The peace of the Himalayas
Despite the warnings we had been given, we decided to take our chances and enter Nepal on the planned route, via Nepalgunj. We were very eager to leave this hostile northern part of India. We had been told a million different “facts” about the recent flood in Uttar Pradesh, most of them indicating that it was not possible to pass through. But we didn't want to loose another day making a detour of hundreds of kilometers, so we hit the road, and… hit the flood. But it was passable on the bikes, and we reached Nepalgunj just a few minutes before the customs offices closed. The Nepalis happened to be far more relaxed concerning bureaucracy than the Indians.
So here we are, in Nepal, a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes and routes that are motorcyclist's heaven. We have had to face several rebel road-blocks, and trying to avoid one of them we had an accident. But after two days in bed Gustavo can walk again and we're back on the road. We hope to reach Kathmandu in a couple of days, although this country is so fascinating it would deserve a whole lot more time…
Heaven and hell
Goa is heaven on earth. Goa is blue sky, endless sand beaches, coconut trees, friendly people, staying with families in small shacks on the beach, enjoying local religious festivals, lying back on the sand together with the cows, relaxing and enjoying life… Goa is so many things, except for one - Goa is NOT India. Goa is one of India's provinces, but it seems to be a different country.
As a motorcyclist traveling a country, you see many things other tourists do not see. Apart from the tourist places like Jaipur with its temples, bazaars and guided rickshaw tours, Agra with the mesmerizing Taj Mahal and heavenly Goa, you see the hundreds of kilometers of roads, villages and cities that lie between. There comes a moment when the lack of hygiene becomes too much and impossible to avoid. Two times already we have come down with fever and diarrhea. Our days are dominated by reaching a somewhat large city to find a safe and acceptable place to sleep and eat.
Irrespective of this, India is filled with a unique spirit. It is a touching experience to see the cows lying in the middle of the road without being disturbed by the chaotic traffic, observe the women with their colorful apparel and gold bracelets and listen to the people speak English with that distinctive accent.
Despite the warnings we had been given, we decided to take our chances and enter Nepal on the planned route, via Nepalgunj. We were very eager to leave this hostile northern part of India. We had been told a million different “facts” about the recent flood in Uttar Pradesh, most of them indicating that it was not possible to pass through. But we didn't want to loose another day making a detour of hundreds of kilometers, so we hit the road, and… hit the flood. But it was passable on the bikes, and we reached Nepalgunj just a few minutes before the customs offices closed. The Nepalis happened to be far more relaxed concerning bureaucracy than the Indians.
So here we are, in Nepal, a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes and routes that are motorcyclist's heaven. We have had to face several rebel road-blocks, and trying to avoid one of them we had an accident. But after two days in bed Gustavo can walk again and we're back on the road. We hope to reach Kathmandu in a couple of days, although this country is so fascinating it would deserve a whole lot more time…
Heaven and hell
Goa is heaven on earth. Goa is blue sky, endless sand beaches, coconut trees, friendly people, staying with families in small shacks on the beach, enjoying local religious festivals, lying back on the sand together with the cows, relaxing and enjoying life… Goa is so many things, except for one - Goa is NOT India. Goa is one of India's provinces, but it seems to be a different country.
As a motorcyclist traveling a country, you see many things other tourists do not see. Apart from the tourist places like Jaipur with its temples, bazaars and guided rickshaw tours, Agra with the mesmerizing Taj Mahal and heavenly Goa, you see the hundreds of kilometers of roads, villages and cities that lie between. There comes a moment when the lack of hygiene becomes too much and impossible to avoid. Two times already we have come down with fever and diarrhea. Our days are dominated by reaching a somewhat large city to find a safe and acceptable place to sleep and eat.
Irrespective of this, India is filled with a unique spirit. It is a touching experience to see the cows lying in the middle of the road without being disturbed by the chaotic traffic, observe the women with their colorful apparel and gold bracelets and listen to the people speak English with that distinctive accent.
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