Saturday, August 7, 2010

and without further adieu.......

.. PHOTOS!!!!

Copy and paste the link in a browser.
These are the photos that made a final cut out of all (something around 800) photos!

I hope you enjoy as much as I did taking them!

Cheers!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krystal-klear/sets/72157624676094274/

Bungee Jumping in Nepal

Copy and paste the link to see the Bungee Jumping video from my last day in Nepal before coming home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1oKFKHhWAw


Also, a video that I took on the way out to the Last Resort for the bungee jumping trip.
The song in the video, is one of my most favorite songs - its remixed by my dear friend Nick (aka: Pumpkin) and I couldn't think of a better song. Sorry for the miscellaneous horns you hear during the video - thats just the bus... and also.. trees get in the way at times.. just deal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uiu1B-XMbU

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The final Days...

Greetings and Salutations!

Well I am 100% back in the United States.
Let me just say WOW.

So I was unable to update the final last day and half before heading back on the mighty jetplane back home.

Wednesday, the final full day before my trip was ending… I planned with 3 other people (my housemate Andryon, Mallory and also Tassi from the office) to go BUNGEE JUMPING!
Yes, I am serious!
We planned it with the Last Resort people and gathered early Wednesday Morning (530am to be exact) in Thamel to meet up with the rest of the people who were signed up for that day.

It was a 3.5 hour bus ride to what seemed like the most majestically place on earth with supreme views of the Himalayas’ through-out the entire ride and finally arriving at a suspension bridge over a madly rushing river called the Bhote Kosi. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhote_Koshi) We were 7.5 miles from the Tibetan Border and roughly 520 Feet up in the air. We were divided into two groups depending on our weight class. The guy asked me if I wanted a lucky number or an unlucky number… OF COURSE I took the Lucky number: 69! (funny Nepalese people!) Thankfully Mallory was in the same group as I, and I wasn’t completely with strangers… so we went out on that suspension bridge and waited… and waited.. and waited… the sun was scorching down on us, but we had a great time watching one by one… people jump off the bridge. By the time it became our time… there was nothing to it. I was second to last. The guy walks to me with the harness and tells me that I won’t be needing it today. Then points to my wings. He starts to walk away but then turns back. I’m strapped into my harness, and sitting down on the chair about to get my feet strapped into the bungee cord.
The camera guy comes to me and asks me what my last words are… I wave like an idiot to the camera, and for my friends at home – I do the Robot Dance quickly. (The camera guy stupidly stops recording for the next comment : you have wings, you should take off your shirt and fly) Now it’s time for me to go to the most outward part of the bridge and do my thing. In the video you can see me leaning back , and inching like a penguin- its pretty funny!
I don’t even remember the “bungee master” saying “3-2-1-Bungee” – I raised my arms, looked straight ahead and leaned forward. I spun around quite a bit- I felt the air rushing against my face and my stomach drop as if I was on a roller coaster – yet the most incredible roller coaster ever! For what seemed like 10 minutes, I bungeed up and down and hung upside down unsure of what to do with my arms- but with such an incredible rush that I was speechless and all I was able to do was to smile like a lunatic.

Finally, I was able to grab the bamboo stick to bring me from dangling upside down. I was lowered down onto a platform and got unbuckled from the harness and the bungee cord.
Mallory was the last one of our group to jump and I waited for her at the bottom – cheering her on!

We hiked up from the shore of the Bhote Kosi all the way back up to the very top. About 80% of the trek up the hill- we were questioning whether we were on the right track or not. We were running into waterfalls (which were great to immerse ourselves into, as it was so hot out) and extremely steep steps that were apparently placed by man, and whomever placed these steps… these people are gutsy!
Number one on Mallory and mines minds… BAR! We would celebrate with a drink- and that we did. We got to watch our videos and purchase them right then and there.
Later on, after the 2nd group went, we eventually went home.
Adryon and I stayed in the guesthouse as it was my last night and we were going to go to the office for breakfast in the morning before my departure.

Traveling back home was insane. Completely Insane. My flight from Kathmandu to India was delayed by 2 hours. Although, I did see one of the fellows I met while bungee jumping at the airport and we chatted a bit! He was only flying to Bangkok (I think) – so his flight was not as horrendous as mine was going to be. Eventually the plane arrives in India, I make friends with two American girls (I wish I would have met them during my stay in Nepal) and the three of us enjoy some girl time in the transit area of the India Airport (all of which is completely different from the last transit I have there, as the part that was currently open was only 2 days old) One of the girls flight comes up and that leaves Becca and I together- whom we share the same flight. There is a rambunctious group of gals and guys from London in the Transit area and they entertain us by doing some of the oddest things (reminds me a lot of what my friends and I would do) for hours on end.
After 8 Hours, and about 10 security check points, we are finally on the plane back to the United States.

