Thursday 12 April 2012

visit to Abilas's home

We got to met our Nepalese friend from trekking, Abilas, again today. We were delighted he got in contact as we didn't expect to see him again after trekking. In true Abilas style, he rocked into the hostel at 7am and got us out of bed!!

early morning walk through Kathmandu
We took a rickshaw out to his village which was is about thirty minutes outside of Kathmandu.




 His house is based in a beautiful area that was a complete contrast from the hustle and bustle of the city. Green fields dominate the area which house plantations of barley, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and rice. The clean air left the scent of the growing vegetation linger all around us and we felt like we had reached Havana! It's amazing how we have gotten used to the smog and dust pollutants in the city but coming to the country side made us remember how things should be, and how bad the air quality really is in Kathmandu.







Abilas rents a room which he shares with two of his college friends. The room consisted of a double bed, a single bed, gas stove and a book shelf. So basic but the sense of contentment from them was so genuine and lovely...makes me question why I want and need so much at home.



We took a walk around the village and Abilas brought us to some houses where he is doing some side work as an electrician. Like Abilas's home, everything was very basic and the people were very welcoming.




When we returned to his room he spent some time showing us family photographs and pictures he had received from other trekkers who he has met along the way. His job as a guide/porter is actually very cool because although he is not leaving Nepal it is almost like he is travelling the world as he gets to meet so many different nationalities.

I was looking through his books and he pointed out that he is also learning Chinese, German and studying tourism and hospitality along with economics and accounting....is there anything this guy can't do?!

Next Abilas and his friend started preparing lunch. His landlord came in to say hello to us and erupted into laughter as she saw them trying to figure out how to start the cooking process. When she finally calmed down she took the vegetables and went off to prepare them, arriving back with a beautifully presented plate accompanied by home made hot pickle sauce!



We had a delicious lunch and sat around chatting for a while, laughing and joking about different things and pondering our futures. We took a rickshaw back to Thamel and went to the hostel for a nap...not used to these early mornings any more!!!




This evening there was a huge thunder storm lingering in the air above Kathmandu and so we sat on the roof top and watched the spectacular display.

An impressive natural firework display to ring in the Nepalese New Year :)

an UNBELIEVABLE picture of the chef sitting on the roof caught by Lukey!

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