Well, it's our last day in Kathmandu, at least until we return from our Annapurna trek in a few weeks. As with all of our recent temporary homes, this city is starting to feel so familiar just as we're leaving. But I have to admit I'm pretty eager to trade some of the smog, congestion and touts for some mountains and open space.
We seemed to have arrived at possibly one of the most critical moments in Nepal's recent political history, only two days after their elections. Talking to a few of the locals at our hotel and some shops, it seems that the people really are quite divided over what they feel is best for the country's future. The Maoists continue to hold an overwhelming lead as the election results still trickle in, and the rebel support is certainly obvious here, between the prevalent red flags and the rallies marching through the city center. However, it's hard to interpret this, when it's contrasted with the fear and frustration of those who see a future under Maoist control as complete economic and social collapse.
On that note ... the next few weeks up in the mountains should be interesting to say the least, although right now I'm equally nervous as excited. Our trek is is supposedly one of the uber-touristy ones, lined with comforts like your occasional lodge and tea shop, but rumor has it that it can get pretty freakin chilly ... like negative, negative degrees F. And considering that we haven't done much exercise besides lift the occasional cup of Nepali Masala tea, I have little faith that my O2-deprived muscles can carry both my body and pack up a 17,000 ft mountain.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment