Little did I think I would be arriving here by Helicopter - a story unfolding in the plateau of the Tibetan plains amongst arguments and irritation all due to a massive landslide on the road from Kodari to Kathamandu. Was it worth the $250 price tag for a 30 minute flight - damn right it was !
Spectacular views across the Kathamandu valley as we finally board a helicopter amidst many others stranded at the border. Tempers are flying high as some people have been waiting for more than 32 hours - not happy as the afternoon monsoon rain hits the mountains.
We arrive at a field , which doesn't belong to our helicopter , jump into another fiat ramshackle taxi as he takes us to the next helicopter pad further up in the mountains.
By now we are spending a lot of time people watching - we all want to get to Kathmandu - a funeral procession makes its way down to the river carrying the pyre wood, the air is thick with incense and the noise of helicopters arriving and leaving across the valley. Across the bridge into Nepal a hop ,skip and a jump and the change in atmosphere is incredible .Breathing the same air just tinged with incense , nepali food and all round chatter - two different worlds.
Finally Kathmandu and sleep - a small guesthouse called the Tibetan guest house, cheap and cheerful , white bed linen and a whole lot of noise rising from the street . Familiar and unfamliar sounds of a new place .The afternoon monsoon hits as I lay there watching the rain pelt down with its sweet smell and determination. Bliss and beauty and peace.
Exploring explodes in a matter of minutes in the morning when there is so much vibrant energy everywhere , people,and more people,rickshaws, dust , an assault on the senses as Kathmandu comes to life. I can't stop smiling - every place, city , country bringing experience to my heart in a different way. I step out into the road and I'm in love !
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