Pokhara

The three girls i have gotten to know in Kathamndu decided to take a little week getaway to beautiful Pokhara, an 8 hour bus ride. Pokhara is based around a gorgeous lake with the snowcapped himalyas on one side and forested hills for hiking on the other side. We went for a boat ride around the lake the first day exploring the little coves and lakeside restraunts. The next day we went for a hike to the Peace Pogodia, a Buddhist Monestary on the top of a mountian. We happened to miss path that takes up you the hill and ended up going completely AROUND the mountain and up the hill at the steepest possible way. It ended up being alot longer and harder hike than we expected but we got to go through local villages on the side of the mountain and it was That much more fufilling making it to the top. We managed to make it down the faster way on the way back down. We have been going out to local bars with live music and good company each night, but nothing is open passed midnight. We went out For st. Patricks day and had some drinks and had to wake up at 5:00 the next morhing in order to watch the sunrise from the highest peak in Pokhara, just as well the bars close early. After 4 hours of sleep we hopped in a cab and made our way to the top of the mountain. The sun came up slowly and was spectacular but the height of the beauy was when it started to hit the tips of the mountains all around us, it was breathtaking. I have come to realize i am a mountain girl... I Love the mountains and would feel so homesick without them. We hiked all the way down the steep steps down the hill. This did not feel so good after our huge hike the day before. I found a pool to sit by and soak up the beautiful day for the rest of the day but when i stood up i felt like my legs were half paralized from all our hiking. This morning was the best day of all! Paragliding!!! I was nervous but mostly just so excited, i have done bungeejumping so paragliding was a fear that was alot easier to overcome. I got strapped in, ran a few steps and gracefully lifted up into the air! it was unbelievably surreal! Flying with the hawks higher looking down at Pokhara beneath me, as high as the mountains. My guide let me take control for a bit and steer the parachute. I got to spend about 45 minutes in the air with the biggest grin on my face the hole time. We did some minor airobatics, some crazy loops and scoops in the air before landing on the side of the lake. It was such an unreal view and expereience, Next Skydiving!
Its another scorthing day so we plan on renting the boat again and going to the middle to swim for a bit in the lake. I love Pokhara and glad i will be back for my Yoga retreat in 3 weeks! I spend a week with my kids at the orphanage in Kathmandu and Take off for my everest trek next thursday! Cant wait!