I arrive in Chicago at 5am… wiped out- with possibly 1 hour of sleep (on a 15 hour flight) – just ecstatic to be back home in the United States.
I text a few people that I’m home and then wander around the terminal like a zombie in preparation for my flight!

I sleep for 2 hours on the flight from Chicago to San Diego. I’m so excited to be home, I cannot contain myself!
I arrive safely and turn on my phone, I’m walking down to baggage since I had to check a bag in when I got to Chicago… and I get my first “Welcome Home” text and that is immediately followed up with my phone ringing from Yuba telling me he’s leaving the office and is picking me up. PERFECT TIMING!

I’m home safe.
I had bubble bath waiting for me along with gifts on my bed. I felt so spoiled.

I will be finishing up the photos hopefully sometime this week. There’s a lot to go through and some editing. So don’t cha worry- they will be a’comin!

Thank you to everyone (if I haven’t said it enough) for supporting me in my trip to Nepal to help save the world!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Ahem

So... this will probably be the last time that I am able to write - unless I get internet access tomorrow night in the Guesthouse- if so.. I will update about the awesomeness that is tomorrow. Otherwise, you will just have to wait until I get home safely for the recap- or IF you already know... consider yerself LUCKY! ;)

Today was the last day @ the orphanage. It was an extremely mellow day and the kids watched movies the entire time. The very last hour I did get to play with the kids which was rewarding.

After work, I took a taxi (it was pouring yet again) to Thamel and went to the office to fill out some paperwork for tomorrow and also to figure out the remaining 48 or less hours that I have here in Nepal.

Afterwards, I went to the one of the places, that I heard about the most. An AMAZING place, that if you ever come to Nepal, I suggest it.

The Garden of Dreams.


The garden is directly off the main road in Thamel and its like day and night. On one side, you have the dirtiness of the streets, the traffic, the honking.. everything. Then you walk through the gates, pay your 180 rupees and walk into a majestic place.
You would not expect so much beauty in the mist of such chaos.

The beautiful fountains, the rolling green grass, the koi pond, the beautiful pillars.. its so amazing and peaceful. You can still hear the honking from the street outside, but you don't notice it as much.
I put on my ear buds and listening to some music while slowly walking the paths, taking it all in, breathing th[e air (which actually seemed clean) and taking my time.

Within the garden is Kaiser Cafe. I sat down, had a glass of wine, some water and ordered dinner. (Chicken Florentine - FTW) I pulled out my book and read for an hour.
Two gentlemen asked if they could join me and since I had a medium sized table all to myself, I invited them. They were both from London and were extremely charming. They were just tourists and the same as me, on the final days of their trip. Eventually, after a few more glasses of wine and some wonderful conversation - we parted ways.

I eventually made my way home, and now I have to have all my stuff packed... good thing I'm really good at Tetris!

*Cheers!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Pedestrians

Okay, so to drive here.. you have to had skills. MAD SKILLS!
This morning on the way to the orphanage, it was your typical Monday traffic.. The worst I've seen on that route before. And its VERY apparent that pedestrians DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT have the right away as they do in California.
If you're in the way of the road, you can be hit. The drivers here are crazy. It seems like everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere, and they have no patience what-so-ever!

Today at the orphanage, it was somewhat relaxing. We played with the children from the time we got there until lunchtime, then we ate and ALL the children were taking naps. So from 2pm-4pm - we just basically hung out. At some point between 3 and 4pm the "infants" woke up, so I went to go and play with them, as I couldn't nap and didn't know what else to do.

We then walked to Thamel and to the office for Binita's birthday and to talk to Bipin about a last minute excursion that I plan to do on Wednesday, in which I have talked Cici and Mallory into doing and possibly one of the girls at the office, Tassi.

Its a secret, (kinda sorta) what we're doing, but it will be full of awesome!!!


There are some super cute photos that were taken today- but i have to wait to get home and connect a cord to the camera, since it was a memory card that I haven't used before... I'm hoping that those photos will not be lost forever.

