A Gurkha Party

After spending a few days in Kathmandu, out next destination was Pokhara, second in size to Kathmandu. Most of the country is connected by just one road. The road is not well maintained and due to the road blocks set up, travel time was extended. Our bus trip took about 7 hours. This is also the reason why road blocks are so effective in Nepal to deter Maoist activities. The transportation of weapons and explosives from the country side to Kathmandu can efficiently be deterred by monitoring and guarding the main road.

A pretty dancer

Through the journey, I was surprised to see periodic advertising of Korean brands such as Samsung, LG and Chinese brands such as Haier. Instead of household Japanese brands such as Sony and Panasonic that we often seen in the developed world. This all makes sense as the up and coming brands are more aggressive in making their brands known in developing countries. It is a much easier battle when they don't have to compete with Sony for mind space. Further, as these places develop and their purchasing power increases, the people will have higher brand recognition for a Samsung rather than Sony.

Artsy pic, I likiee

At Pokhara, we spent the day strolling around the main strip. We also hired a boat on the lake for a couple hours. The tranquility mildly resembled a day on the lakes in Alberta Canada. The pigeon dropping-covered temple on a small island in the middle of the lake quickly broke that confusion.

In the evening, we got wind of a party at the only club in town. Apparently, a lot of Gurkhas were in town for a celebration. I am quite familiar with Gurkhas growing up in Hong Kong. They were tough Nepalese warriors hired by the British forces and many were stationed in Hong Kong. They were also frequently spotted guarding banks and other important buildings. The famously loyal Gurkhas originated in the hill tribes of Nepal and were particularly skilled in combat with curved Khukri swords. Apparently, the training and export of Gurkha warriors is a huge industry in Nepal, second only to tourism. With Nema our tour guide, we were ready to venture into the club and hang with some tough Gurkhas. However, Nema left us at the last minute. Only slightly rattled, we headed over to the club anyways and took a peek inside and promptly decided to leave. The gathering did not look particularly friendly and looked more like a mafia get together than an all welcoming party. The hopes for some of the girls in the group to meet a rich Gurkha had to be postponed.

Dodgy Massage at Pokhara

Driving up towards an unarmed road block

Fantastic fold dancing over dinner

Janey and Heather eating a Thali

Joey posing by a burned bus. Likely by Maoists

On a boat towards a temple on the lake

Our Bus to Pokhara, out bags up top

Pigeon dropping and Red candle wax

Setting up

Tata brand buses, everywhere in Nepal

The only main road at Pokhara

Tractor, hay and men

Women carrying baskets up the road

Young Monks