The journey not the arrival matters.
T.S. Eliot
Jul 28, 2004 06:00 PM Arrival in Nepal
From the early morning heat of Qatar to the grey skies and rain of Nepal i finally arrive in Kathmandu. The flight over the countryside, although obscured to some extent by low cloud, was breathtaking. Houses dotted remotely between the terraced farmland. The land was lush and green and many of the unsealed roads showed signs of flooding from the monsoon rains.
Familiar faces at the airport saved me from the clutches of overeager taxi drivers desperate for a fare from the few tourists still entering Nepal.
We weaved through the traffic on Kathmandu's frenetic streets to the relative calm of my friend's house.
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Jul 27, 2004 06:00 PM Nepal here i come!
Well at last i am on my way. Exam stress over (yesterday) and now heading out for Heathrow. Hot and sunny day here and a hot journey by train and underground to get to the airport. It was chaos when i got there ! Eventually found the Qatar desk.
Well i am on my way! I can't wait to see my friends in Nepal and to have the chance of meeting their families.
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Feb 19, 2004 09:00 PM Losar - Tibetan New Year
Watching the Tibetan students prepare for Losar - their New Year Celebrations. It will be the Year of the Monkey. They have been putting up their flag and a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Also excited as i have just booked flights for Nepal!!
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Aug 19, 2003 06:00 PM Los Angeles to UK
Well my year long epic journey is almost over. I can't believe it! Said goodbye to Al at Van Nuys. Sad to be going as we had such fun.
Unable to sleep during the flight so watched several movies!
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Jul 27, 2003 06:00 PM Fiji to Los Angeles
Packed up my stuff in preparation for this evening's flight. Went into Lautoka with Karine and met Andre for lunch. Phillipe couldn't make it as he was at hospital with an injured foot! Hope he makes the flight to LA tonight. Did some last minute souvenir shopping in the market!!
Well Philipe made it to the airport. Karine came along to see me off. I hope she finds a yacht soon.
Strange to go across the dateline and arrive before i left. Met at the airport by Al and headed back to his place in Burbank!!!
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Jul 24, 2003 06:00 PM Last day in Savusavu
At last the rain stopped and out came the sun. Opted to go diving whilst Karine checked out the possibility of getting a yacht to Wallis and Fortuna!
Went diving at 'The Lighthouse' and 'Nuggets'. Even saw a shark!
Went with Karine onto Miguel's yacht. He is a Catalan.
Met Ruth and another girl from Kioa on the ferry. Ruth is going back to Tuvalu.
Not much sleep on this ferry journey. So what's new there then!
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Jul 22, 2003 06:00 PM Kioa to Savusavu
Up early for a lovely cold shower!!! Said goodbye to Kuinita and her family and Alfred the chief. Took a fly boat to Vadovuna. Due to the bad road conditions, lots of rain = lots of mud, the bus did not arrive. Time to improvise! We flagged down a huge work truck and joined some locals to head for Savusavu! More rain.
Checked into David's holiday house. Basic but clean and David is both friendly and helpful.Had a long awaited beer at the yacht club and a huge pizza!
Not a good night's sleep due to dogs, chickens etc!!!!!
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Jul 20, 2003 06:00 PM Taveuni to Kioa Island
Left Taveuni on the Raja with all the locals to be dropped off at Kioa Island. Put off in a small boat with our backpacks onto the beach.
Met with Alfred Kaisimi, the local council chairman, who welcomed us.
Kioa was purchased in 1946 by people from Tuvalu. They are self governing but come under Fijian law. It therefore has its own unique Polynesian culture. It has one village of about 700 people.
We were taken to stay at the home of Kuinita Tegei and her 2 daughters, Theresa and Eselika.
Learned how to say Hello - Talofa and thank you - Fakefati.
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Jul 02, 2003 06:00 PM Escape from Nadi to Coral Coast
Glad to escape the accomodation and the snoring!!! Headed along the coast by local bus with Keith and Essex girl (sorry i can't remember your name!). Stopped briefly in Sigatoka and took a look around the market. Locals keen to get me to buy stuff. Settled for some finger bananas. Reached Tubakula Beach Resort to find myself sharing a room with Paula again (we met in NZ). Enjoyed a swim in the pool and a chance to absorb a bit of sunshine.
Played ping-pong before dinner.
Met a nice bunch of Canadian students who have been studying at the University of the South Pacific.
Sat on the beach and star-gazed before bedtime.
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Jun 30, 2003 06:00 PM Auckland to Nadi, Fiji
Read for a while this morning then headed to the airport.
Was surprised to see Paula sitting in the departure lounge. She had not reconfirmed her flight and the time had been changed.
Headed to Horizon Beach Resort. Dorm is very overcrowded! Had a beer and chatted to the people i arrived with.
Why do i always get the loudest snorer next to me!!! AAAggghhh
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