Wow! 10/10 would recommend! My week in Nepal was absolutely incredible and I can't wait to go back there again!

I arrived Sunday afternoon and the whole visa-on-arrival process was super smooth which was good. I got a cab to my hostel and had dinner there. I stayed at Zostel which was really great - so clean and relaxed! I just had a chilled night and went for a walk nearby but nothing too strenuous today.

Monday I got up about 9am and headed out to find food. I was stopped by a lovely guy who said morning to me and we had a great chat and he told me the best place for breakfast nearby. I had an egg omelette with masala tea which is nepalese and really yum! In the afternoon I met Subarna and he took me exploring to nearby Patan where we visited temples and had lunch. I had never eaten buffalo meat before but it's the main meat in Nepal - really good but quite tough! We went to the museum at Patan Durbar Square and then headed back to the city and explored the Kathmandu Durbar Square as well and had momo which is Nepalese dumplings, for dinner! Such a full on day and on the back of a motorbike so scary haha but nah Subarna is a good driver and we had an awesome day!

Tuesday I got up and explored Thamel a bit more and did some shopping at the markets. The people are just so friendly and there are tonnes of tourists around so the vibe is awesome. Early afternoon I went with Subarna again to visit Swayambhunath Stupa which is atop a hill and the views of Kathmandu city are incredible! We stopped at this little cafe for lunch and I had a buffalo burger and also more momo! In the evening I met up with Bish who is back to visit family. We went for a drink and a catchup which was awesome!

Wednesday I was up bright and early to catch the bus to Pokhara which is west of Kathmandu. I was told to anticipate a 7 hour bus ride despite being able to drive it in 5-6 hours --- nek minit 12 hours!!! But it was okay haha when we got in about 7pm I just got a cab to the hotel and checked-in. I was pretty rude because I was just super hangry and until I got to my room and ordered room service I was feeling s*** haha! But I went down after eating and they helped me arrange my day for Thursday and booked the bus home for Friday for me. I just watched the news and chilled out before bed.

Thursday I was met at 9am, taken to the office to sign a waiver and then we went to the top of Sarangkot where all the paragliders went from. Yes I, Allison Taylor, went paragliding!!! It was incredible! I was hectic nervous as we waited to go but once we were off and up I was instantly relieved and loved watching over the hills and valleys and the huge lake below! We were up for about 20-25 minutes total but at about the halfway point I started to get dizzy from going around in circles too much in the wind, but I loved it! I'm super proud of myself for actually doing it haha and the views were unbeatable!! Such a clear day! When I got back to my hostel at about midday I was suffering a lot, very dizzy and just off-feeling so I napped to try recover a bit haha about 3pm I headed out for lunch and had a pizza at a cafe overlooking the lake which was beautiful! I spent the afternoon buying little trinkets and wandering around the lake. For dinner about 8pm I had a mexican wrap which was yum!

Friday I spent the day on the bus again. Only 8 hours today which is such a crazy variance but I was thankful! When I got back to Kathmandu I stayed at the same place and again just had dinner there and chilled out for the night.

Saturday I went out for the day and met my bunch of friends from IIPDS Conference in Thailand which was so great! We just ate and explored and ate again haha they helped me bargain to buy a pashmere jumper I wanted which was wicked! It was nice just hanging out and chatting with them all!

Sunday I woke up late, wrote this blog, and am off to the airport for my 3pm flight. I'll reach KL about 10pm tonight so not too bad but am keen for day in bed doing nothing tomorrow!!