How
can I summarise a country based only on a few days’ visit? Of course I won’t do
it justice but I can try from what little I experienced and observed there. I try
to travel with an open mind and I will share what I went through, both pleasant
and otherwise.
It’s
an ethnically diverse country and the people there look anything from an Indian
to a Chinese and everything in between. Some even look like Malays and indeed I
think they can look like Malaysians too. I was asked if I was a Nepali twice. So
yeah don’t talk about 1M or whatever blinking thing, when other more ethnically
diverse countries don’t even have to spell it out.
The
Nepalese are predominantly Hindus with Buddhism the second largest religion. However,
the guesthouse lady at Pokhara told me that the Hindus also pray at stupas and
the Buddhists also pray at temples. The two religions can co-exist harmoniously
and yet, and yet, in this country, 56.5 years after independence, we are still
saddled with issues such as the use of the word Allah.
It
is a poor albeit lovely country. They get many visitors especially those outdoor
enthusiasts. When I asked why he didn’t fly to New Zealand instead, the Aussie
PR Chinese bloke told me not only does he still need a visa to enter NZ but it
was still economical for him to fly all the way to Nepal (via KL) than to fly
to NZ. And yes, things are generally cheaper there than in NZ or Canada, but of
course. There are many shops selling outdoor gear so you could just buy them
over there if you wish. But of course, despite the beautiful mountain
sceneries, the cities are busy, dusty and dirty. The roads are bad. The farms
and trees in the country are mud-coated. I don’t know how the locals get around
wearing only slippers instead of covered footwear with all the dust (and I’m
not sure where the dust is from. Cairo and Makkah are also dusty but these
cities are near the desert so it’s understandable). Like I said, it is still a
poor country and as we know, people in poor countries don’t place hygiene on
top of their priorities. You see litter and dog poo at temples and the locals
also like to spit – even at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Oh and don’t get
me started on the public washroom (even ‘tourist toilets’ at those heritage
sites).
The
country also suffers frequent blackouts (on a daily basis) lasting up to 14
hours in some places due to power theft and deficiency in power supply. Although
Nepal has a great hydro power potential with its steep glacier-topped terrains,
global warming has resulted in retreating glaciers in turn resulting in
reduction in dry season flows. So if you’re travelling there, bear this in
mind. It may also be a good idea to pack a power bank so that you can recharge
your smart phones and tablets.
It
is not difficult to find vegetarian and halal food there. I’m not too fussy; if
there’s no halal food, I’m happy to settle for a vegetarian meal (minus any
curry because I don’t like it anymore). So if you’re on a special diet because
of your religion or belief, don’t worry.
Oh
and yes, it is a safe country to travel in solo. Even if you want to go trekking,
you can do it alone with a local guide. Then again, I am not worth kidnapping!
Will
I return? It would have to be in spring or autumn if I do. I don’t mind the
cold in winter but the fog creates havoc and can disrupt your plans. The Singaporean
bloke I met said he trekked in the fog with extremely limited visibility for two
days. The fog also disrupted the flights out of Kathmandu on the day I flew
back there thus delaying my flight back to the capital.
The
End
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