Tag Archives: Hiking

The Last Resort, Day 2.

Posted on by under Kathmandu, Nepal

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!

20120323-215037.jpg
View of the valley

20120323-215025.jpg
The jump!

Waterfalls, Thai Massages, and Housekeeping Ninjas

Posted on by under Belize, Central America, Hiking

20111221-204645.jpg

You wouldn’t know it’s the rainy season. Today, like yesterday has been absolutely perfect. Warm, but not hot, and comfortably humid. Of course, you never feel all that clean, but give it a day and you cease to notice. Whether or not this is a good thing, I’m not sure.
We woke up around eight, probably because we went to bed at, well…nine pm. After breakfast we were able to wander around the complex. Complex is best description. Though there are actually only a handful of villas/casitas the property is large enough that the walk from your room to the concierge takes a bit of time, and more than a few stairs. They have a horse stable, garden, pool, spa, two restaurants (which is good since we’re miles from anything), and a river. This must have been some summer home for Mr. Coppola before he converted it. But what I really like is how you don’t notice it, there’s no grandiose entrance or modern, shiny decor. The entrance is off the a small dirt road with a wooden sign indicating your arrival. The road to the lodge, about a quarter of a mile is lined with coconut trees, placed at perfect intervals. Everything about the lodge blends into the environment, from the bamboo vaulted ceilings to the earth tone decor. They also make a specific effort towards conservation. It may be a villa, but our only form of temperature control is an over head fan. We need flashlights at night since its so dark and electricity is used at a minimum, granted, there’s a IPod dock…which I was certainly surprised to see, but everything else, including our semi-outdoor (though thankfully with hot water) is certainly harmonious with its environment.

Continue reading →

Notes from Los Angeles.

Posted on by under Notes on Travel

Dear Los Angeles,

It’s been…weird. Despite all your oddities, I have to admit, I’ll miss you in some strange way. It may be a love-hate thing; when it’s good, it’s really good, relishing in the warm year-round sun and endless summer, but when it’s not I want to park a car sideways on the 110-101 interchange and abandon it just to watch the chaos that would ensue. You’ll never be New York, or San Francisco but still, you hold a place for me.  Continue reading →

Off the Strip.

Posted on by under Hiking, Las Vegas

The Strip

Despite living in Los Angeles, on and off, for the past two years, I have never actually been to Vegas. I’m not sure why, really, the amount of fantastic outdoors adventures in the area is significant. It’s probably because the city itself doesn’t hold much appeal for me. Yes, there’s great food, but there’s just as good-if not better in LA/NYC/SF, but other than that-it’s not for me. And so, at 24 (for two more weeks!) I headed to Las Vegas, for the first time.

Continue reading →