New Years in Nepal, Welcome to 2011

I have spent the last couple of days here in Kathmandu just relaxing with my buddy Sergio. Tonight will officially mark the end of 2010. Like most I can't help but reflect on everything that has happened. Personally, 2010 has been a year for change. The time to take the plunge and try something new. Not necessarily easy but very different.

2011 will be a new year and a new beginning for most. I for one can't wait to see what's in store. Here is one traveller who is wishing everybody a wonderful new year full of prosperity and health.

As the French say santé...
January 3rd I will be off to Thailand and warmer climates. I'm finally shaking off old man winter.

-Jonathan

Kopan Monastery

My seven day retreat is now done and I am back to the constant sounds of horns and haggling street vendors in Thamel (Tourist area of Kathmandu). The main thing that astounds me is that both locations are in the same city.

The retreat was great for recomposing myself. Sergio and I checked in just a week before Christmas. All meals are vegetarian and plentiful. Surprisingly, the variety was very reasonable. Tofu, beans and some egg are the go-to elements for protein. Unfortunately, we arrived at a point where meditation courses were not possible. So let's just say that it resulted in a lot of reading.

Every morning Sergio and I would:
1. eat breakfast
2. write in our journals
3. read
4. do a CrossFit workout (which I love)
5. Eat lunch
6. Take a walk
7. Stretch
8. Read
9. eat supper
10. Go to bed

I guess the beauty lied in the simplicity. I chose to do the first 5 days in silence. Holy cow was that challenging. You don't realize how much you reply on communication until it's gone. On the plus side, I do feel like it simplified life to some degree. It's almost as though you loose so much of the message while trying to communicate.

Overall, it was a great experience that I really enjoyed. Every morning began with the sounds of birds chirping and the sun on your back. What a wonderful environment.

I will be spending new years here in Kathmandu with some friends we made at a nearby bar. Should be great.

Merry Christmas :)
Your now Buddhist traveller,
-Jonathan

The Annapurna Circuit

I have officially made it across the Throng Pass, the most challenging part of the Annapurna Circuit. Needless to say the last couple of days have been extremely rewarding. After 10 days of trekking I am proud to say I reached a total altitude of 5416m. Very often trekkers will begin to feel sick around 3000m. Altitude sickness can affect people differently including loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Luckily for me I didn't feel any symptoms. At that altitude the air is extremely thin. After taking about 15 quick steps, I was left panting for oxygen...lol...

After 10 solid days of trekking I am in Pokhara relaxing for the next couple of days. Tomorrow Sergio and I will be heading to Chitwan.  

-Jonathan