From Everest to Réunion

Hello. It's been a while since my last blog entry. I must resolve to do better !!! My last entry was on completion of the Everest Base Camp trek. Since then I've spent a week or two in Pokhora, Nepal's second city, a few days in Chitwan National Park being charged by rhinos and then flown to Réunion to see my friend Lisa who is doing in internship here. Flown via Chennai so had a couple of days in India too.

I am probably going to forget a fair bit because it's been a month or so. but I'll try. So after EBC I had a week or so back at the Kwabahal Hostel in Kathmandu, a few days recovering and coming down with a bit of a cold. Then a bus trip to Pokhora staying at Pokhora Backpackers. Stayed there for a week or so, during which I hired a dirt bike, for three days. I rode to the road on the south west of the city heading towards India. The following day rode up to the Big Blue Shiva statue and the Peace Pagoda. The following day rode to Bandipur which was a beautiful town. But didn't stay too long as it was sooo hot. Also went to a sound massage with Ellen (Holland.)

Thence to Chitwan. Met Fabienne (German) at the bus stop and agreed to meet up back in Kathmandu. In the meantime, went to explore Chitwan. Stayed at Wild Flow run by Hari - and his girlfriend Heidi. Did two jeep safaris into the national park. Mainly rhinos, deers and elephants. No tigers unfortunately. Also a bit of yoga in the mornings.

Back to Kathmandu and a couple of days there then onto Réunion via Chennai. Arrived in Chennai mid afternoon after a crazy early start - 2.30 from the hotel. Flight was via Delhi. I've made too many flights this year. Was very tired arriving at the hotel but found a great tandoori place. Second night spent at the Hyatt Regency - treated myself - and had a great night hanging out there. The following morning tuk tuk to the airport and flew to Roland Garros Airport in Réunion where I am now. Cab to apartment where I am staying for a month. Lovely apartment. Makes a change from dorms in Hanoi!!! Met up with Lisa and she has introduced me to her friend Jeanne. So far have hiked to the Trois Barros a trio of beautiful lagoons and waterfalls. I expected Réunion to be a bit third world but it's really plush. Basically France on an island with friendly people rather than normal French. It's southern hemisphere, not too far from Mauritius and Madagascar so technically this is winter. While Europe burns apparently it's lovely here. The island is beautiful. Sandy beaches and mountainous inlands. Tonight we're off to the volcano. Fingers crossed for no big eruptions!Read more