• Canoes, Crocodiles and the Peacock Dance

    31st January 2017 Dosed up with tablets, I rattled down to an early breakfast. Feeling ok, I managed some cereal and two slices of toast, washed down with a small glass of mango juice. I crossed my fingers that I wouldn’t be seeing them again, but thanks to the powers of modern chemistry, I needn’t… Continue Reading

  • The Long Road to Chitwan

    30th January 2017 Up again at the crack of dawn (5:15 am). An early start was essential for our journey to Chitwan, as part of the road closes to all traffic after 9 am for six hours. The government is carrying out much-needed road improvements following the 2015 earthquake. Unfortunately, I woke up with a… Continue Reading

  • Flying Down the Annapurnas: A Day in Pokhara

    29th January 2017 We didn’t have to keep the heating on overnight. Down at this altitude, it was much warmer, and we slept well. I had to rise early for an appointment with a harness and cable, but Sue opted to stay snug in bed while I dressed and went down for breakfast. As I… Continue Reading

  • From Sunrise over Annapurna to Sunset on Lake Fewa

    28th January 2017 Around 10 pm, the clouds parted to reveal not just a sky full of bright, twinkling stars, but also the equally stunning lights of Pokhara far below. As if that weren’t enough, the horizon intermittently flickered and flashed with electrical discharges, creating a light show that left an imprint on your retina.… Continue Reading

  • Caves, Carpets, and Ghurka Courage: Exploring Pokhara

    26th January 2017 After breakfast, we all gathered in the reception, ready for the short journey to Gupteswar Mahadev. The peaks of Annapurna, crowned with wisps of cloud, glowed in the early morning sun as we boarded the minibus and rattled our way towards our destination. On arrival at the gorge and cave complex, we… Continue Reading

  • Everest from the Sky and Kathmandu on the Ground

    24th January 2017 The bed was excellent, warm, comfy, and wonderfully sleep-inducing, just what you need after a long flight. We woke just before 5:30 am, dressed hurriedly, gulped down a quick coffee, and made our way downstairs to reception, where we were surprised to find our transfer already waiting. We were the only ones… Continue Reading

  • Warm Days, Family Traditions, and Looking Ahead

    To the End of December 2016 In the Midlands, we are well accustomed to the lack of snow or even frost over Christmas, but I can’t recall a warmer Christmas than this one. On the plus side, it has meant that the family haven’t been stuck inside, afraid to venture out into the chilly British… Continue Reading