Crossing the Border into Nepal

We rose early to get some exercise before we set out on our long journey to cross into Nepal. We took the stairs up the mountain behind the hotel for as far as we could go. The view was great and it felt so good to get a morning hike in. We we warned that roads were bad, the border could be congested and there may be delays due to construction. What an understatement! 45 minutes in, we were delayed for one hour and then twice more before reaching the border. The border crossing was an upsetting experience, but after a full body frisk with snickers from the guards and twice having my passport removed and inspected, I was released. We are happy to be leaving this police state and heading to Nepal. It took us 13.5 hours to travel from Kyriong to Kathmandu. There was a 2:15 minute time change in Nepal and we were knackered and a little shaken, not stirred, when we arrived. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and thank goodness we had a great driver and each other’s company to see us through the ordeal. The scenery was beautiful as we traversed up and down the mountainsides but roads were too bumpy and treacherous to allow for many photos. We sure were glad when we finally spotted the lights of Kathmandu in the distance and knew that our warm beds awaited us. Today was an example of the difference between travelling and vacationing. I had to remind myself that travelling is hard work, but with great effort comes great reward and that it might take some rough days to get to the great ones which make it all worthwhile.Read more