The Bhote Kosi River Experience

After trekking in Langtang with Carolyn, my knees decided that they needed a break from my backpack. So Steve and I decided to go on a two-day rafting adventure down the mighty Bhote Kosi River, which lies between Kathmandu and the Everest region and about 100 km south of Tibet-- in the heart of the highest mountains in the world.

The experience introduced me to the extreme adventure side of Nepal and built lifelong memories with a fantastic group of people-- including Steve and my new friends Toon and Vivyana.

Here are Steve and my photos from our trip. Hopefully, a detailed description of our journey will soon follow...

Our raft taking it easy after a rapid on Day One.

My possy (L-R)-- Toon (from Belgium), Vivyana (his girlfriend from Mexico), and Steve (my partner in crime).

Toon and I formed the front line during Day One, while Steve and I led our crew on Day Two. (Toon had to step in for me on Day Two after I had a freak accident with a rock while attempting to push our boat back into the river after circumventing a class V rapid.)

Steve enjoying the action going into a rapid.

Me at the ready after a rapid.

Me taking it easy.

The beginning of Day Two-- Bungee jumping at the Last Resort's 160 meter (525 feet) suspension bridge platform over the Bhote Kosi. Two members of our group had signed up prior to rafting to take the plunge.

Our raft moving toward a class IV rapid.

Stuck on a rock in a class III rapid.

Our other boat in action.

The crew back in Kathmandu.

Brief Update

Dear Family & Friends,
I apologize for neglecting my blog during the past month or so... Between my trip to Europe-- where I was fortunate to visit nearly all of my good friends (and have some visit as well!)-- and my arrival to Asia for the first time, where I have been having the time of my life, while at the same time, adjusting to an entirely different culture-- I have left many of you in the dark as to where I have been and what has been happening in my life.

I realize this, and I promise to redirect this downward spiral... but for now, I must paraphrase, as I off from Kathmandu for another few days, so I thought a short summary might tide you all over for the long, long blog work that awaits me when I return...

In short, Europe was everything and more than I thought it would be. As mentioned above, I was able to see nearly all of my good friends, and my friends Sile and Orla were troopers and made the trip to Mainz for Carnival! I also had a long anticipated reunion with my good friend Nate (and his wife Alex) in France, which was superb, to say the least! As always, Micha was able to hook me up with a place to lay my weary head-- I think I might be forever indebted to him and his family-- they are truly the best!

I arrived in Nepal at 11pm on March 1... and my head has been spinning ever since (in a GREAT way!). This land and its people are absolutely amazing! There is always something going on here, and I never seem to have a moment where I am not thinking about how fortunate I am to be in such a place or planning my next trip. There are many, many things and stories to tell, but I will just highlight all that I have done thus far for now...

I participated in the Holi Day (the holiest Hindu holiday & a day filled with water bombs and paint) with my friend Steve.

I have been trekking in Langtang National Park (about 9 hrs north of Kathmandu and only a few kilometers from the Tibetan border) for 10 days with my friend Carolyn, where I was exposed to the splendor of the Nepalese landscape, as well as the sure beauty of Nepal's people. I don't think I have ever felt more welcome in a country as a foreigner as I have felt in Nepal. I feel truly blessed to be here.

Tomorrow I am leaving for the Bhote Kosi River (3 hrs east of Kathmandu-- near the Tibetan border) for two days of rafting with Steve. The river is supposed to be one of the best short trips in the entire world!

Afterwards, I will be returning to Kathmandu (time undetermined thus far) before heading to the Annapurna Range (6 hrs west of Kathmandu & considered to be one of the best trekking places in the world), where I plan on trekking the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary, which I should complete in roughly 30 days.

Needless to say, I have been having the time of my life and have plenty of stories to tell already! I feel extremely blessed to be here, especially at this time in my life, and I hope to be able to share my thoughts, stories, and photos with you all shortly.

Thank you so much for your patience during this rough start to my blog. I will do my best to update (and maintain) it as soon as possible.

I carry you all with me wherever I may be and talk about you constantly to the people I meet...

Love,
C.J.

P.S.- Thank you to all who sent me their photos prior to me leaving for Asia! I have brought all of your photos with me and can't thank you enough for passing your lovely photos along so that I could bring you with me!

Kathmandu- My Second Tour

After Steve and my trip down the Bhote Kosi, I took a few days to relax in Kathmandu to rest my still aching knee (from Langtang), but also to just chill out and be alone for a while. Sometimes it's best to just get away from the crowds and concentrate on what you need.

Steve and Carolyn decided to trek the Annapurna Sanctuary together. I was invited to come along, especially since Steve and I wanted to trek the Annapurna Range together, but I opted not to come along, as I wanted to trek the Annapurna Circuit first then the Sanctuary. I also needed a break from the action for a while, as mentioned above.

Here are a few photos that I snapped during my few days in Kathmandu.

Steve and Carolyn enjoying each other's company before their trip to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Can it really be an eagle in Kathmandu? Yes, it is-- a golden eagle to be exact!

This photo was taken from Les Yeux, Steve and my favorite rooftop restaurant.

Steve, Carolyn, and I decided to go to Swayambhunath Temple (better known as the Monkey Temple-- for obvious reasons).

Here is one of the local inhabitants at the entrance to the stupa.

The stairs going toward the temple.

Taking it easy.

Monkey business.

The small climb through the front entrance-- 100 rps fee.

(I later found out that there is a back entrance-- the cost of admission? Free.)

The stupa.

The face of the Buddha at sunset.

A family outing?

A view of Kathmandu from the temple.