Going to Nepal was in itself an adventure. The shift from Pondicherry to Nepal was thrilling and exciting. It was a transition from sea side to a place of the world’s highest mountain. From a place with French colonial legacy to a place which was never colonized. From a seventy year old democracy to a newly ten years of unstable democracy. Though India and Nepal are different countries they share history and geography. Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal but enlightened in India. The Himalayan range runs across both the countries.
Reaching Nepal was in itself an adventurous experience. At 5 in the morning, we started our bus ride to Bangalore airport. After half an hour of journey one of the buses broke down. But the driver of the bus was more than good enough to keep the passengers calm. In 15 minutes they got a new bus. We passed across villages and towns of South India through forests and cities in between. But travelling in Bangalore to reach airport took more than 4 hours due to huge traffic. At a point of time, we feared to miss our flight but our drivers managed to drop just on time.
After reaching Kathmandu in Nepal, we were welcomed with great warmth. We accommodated in a very comfortable hotel with good facilities. We were living in Thamel area which was a very lively place where you can see people from all around the world. During that time it was a festive season and we could see grand celebration of Diwali festival. We too celebrated Diwali. A day we had a Halloween party. A day we had a lecture on new democracy of Nepal in post war and gender. We were visited by UN peace keeping persona who shared her experience of working in Nepal. After two weeks of lecture and submission of an assignment draft, we went for a retreat to Pokhara for five days. Pokhara was one of the beautiful places I have ever been. Our stay was at the opposite side of a beautiful lake and mountains. We could even see the magnificent Fish tail mountain of Annapurna range from our hotel. It’s a good place for boating, sky adventures and trekking. Apart from adventures there, we even worked on our assignment.
From Pokhara, with my three friends I went to Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha. Still there was ruin from of second century BC of Stupa and Ashokan Pillar. It was a peaceful place. After coming back to Thamel, we worked hard to submit our group assignment which was a remarkable experience. Altogether, Nepal was a happening place for me.
-Rajat-