Friday, 02 April, 2004  | | A buffalo goes for a dip in the village pond. |
For the last two weeks I have been focussed on passing the various elements of my language exam. During the course I have also learned to write in the Sanskrit alphabet. The exams are next week, after which I catch my flight back to Kathmandu then onto Manchester. I can't wait to see my family again. After my trek and as a reward for good behaviour, I decided to stay at a five star hotel for the weekend with two other guys on the course. It is just outside Pokhara and was worth the extra taxi fare.  | | Unusual flower pots were the norm. |
The Fulbari was set in acres of well tended gardens and grassland, perched right on the edge of a cliff, with a wide river gorge 200 feet below. The view from the swimming pool was stunning. It was the first time in two months that I had been for a swim. With the hot sun above me, I reflected that I could have been at any holiday destination in the world. It was true escapism!  See Ade's 360 photo of the Fulbari hotel
As usual there has also been a frantic rush to buy certain goods before returning to the UK.  | | Caught red-handed: the stolen orange is just visible in his back pocket! |
One afternoon this week I decided to walk 2km to the nearest shopping area called Mahendra Pool. I also took my camera just in case. When I arrived on the busy streets I just sat quietly on the side of the pavement. I had obviously become invisible to most people going about their business. A woman with a young child stood in front of me buying oranges from a stall. I suddenly noticed the young boy slowly slipping an orange into his back pocket. It was only after a minute he realised to his horror that I had seen him steal it.  | | Ade watches the setting sun |
He didn't know whether to laugh with me, run away or put it back! It made my day and makes me smile even now. This has been a fascinating journey for me. I have been pleased to share what I have seen. I was determined to do all I could and I think I have succeeded. I will come back one day, hopefully with my family. After all, I have an open invitation to visit Mahabir again.
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