Tomorrow is my last day at the orphanage... my how time flies... I'm excited to get home as I miss many of my every day things... the people, the small things, and yes... EVEN work!

Cheers for now-- I'm going to play on the rooftop in the rain!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Just One Word:

MONKEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, do I need to say more!? Anyone who knows me - knows that I'm a monkey fanatic!!! Like - its an obsession! Well, today I saw soooooo many monkeys that if my trip ended now... I'd be 100% satisfied with how many monkeys have been seen.





Today actually started out with a Nepali language lesson. Now I'm not the best at maintaining the memory of a language.. which kinda sucks BUT I have a cheat sheet- so hopefully I can remember to say something at least. (Let's hope)

After my lesson, I waited for Kim and we went to Fire & Ice (the restaurant) and had pizza. (Yes, I went back a 2nd time) We gossiped, then after lunch we took a taxi to Swayambhunath, which is also known as "the monkey temple". The word is that there was a man whom was taking residence there, and he wasn't 'possed to have long hair, but he grew it out, and he got head lice.. and then the head lice became monkeys. Therefore the monkeys who live atop there are Holy Monkeys!
There are two routes the Swayambhunath. There is the stairs and then there is the short-cut. We chose the stairs.



So the stairs start out simple, then they get crazy steep! By the time Kim and I reach the top, we are both out of breath and sweating (it doesn't help that its humid out) Now when we get to the very top, the view is simply amazing and breathtaking! You don't realize how high it is until you look down the stairs. haha
We walk around, take photos, and then we buy candles for prayers and we place them with all the other prayers.
Being the non-religious person I am, I made a wish! :)



As Kim and I are getting ready to leave (leaving the shorter way, not the stairs) we get stopped by a Nepali family. They asked to take a photo with me. So they take about 20 photos (It was like paparazzi) An entire family of about 10, different people in each photo.. I was unsure what was going on! Then we start walking and there is a couple following us. Kim and I are taking photos and they are taking photos of us, almost stalking us. So much that they follow us to getting in our cab...still taking photos! It was surreal. Apparently, we were celebrities!
I even snuck a photo of them as we were driving off!

Kim and I take our taxi back to Thamel, and we decide to shop a little more. We meander through the streets of Thamel, quite unsure of where we are going - but luckily I have a good sense of direction and get us back to the office eventually. Halfway through our shopping trip of the day, it starts raining. It's monsoon season here in Nepal, so it wasn't anything out of the norm.

Eventually, I get home -- and begin playing with the babies here. It's only 6pm - and I'm ready for bed!!!!

Namaste!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

"You're so California!"

Today was a free day. We get the weekends off from the orphanage and today we got to explore Bhaktapur. It was with the same guide that Kim and I had on our first day and this time it was Cici, Mallory, Kim and Myself. (Cici & Mallory arrived on the same day, as did Kim & I)
I met Mallory for the first time yesterday for Cici's birthday. She's 22 and from Indiana, she goes to Purdue and is very friendly and has a great personality.
This morning, we're getting ready to leave, I put on my sunglasses (b/c I'm practically blind if theres any light in the sky w/o them) and her immediate response: "You're so California... with your aviators!" It was classic. This girl was one liners like that all day.
We played the typical tourists.. taking photos of EVERYTHING we came across... and the "oooo's" and the "awww's"! It was fun. We did some shopping and then also ate at a cafe in the Durbar Square there. The cafe had everything, every type of food. So I had a burger. Now it's not the traditional cow meat burger as the Nepali people see cows as sacred... but it was a buffalo burger - it was definitely different tasty... not as juicy as a normal western burger - but definitely good!

It started raining a bit- and figured that Potterys Square wouldn't be as fun in the rain...(Mallory's quote of the day... "so do they have pots in Pottery Square or what?!?") so we headed back home. Which is good, b/c with it being so hot - we're tired and just wanting to nap.
Our free time is mainly spent relaxing around with the family (but the majority of their conversations are in Nepalese and not knowing the language makes it hard to follow. (Obviously) Thankfully - My girlfriend Danielle suggested a good book for me and I have been reading that- thinking about my next international trip! (Part of the book is based in Italy)

I'm still homesick, but talking this morning (Friday Evening, your time) to Yuba helped make the start of my day more easy...I didn't think I would get homesick - but Nepal is very overwhelming and being in the grunt of it is tiring.
I've averaged about 80 photos per day- so get ready to feast your eyes on some amazing-ness (the nitty gritty) once I officially go through and edit them when I get home!