Day 9 - May 5/6, 2013 - Nanchang to Tatu Pani
Today continued steep and rugged. Finally, the terrain flattened as we walked through corn fields.
When we first arrived Del and I planned to go to the hot springs Tatu Pani is named after. One look at the steep steps and we thought of going later. When we were ready it was raining.
Kagi's lunch for us today was a slaw of cabbage, carrots and olives. Mushroom, onion and carrot vegetarian lasagna. And tempura vegetables. This is the first time since Kathmandu that anybody has had a soft drink. It was Coke all around. I didn't miss it until I knew I couldn't have it.
Our accommodations advertised hot showers and wi-fi. When we arrived it was no to both. Several of us hand-washed laundry in cold water in the bathroom sink. My typical power nap usually last 5-10 minutes so while others took longer naps I waited for my IPhone to charge behind the counter at the restaurant. The owner lives in the back. I sipped several pots of black tea at the restaurant where I noticed the wide plank wood floors and woven bamboo ceilings, wicker shades on light bulbs. A woman and two men played cards and I tried to write, while a German and Asian argued Tibetan politics. The shutters on the wall of glass-less windows were open. I heard the roar of the river in the background. A light drizzle fed the lush plantings of bougainvillaea, citrus trees and marigolds.
The screams of a child broke the calm. This was most unusual. Babies, toddlers and older children here seem unusually peaceful and mild mannered. The county lives up to its name: Nepal - Never Ending Peace and Love.
Amrit was full of information. "Marigolds grow wild around here. On the Day of the Dog even these four legged get garlands of marigolds." He also amusingly quipped, "Of 365 days a year, there are 366 holidays in Nepal." Actually, Nepal has the largest number of religious festivals in the world. Along with the public holidays Nepal also offer state holidays during an eclipse.
Kagi prepared a wonderful evening meal. Our last supper together with the porters. Afterward our group of 14, porters included, gathered around the dining table where we showed them our sincere appreciation with Amrit interpreting.
Today continued steep and rugged. Finally, the terrain flattened as we walked through corn fields.
When we first arrived Del and I planned to go to the hot springs Tatu Pani is named after. One look at the steep steps and we thought of going later. When we were ready it was raining.
Kagi's lunch for us today was a slaw of cabbage, carrots and olives. Mushroom, onion and carrot vegetarian lasagna. And tempura vegetables. This is the first time since Kathmandu that anybody has had a soft drink. It was Coke all around. I didn't miss it until I knew I couldn't have it.
Our accommodations advertised hot showers and wi-fi. When we arrived it was no to both. Several of us hand-washed laundry in cold water in the bathroom sink. My typical power nap usually last 5-10 minutes so while others took longer naps I waited for my IPhone to charge behind the counter at the restaurant. The owner lives in the back. I sipped several pots of black tea at the restaurant where I noticed the wide plank wood floors and woven bamboo ceilings, wicker shades on light bulbs. A woman and two men played cards and I tried to write, while a German and Asian argued Tibetan politics. The shutters on the wall of glass-less windows were open. I heard the roar of the river in the background. A light drizzle fed the lush plantings of bougainvillaea, citrus trees and marigolds.
The screams of a child broke the calm. This was most unusual. Babies, toddlers and older children here seem unusually peaceful and mild mannered. The county lives up to its name: Nepal - Never Ending Peace and Love.
Amrit was full of information. "Marigolds grow wild around here. On the Day of the Dog even these four legged get garlands of marigolds." He also amusingly quipped, "Of 365 days a year, there are 366 holidays in Nepal." Actually, Nepal has the largest number of religious festivals in the world. Along with the public holidays Nepal also offer state holidays during an eclipse.
Kagi prepared a wonderful evening meal. Our last supper together with the porters. Afterward our group of 14, porters included, gathered around the dining table where we showed them our sincere appreciation with Amrit interpreting.