KATHMANDU TO KALIMPONG 2014

Thoughts on My Trip

Now that I am back home I wonder why India, also Nepal leaves such an impact on me. It will not let go, I fall asleep thinking about the bike ride, I awake and the trip is the first thing on my mind. Other countries I've visited have different but similar cultures but India/Nepal assaults your senses from the moment you arrive. The scams, the extreme poverty, the dirt, the constant noise, the people, the child and adult beggars. 3rd world standards. Some people hate it, can't handle it, but not me although at times it overwhelms me by it's intensity.

Where to begin. The first thing you become aware of is that you are the centre of attention, groups of people stand, arms folded staring, watching every move you make. They are just curious and you soon get used to it, hardly notice it after a while. One day after showering in camp, I was sitting moisturising my legs, looked up and a line of villagers were watching me. Who cares, I just continued. On our journey most people were extremely friendly, welcoming us into their homes, asking questions about our trip, wanting their photo taken.

The traffic is noisy, hectic, every man for himself. Whoever has there 'nose' in front wins. Horns blasting are used for what they were intended ' look out, I'm here, coming through'. The speed is steady, with buses and lorries hurtling past.

Dirt and litter is everywhere, the people seem content to live with it. Don't seem aware of it.
In Kolkata beggars are grabbing at you from the moment of arrival, quite intimidating. Seeing very young children beg is upsetting but John says it is the Governments problem and we are giving responsibly. Kathmandu seems a world away from Kolkata, there is almost an air of a tourist town about it. Many shops selling all manner of goods, good restaurants, fascinating temples and shrines.

DGH is an oasis of calm and structure. The children smart and cared for, they are the lucky ones.
Will I return, I hope so. Tracy, my sponsored girl is growing up quickly, and I want to keep a close connection with her. When India gets under your skin it is difficult to stay away.

Finally I would like to salute my fellow cyclists - John, James, Ken, Vanda, Digby, Fraser, Michelle, Olga, Janine, Willie, David and Natasha. Not forgetting Binod ( Support Team Leader) who cycled most of the way with us. We all gelled, supported each other, friendships have been made.
Spike and I loved it, till the next time … …

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Me and My Girl

Wednesday, 26th February, 2014. Homeward Bound

Rose at 4.45am, enjoyed an early breakfast with John and Jennifer. John has repacked his bike but has put the handlebars back on and just turned the forks. You are supposed to remove handlebars, turn and attach to bike. Much slimmer and neater. As a result his box has got a huge bulge in it which he has taped and tied with string. Looks so funny. Spike of course is very neat and tidy. Smirk, smirk. The mini bus with Vanda and Fraser arrives, she is still not 100%, hope she improves when she gets home.
We arrived at chaotic Kolkata Airport but surprisingly things go much more smoothly this time. John chats up the check in clerk, apparently he comes from Kalimpong and is very interested in our bike ride. Before we know it we are all upgraded to Business Class on the first leg to Dubai. Lovely. Loads of legroom, loads of drink if we want it, tablecloth, lovely food. Good stuff. We transfer easily in Dubai and arrive in Glasgow on the morning of Thursday 27th February. Murray meets me and goodbyes are said. I will see John and Jennifer in Arran, Vanda in Islay, would like to think my path would cross Fraser's again one day. Difficult saying goodbye. Journey's end.

Yes

Fraser Enjoys

Home Sweet Home

Tuesday, 25th February, 2014 Kolkata

Slept quite well on the train, no doors on train between carriages, don't stumble !! We arrive in Kolkata about an hour late, not too bad. Olga left us at the station, she was met by Indian friends and is staying with them for a few days. Kolkata is still chaotic, a melee, noisy, porters jostling for your business. Persistent, child and adult beggars demanding your attention. We are met by John's agent in Kolkata and taken to the Fortune Select Hotel, Vanda and Fraser are staying at the Baptist Mission Hostel with friends. I stayed there last trip, very nice, but John, Jennifer and James were going to the Hotel so I decided to go with them. A little bit of guilty luxury. We immediately went for a lovely breakfast then afterwards I had a look at Spike. He is filthy, in a sorry state, keeps giving me dirty looks saying clean me but he will have to wait. I re-boxed him and made sure he was properly packed for the flight home. Washed hair and had a shower then joined James poolside for a blether. I had booked a full body massage in the hotel for 2.00pm, £24, you would pay at least £80 back home. The masseuse appeared with a small tray containing a sweet drink, a bowl of water and what looked like a large pill !! I drank the drink, popped the large pill in the water and surprisingly the pill began to grow, it was a towel to wipe my face. What next !! The massage was wonderful but painful, I called a halt when she started folding one leg over the other and bending it back.. Enough is enough. Met John, Jennifer and James for drinks and dinner, James accidentally spilt a bottle of red wine over Jennifer and me, a fitting end to our trip! James flight is during the night, another one leaves. My flight is at 8.55am so we are leaving at 5.00am, last early start. Nearly there, nearly finished, nearly home.