Breakfast. Because on the road it’s the little things that matter. My breakfast is muesli with yogurt, fruit, and fried eggs smothered in hot sauce. And coffee. I’ve had a dull headache since arriving, evidently, it was the lack of caffeine. I am cured. My dining mates, Celia and Nana are more pushing around their food, the nervous energy is palpable. I begin to feel anxious for them, and consider for a second making the plunge myself, but really I want to wait and see it first hand. After breakfast join the other non-jumping observers. We poise ourselves on the observation deck and watch the line of jumpers shuffle to their fate. I notice I’m not really breathing. Actually, I’m really nervous. I can’t explain this. After the first jump I feel relieved, but strangely, I feel a rush of a strong emotion I can’t quite pinpoint. It’s like watching a friend fulfill a dream, and you’re ecstatic for them. I want to do this. And better believe, next time I get the chance, I absolutely am (sorry mom!). The exuberant reactions from those who jumped, including several very nervous girls I imagine like myself, was more than enough to convince me to put this on my bucket list, and I can’t wait. Perhaps in the future, back here.
Nepal is quickly earning a place in my heart. The people, as rumored are absolutely lovely, the scenery is beyond picturesque. Of all the places I’ve been, I know I’ll be back here for sure. Perhaps a train from China into Tibet, then hike the base camp and on to Nepal and Bhutan.
But back to today. I decided to go on a hike. What they didn’t tell me is that by “hike” they mean “straight up the side of the damn mountain.” And when I say straight up I mean 1,0000 ft/km. Seriously? My amicable guide, basically skipping up the steps that lead through a village turns occasionally to smile widely and ask in Nepalese if I’m OK. I say yes, as I’m wheezing myself up at a snails pace. I’m sure he was greatly amused by this forengi in wicking tech gear huffing up what he probably considers a gentle stroll. But he was kind and let me rest when I needed. By the time I made it to the first summit (yes, first of many) I decided a two hour hike was just fine, no need for the full six, even if it does lead to a pretty sweet temple. I’m literally (ok, maybe not) dying here. But it was beautiful, climbing up the valley and watching the river extend to the horizon. And im quite glad i did it, this mini warm up for whats to come I’m just hoping I fare better on my hike next week.
I’m admittedly sad to leave this place, but there is a festival tomorrow, with 200 or so new arrivals (there are currently 20 of us) with a great amount of debauchery to be had, sounds like I’m leaving my mini-Eden at a great time. Only a day before I meet up with my trekking partners! Getting more and more excited!

View of the valley

The jump!