course. 

Checking out Patan with little brother.

I went to Patan with Babu, to monkey temple a few times, strolled around the town and went to see a gig at durbar square. A french pop/rock band played in the square, the music was terrible but otherwise a nice idea... Next time Slayer, please.

I did loads of climbing, 3 days in Bimal Nagar, climbed some short routes and 2 multi-pitches. I went twice to Hattiban and also a few times climbing indoors in Kathmandu. Nice way to spend the day. And to get rid of the hang overs.

Hattiban

After a week in Kathmandu I checked out what Sauhara (Chitwan national park) hast to offer. Last time I was there I stayed inside the park, this time I had to save a bit money and I took a bus to the main village near the national park entrance. Worth it. There was an injured rhino baby hanging around in the museum premises. CUTIE!!! The poor baby got attacked by a tiger but survived and is now taken care by humans. 

This time probably the coolest new place I went to was Bandipur, a small and cosy town on the hills about 2 h from Pokhara. That place is so pretty. I didn't really do anything there, one day I climbed to a hindu temple on a hill and spent the whole day reading a book and watching the amazing scenery. Evenings are beer time and luckily I had nice neighbors in the homestay to share a few bottles with. 

My last trip out of Kathmandu was to Manakamana again with Babu. Best company I can have! Thanx to swiss engineers there's a cable car running up to the mountain where's a famous hindu temple of goddess Manakamana. Go there, make a wish and wait for it to come true. I made three wishes, didn't sacrifice any goats or chickens but I'm still confident that I just have to wait for them to come true. Right?

Nail polish party. Not my hand.

Now I'm back home but only until December 20th. I'm staying one week in Philippines before I fly again to Borneo for some diving. I've got 2 weeks planned, two weeks unplanned. Can't wait...