The Himalayan foothills

by Logan Mersh (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

A leap into the unknown Nepal

‘The Himalayan Foothills’, By Logan Mersh I knew I was searching for something, But what? I pondered. I continued to ask myself this same question again and again as the months just passed me by. I decided, it was time. Time to go out and find this unknown ‘something’, and so I did... The journey into the unknown started as all great stories do, at Heathrow airport. Bags packed? check. Passport? check. Plane Ticket? check. Excitement levels through the roof? Double check! I was ready. It’s important to mention this was only my first major trip away from the Uk. I mean, yeah sure, I had been on various small trips, but nothing quite like this... So, the uncertainty was definitely apparent. It wasn't a feeling of worry or fear, simply uncertainty. I think its completely normal to feel this way when facing the unknown, but I knew that I was well prepared for any possibility. (I would highly recommend first time travellers to research prior to making that first leap) If like me, you struggle to stay still for more than 2 seconds, planes really are the definition of boring. Now though, onto the real action... Stepping out of Kathmandu airport, taking a deep breath with a self accomplished look on my face, all I'm thinking is, ‘right I'm here, lets do this’. Fun Fact, Kathmandu is the highest city from sea level in the world. This in mind I was expecting breathing to be difficult but, I didn't really notice a drastic difference if truth be told. The first thing I was greeted with was the constant beeping of horns. All types of motors, from vans to cars. But primarily motorbikes, everyone seemed to have one! looking out I could see a dense sea of motorbikes. Driving through Bhaktapur I began to get a visual understanding for the quality of life. Overpopulated, polluted, families poverty stricken. On the contrary, everyone I met on this first day conveyed happy emotion. I instantly found a sense a beauty in that. I knew from day one, ‘I’m gonna love this country’. The vibrant colours, it’s rich, potent smells, the food, the clothes. Tradition. Culture. I had found what I was longing for. I delved straight into the culture, exploring the main city and all of its areas over the coming week. I Visited temples, backstreet cafes, markets, museums all in an effort to absorb as much of the city life as possible. The week was up, my time had come to continue my voyage out of the city and into the villages of the Makawanpur region. The ride into the village ‘Ghuamaune’, would probably have taken 45/1 hour as the crow flies. One problem with that, the mountainous terrain. Despite Kathmandu being distant from Everest (the largest mountain in the world). The capital itself is situated within a valley surrounded by huge hills. You can now imagine the type of journey I was in for. You guessed it, a free rollercoaster ride! Up and down jagged roads on the side of these baby mountains. To add to the excitement, about 30 minutes into the journey it began to rain, heavily. All in all the trip took close to seven hours, Including two breaks - One a mere 10 minute toilet break, the other a chance to recharge on dal bhat - the countries national dish and best friend. Seven hours spent mainly 5 inches off of my seat. Despite the incredibly bumpy ride, I managed to grab some sleep, much to my fellow travellers disbelief. I had only met these people 24 hours before and they couldn't believe their eyes. These same people I would go on to spend the next 12 weeks with who have also become good friends to this day. All of the hassle, the rough travel, the discomfort, the tiredness. All of the waiting around, the apprehension. All of this, diminished in just one second. As the mini-van slung itself round a harsh bend, we all gathered ourselves, glanced out the window and was met by the most incredible, picturesque setting. A beautiful river, the Kesidi River, which lie effortlessly between the foothills of the Himalayas. We were here!