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Ready, Steady, Abort

 Tibetan flag flying atop monastic school

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

6:43 am

We depart on our trek at 8am. For the fourth morning, I awoke at dawn to birds chirping, a cow or ox moo'ing, and other charming sounds outside my windows.

Pokhara is lovely, peaceful, and laid back – at least in Lakeside. I feel excited. My stomach cramps have gotten better. This trek is 90% mental, 10% physical, and I'm up for the challenge!

Gela leaving Jangchub Choeling Monastary (Tibetan)

12:55 pm

I was picked up by scooter at 8am, zipped to The Mountain House, and learned Gela had a fever the night before. The decision to postpone our departure for a day was easy.

Instead, we toured a local Buddhist monastery, walked through the back alleys of a Tibetan refugee settlement, and toured a private monastic school. The half-day of sightseeing ended at a Hindu temple. Our trekking guide Mohan, and porter Nima, lead the way. An Australian, Dan, who was also delaying his travels due to illness joined us.

Peeking into a class at the Tibetan school

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