wedding bus

Four.28.13

I showed the Indian-Kiwi to room five and then she asked where the mountains are. I turned around and pointed out Annapurna 2’s cone  quietly appearing behind a white veil and she let out a gasp, “they’re so close”, a wisp of awe and immortality catches the eye at your doorstep.

No one in the rooms wake up for the sunrise, they’re sleeping good in the silent forest and with the exception of the crazy dog, nature provides. I believe today a venture into the city for a haircut and shave is appropriate.  I also smell, sprinting the steps between the tap and the kitchen with tall silver water basins at dusk brought it on. 

Last August I came to Sarangkot weighing a hefty 178lb.  Today 162lb.  What’s the secret, ha, it’s no secret; vertical exercise, a simple diet, no fast food, a beer once in a while and yada, 16 pounds shed. 

9:13pm—A haircut and shave in Pokhara, a suit that might look good, another pair of shoes that don’t exactly fit (if I wear plastic bags instead of socks, I’ll be ok) pizza with a cockroach under the cheese, a downpour that chased shoppers for cover and then shocking thunder booms that made everyone jump, two samosas and curry at a bustling restaurant with three large rooms full at two in the afternoon, and around three Laxman and I returned to Sarangkot with wedding clothes and a block of cheese. 

The accountant hiked to Naudana and then caught a bus to Dhampus and returned the same way.  He is tired and not happy he’s carried these ridiculous cameras and has yet to see the Himalayas.  But you’ll sleep well Kim, so turn off your computer again before you sleep.  A couple in room two I know nothing about, a foursome from Dhaka in room six, and the pretty Ukraine who in one unknown state of exasperation wished she was from Kenya and her daughter and husband along with a friend take room five after yet another late arrival to the mountain.

Isn’t Kenya the most obvious choice for someone from Kiev to wish they were from? 

4.29.13

Today is Harry’s big day.  The 28 year old teacher will begin his third job, marriage.  I don’t mind being on this sideline.  The traditions and the customs are so far beyond where I come from, take it in like a show.  Just be happy, don’t look bummed which means control your thoughts and remain positive or remain in silent neutrality, keep all negativity out, even if you’re sweating your polyester gonads off and a headache one two’s you into a corner and cigarettes aren’t helping, your chillum isn’t helping either because you left it in the room.  I did? 

 Must I show remorse for my poor behavior, yes, if it offends and troubles others.  People who know you well enough should understand.  I understand.  I understand I can be difficult.  And guarded.  Even here, most especially here. 

There is no alternative for human face to face communication.  Why live in a flat screen when you have human interaction?  When did we become on-line narcissists? Do we like each other less? 

Will I keep changing or will I be the same?  Paul was certainly spot on, the battle of two natures rages and simmers and boils and slowly quietly there is peace.  Is peace more fulfilling when you choose neither nature and remain in the middle? 

8:28pm—In the hole, the party continues.  After a variety of traditional wedding rituals beginning this morning the party loaded up on two buses and headed for a rented tent in Pokhara for more ceremony, a meal, and the customs and traditions continued until six and it was back to the mountain homestead where the singing and dancing continues. 

And how do you feel now after two liters of beer?  Sad.  A family is a community and there is strength, you can feel it in the children who fear no one and where everyone knows everyone.  Not even did I know everyone in family reunions, this is something I wish could have been different.  Growing up in the flat-lands I wanted to run.  Would I have done this if I grew up in Pittsburgh?  I’d wager no. 

The gal is pretty and she really dolled herself up today, her younger nieces were more willing to acknowledge my presence and yet I had to remain distant and not give her any indication that in twelve days I’ll leave and forget the mistake.  I wish Sumjana the very best of luck in luck and love.  Really.  From all my heart, there will be no jealously.

4:30:13

8:31pm—For the first time in eight weeks I wrote in my journal, but I didn’t right much.  The heat in Pokhara was hot and left me with a headache. I got my last visa at the new immigration office next to the main police compound.  The nice lady saw on my extension request this would the last one and wanted to take all of money, jokingly of course.  I walked back to lakeside and I knew I wasn’t going to be in any shape to climb up, Laxman meanwhile on two hours of sleep was at another wedding came through and we returned to the top to magnificent panoramic storms racing East. 

And I almost forgot to note of this apparently ridiculous coincidence.  I thought perhaps I’d be done with them but after posting a Mitch Albom story on family staying together I get the email regarding upstate New York.  What’s the connection except spending time with family, that’s all.  No it isn’t the story, it is the order in which I posted one article and then received her email. 

So whaddya think?  It it’s meant to be, resistance may come.  I still need work, we will see.