Finally Reaching Town

*Published on **2020-10-29** by **Kelley @ traverse this earth** | Categories: Nepal, Travels*

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It had been a long and brilliant few days. We are at our final stop. But Nepal has a few surprises left.

*We Finally Made It Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

I know I don’t live here but coming into the last town made me feel like I was home again. It didn’t matter that we still had to grab a van back to Pokhara.

*Villagers Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

We pass through on a very special day. Today this family is prepping the earth for planting. I’m fascinated.

*Breaking Ground Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It’s a little crazy seeing these things going down in our day and age. Using literal oxen to break ground and till the soil. No wonder there are so many of them hanging around. Turns out they’re pretty important.

*Go! Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

This is my favorite pic of the bunch. I am in love with this little boy doing some hard work. Well, at least he’s helping his animals do some hard work. I wonder what it feels like to look back at freshly tilled soil and know I had a literal hand in feeding my family.

*The Hotel Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

We reach the point where there are a few buildings thrown together. This is town. We can tell because the hotel is here. There’s not a soul staying there at the moment but at least they’re ready with open arms when someone needs them.

*The Bus Stop Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

This is where we finally land. Our bus stop is a random spot on the side of the road. There’s no sign or anything. Raj’s eternal knowledge let us know it’s here.

*The Bus Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

We wait for about 45 minutes until our van shows up. We hop in. There isn’t much space so a few of us opt to ride in the top. Pretty cool if you ask me. Raj warns them to hold on super tight. There will be some parts where we drive over a river. I’m game.

*Getting a Ride Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

As the world whizzes by I drink it in. After walking for days, being in a vehicle again feels like everything is fast motion.

*Woman Harvesting Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

I’m snapping pictures left and right of the things I’m seeing. Some are blurry and some are ok. All show so much of this world that I’ve come to adore.

*House and Store Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It’s not fancy but happiness is laced throughout. Simplicity reigns here.

*Countryside Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

And in that simplicity there is so much beauty and life lived well.

*Let’s Play Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It’s wild to see how differently people live. These parts of Nepal have been so much like something out of books and movies.

*Goats Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

And I’m in love. I know I’ll come back to this place. I can feel it.

*Thankful Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

We hit the river. I’ve never driven over one before. I’ll have to say it’s pretty fun. It feels like we shouldn’t be doing it for some reason.

*Crossing the Water Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

Other than the laughter when we cross the river, it’s all quiet. We’re lost in thought.

*Harvest Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

I am grateful to occupy this space, to see this country and meet the people that I have. The whole experience has instilled a bit of quiet in me.

*Almost There Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It has echoed something I already knew but seeing it in action has made it perfectly clear…we need less. I’m here for it.

*It’s a Blur Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

Lost in thought, I feel the van stop. That’s it. This adventure has come to a close. I’m left heavy with lessons and sights and light with three knowledge I’ve found. There is only one thing left to do now…

*We Made It Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It’s time to eat and drink!!!

*Dinner Time! Well Deserved Mardi Himal Trek Pokhara, Nepal*

It’s lovely to share one last meal with these people. I feel a heaviness at the thought of them leaving. I know it will feel like something is missing for a while. But Pokhara awaits. And it will steal my heart.