Day 46: Pokhara

Trip Start Sep 21, 2006
1
47
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Trip End Jun 01, 2007


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Monday, November 6, 2006

I set off south of the lake to cross the footbridge and climb up to the Peace Pagoda. There are rumours of muggings on the path. One guy tries to attach himself to me as a guide and warns me of thefts too. Another shady character with a full beard (rare in clean-shaven Nepal) lingers on a hill, then howls like a dog. I take this to be a signal to others further up the path. So, when the path splits, I follow my instincts and retreat. The next day I read in The Himalayan Times of a German couple who were robbed on this path. I've seen a high view of the lake already and don't feel like giving up my camera for this one.
Instead, as the sun sets, I rent a boat to row to the centre of the Phewa Tal for the view of Pokhara from the water. Clouds keeps Machapuchare hidden from any golden highlights, but away from constant 'namaste's, invitations to get a shave or a juice, and the whirr of embroiderers, it's bliss to bob about for an hour.
The sun dips on my last night in Pokhara. It would be easy to lose a week here, wandering up and down Lakeside, sampling the Nepali/Italian/Mex menus from different cafes and buying/returning titles from the second-hand book stores (I'm currently getting through about one read every two days), but I've itchy feet and a world to loop. I'll catch the bus back to Kathmandu tomorrow.
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