Doing something sustainable in Nepal is not as easily said as done. I came here with many good intentions, and now that my time is nearing an end, it is not that my intentions are less, but I have definitely been confronted with some obstacles. But many times I have been reminded here, that things are as they are and you make due with what there is.
12 days ago I arrived in Marpha, without a permit for my restricted area Upper Mustang adventure. My permit was getting luxury treatment and was due to arrive by plane from Kathmandu the next day. I had had to do with a 12 hour bumpy bus ride as all my money was spent on the permit. Walking from Marpha to Jomsom airport the next morning, I found out that my permit indeed had touched down in Jomsom, but that it also went straight back to Kathmandu on the return flight. Later flights that day were cancelled due to the wind, there was nothing left to do but wait..
I do very little in Upper Mustang besides walking. Taking everything step by step.
I would not have imagined it any other way, me trying to organize as much as I can last minute… ;). I was so inspired by my trip to Nepal last year, that I will be heading there again. I am flying in a few hours and this time staying 11 weeks. A beautiful time for some yoga, lots walking, new ideas and encounters.
On December 30th last year I flew back to Amsterdam after a wonderful 7 week hiking & exploring visit to Nepal. On December 31st I picked up a travel magazine and read an article about a man who had driven his motorcycle from Amsterdam to Kathmandu. All I could think was; “That’s what I want to do next”. I booked my test drive on January 2nd. When you want something, you have to go for it. No postponing.
There are specific moments when I slow down, and realize how incredibly lucky I am. Arriving in Pula for Goulash Disko was one of them. After a workday, I went straight to the airport and flew to Pula where I hopped in a cab and drove to the small coast town of Stinjan. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the apartment, I was at the dinner table with old friends; Iva, Lina and Paulina enjoying a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal (thanks Lina!). This moment when I looked around the table and see friends who drove across Croatia on their motorcycle (Iva), flew in from Paris (Lina) and Barcelona (Paulina) and we raise a glass as if we were together last week, I feel like all I need is all that I already have.