To us, the trail began quite close to our hotel. However, it wasn't until about 45 minutes in that the guide said "Okay - now we start!". Our thoughts were "WAIT A MINUTE!!!!" Haha.
The trail was surprisingly steeper than we thought and the weather was much warmer than we anticipated. Phil was sweating after 5 minutes and even I had to strip down half way up the hill!
With our guide, we were able to have a true "pilgrimage" experience, as he showed us the rituals that take place as pilgrims climb to the top. We got to ring bells for good luck, sing songs to encourage (and hear others chant back!), and complete our karma (with white string and incense!) mid-way. At the top (where there happened to be NO sunrise that day - haha), our guide led us through a routine that a Buddhist may do once he or she has summited the peak. It was amazing. So was the view. We were so glad we did it!
The way down was quite the tale - and the part that I wish Emily had been there for. I could have used some sister support when our random pet dog named "Callou" decided to pick a battle with a family of monkeys. The monkeys were trying to scare him with sharp teeth, quick movements, and (so weird) urine. Callou was laughing at their attempt to be "scary", while pilgrims were laughing at my response of "being scared". I hate monkeys. They are so unpredictable.
On the way down we also witnessed a child smash head-first into the wall (not nice) and had to make use of really stinky public washrooms due to land-jumping leeches that catch ya otherwise.
Back at the hotel, Gemily was excited to see us. We went for breakfast in the restaurant and miraculously got our meals before any other guest because Lal is a big deal. Plus, we had to move on to ADVENTURE CAMP so Phil could go white water rafting, Colleen could sleep, and Emily and I could have "sister time" (a.k.a. christmas music, christmas crafts, photography, and wine).
"Masterchef" and dinner put this long day to an early end. Exhausted, we went to bed (or tried to). The massive spiders and other weird insects had Gemily and I stirring all evening long.
No comments:
Post a Comment