Nepal, April 2013

 

As I listen to the Arabian Sea waves gently washing up on the Hilton beach in Fujairah, I feel nicely relaxed after a Nepali adventure, an enjoyable first week back at school with daily sunset visits to the beach, and today’s sweltering impromptu half marathon at dawn. After a stressful second term at school culminating in a final week inspection, I relished my pending escapade as I journeyed to Dubai airport at the end of April. Reading Paddy’s Nepal Lonely Planet on the bus, I couldn’t wait to follow in my big brother’s footsteps around Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Annapurna region. 

My introduction to the capital city was a hair-raising taxi journey weaving through busy alternately paved/unpaved streets, pulling off seemingly impossible under/overtaking manoeuvres of cows, pedestrians and all manner of vehicles. Not put off, the next day I opted for the 7 hour bus journey on mountain roads to Pokhara, in favour of the straightforward 30 minute flight. This ride through the countryside was spectacular, fascinating and went more smoothly than my attempt to leave the hostel at the crack of dawn to catch my bus. Closing the door of one building and crossing the courtyard into the reception building I discovered I was locked out of both, with no signs of life in either! As the departure of my bus was imminent I quickly resorted to jumping over a broken-glass-covered-wall for a successful escape!

Pokhara was backpacker heaven in terms of scenery, prices, company and services. I whiled away my time drinking mint lemon juices and milkshakes, boosting my hiking reserves, eating numerous tasty treats, and happily gazing out over the beautiful Phewa Lake. 

I embarked upon the popular 8-10 day hike to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) with a spring in my step, and I wasn’t disappointed with the glorious mountain vistas. As with many Nepali hikes, trekking was conveniently serviced with restaurants and guesthouses at rock bottom prices. I didn’t once consider a guide or porter to carry my backpack, as navigation was straightforward on well-trodden paths. 

My fun was rudely interrupted at the end of day 2 by a dodgy hot chocolate, leading to a rough night with frequent toilet visits and explosions of nastiness from both ends. With time tight I considered returning to Pokhara, but I slowly soldiered on, hoping I would regain strength. A group of Aussie doctors came to my rescue, recommending diluted sprite with salt, to help rehydrate. This did the trick, and on day 4 I felt much better. 

I reached ABC at 4130 metres after 1000 metres altitude gain during a strong 5th day of hiking. This chilly spot was shrouded in cloud, but a massive dump of snow in the evening cleared the air, and at dawn the next morning the massive peaks were revealed in full glory. Needless to say I was snap happy scampering through this wintry wonderland of fresh snow. 

I savoured my final few days, feeling better as I descended back to Pokhara and celebrated my successful ABC expedition with a large steak! I loved the friendliness of locals and trekkers in Nepal. I was in my element talking to anyone and everyone, gaining inspiration and ideas from travellers on adventures long and short. I will definitely return to Nepal one day, probably to attempt the fortnight’s hike to Everest Base Camp. My backpacking bug has returned with vengeance, ignited by the awesome people I met in this travellers’ mecca.

Back in the UAE, I splurged on a year’s membership at the Hilton hotel in Fujairah. Today is my 8th consecutive day at the beach, and I’m lapping up the cosy temperatures in the high thirties, splashing around in the refreshing waters in this corner of the Indian Ocean. This morning I sported the flashy new running kit supplied for the FREE Fujairah half marathon! Africa’s finest were in town, attracted by huge prize money donated by the Crown Prince to put Fujairah on the map. Shame they didn’t think to buy more water, as most stations were unmanned, bone dry and infrequent. It was a joke that my hottest race experience had the least water supplied! I was happy just to finish and wasn’t bothered by my slowest time ever (1h 36m 30s - my excuse being I’ve only run a couple of times in the past month)! Onwards and upwards to the next adventure!