The plan for Nepal began in 2019. We were to trek the Himalayas in 2020, but covid had other plans. We were grounded for nearly four years.
Now a little bit older, we embark on our journey half way around the world. We pack last minute as work commitments keep me busy until the last day, then haphazardly throw everything into our overstuffed bags. We survey the final product and wonder what is missing and what is a waste. Time will tell.
We have a new puppy, Rosie and two kittens, Kevin and Tony, which adds another level of planning. Our daughters have agreed to watch Rosie and our neighbor and eldest daughter will also care for our home and Kevin and Tony.
We wake on the morning of travel to discover our flight to Montreal has been delayed three times. Luckily, we can chill at home. Too soon, it’s last minute cuddles, hugs and we begin the process, multiple time zones and a 36 hour journey.
We are the group of seven, five of us have climbed Kilimanjaro together, one has hiked the west coast trail with three members of our group. The final member is our youngest member, who is certain to bring her own flair to the experience.
We fly Montreal to Doha, then Doha to Kathmandu. We are fed well on Qatar airlines, complete with free liquor. We marvel at silverware, the thick napkin and bottle of water. We are given a multitude of items, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, headphones, pillow and blanket. It is reminiscent of travel from years gone by.
We arrive in Kathmandu at 0600. At home, it’s yesterday evening, which in our current state is too much of a calculation.
We enter the visa hall and stand in 3 separate lines to complete a convoluted process that works. Visa in hand, seemingly we go backwards through security to collect our bags. Such joy to be reunited with our bags, this moment of travel never gets old.
We leave the area, following the route out and are met with our guide, Raju who welcomes us to Nepal with red silk cloths he drapes around our necks. The scarf is called a Khata and red is a gesture of welcome, blessing, or gratitude. It signifies the pure intention and good wishes of the giver towards the recipient. What a wonderful welcome to Nepal! The gesture reminds me of my Grandma who travelled to Hawaii in the late 60’s and was always greeted with a lei. I smile, we are here! I turn to our traveling companion, Maxine and say, “when we return here, we will be different people for the experience.” She smiles in agreement.