30.05.09
So not much has really gone on in the last few days, I have been just arranging permits, etc to head up to Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow. I head off at 6am tomorrow morning to Phedi, a little town about a half hour away from Pokhara, then start walking up the valley. I should be gone for about 8 days, give or take, so I will be out of contact and not blogging or posting pics for a while but I will relay all the banter from the hike when I get back here to Pokhara!
Have fun kids, I will!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Kasto Cha?
28.05.09
Namaste! Kasto Cha? Malai thik cha :)
Namaste! Kasto Cha? Malai thik cha :)
Pokhara is going great. I am really enjoying relaxing here with great people. Yesterday I headed off with Saxon, Marcus, etc to the Mountaineering Museum to wander around all the great photography and paraphenalia they have there. After a few hours wandering around the museum and a nice lunch that was pretty much it for the day.
Today Camille and I headed up the the World Peace Pogoda, a big Stupa on top of a nice big hill, you catch a boat across the lake and wander on up the mountain to the top. We sat around taking in the great views and got baked with Pipi and some other nice locals. Such a relaxing day.
Tomorrow I am going to get things sorted to go and do a trek, most likely the ABC (that's Annapurna Base Camp for those not in the know haha). Psyched!
Pipi and Camille at the World Peace Pagoda
Me and my monkey
Nepali girl in Pokhara
Cheeky monkey
Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain) from my hotel rooftop
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
26.05.09
Arriving in Pokhara was one of the best moments ever. Swinging into the airport and catching a glimpse of the Annapurna Range through the clouds was a little tease of what this place has in store for me. I made my way to the Lakeside district of Pokhara and got myself a hotel room then set off to find my friend Camille who is working here. After being unsuccesful in my search I wondered around town waiting to hear from her when who should I bump into walking down the street but my old mate from home, Saxon! Beer was in order so we caught up over a nice cold Everest beer. He and his brother had just finished the Annapurna circuit and were back in town for a few days before heading back home. Talk about a one in a million chance... bumping into an old mate in a small himalayan town seems remote odds at best, but its a small world full of big suprises :)
I finally found the lovely Camille and we all had an evening of beer and tall stories before some much needed sleep some time in the small hours of the morning. It's so nice having a few old friends around, it adds to the already massive feeling I have of being at home here. A strange feeling seeing as I have just arrived but sitting here beside the beautiful Shewa Lake, the sun streaming across the water, surrounded by verdant green jungle clad hills with the imposing mass of snow capped Himalayan peaks looming through the cloud strewn sky high above us I just cant help but feel at home here... maybe I have found my place in the world... we'll see.
Today was a late coffee and croissant breakast followed by a lazy afternoon in which Camille and I hired a row boat and lazed around on a boat working on our tans while floating around the beautiful lake. A hard life I realise, but one I wont be swapping for anything in a hurry.
Arriving in Pokhara was one of the best moments ever. Swinging into the airport and catching a glimpse of the Annapurna Range through the clouds was a little tease of what this place has in store for me. I made my way to the Lakeside district of Pokhara and got myself a hotel room then set off to find my friend Camille who is working here. After being unsuccesful in my search I wondered around town waiting to hear from her when who should I bump into walking down the street but my old mate from home, Saxon! Beer was in order so we caught up over a nice cold Everest beer. He and his brother had just finished the Annapurna circuit and were back in town for a few days before heading back home. Talk about a one in a million chance... bumping into an old mate in a small himalayan town seems remote odds at best, but its a small world full of big suprises :)
I finally found the lovely Camille and we all had an evening of beer and tall stories before some much needed sleep some time in the small hours of the morning. It's so nice having a few old friends around, it adds to the already massive feeling I have of being at home here. A strange feeling seeing as I have just arrived but sitting here beside the beautiful Shewa Lake, the sun streaming across the water, surrounded by verdant green jungle clad hills with the imposing mass of snow capped Himalayan peaks looming through the cloud strewn sky high above us I just cant help but feel at home here... maybe I have found my place in the world... we'll see.
Today was a late coffee and croissant breakast followed by a lazy afternoon in which Camille and I hired a row boat and lazed around on a boat working on our tans while floating around the beautiful lake. A hard life I realise, but one I wont be swapping for anything in a hurry.
Camille out on the boat on Shewa Lake
Monument at the Museum of Mountaineering
Nepali women in the street in Pokhara
A sacred cow in the street in Pokhara
My old mate Saxon and his brother Marcus in PokharaSunday, May 24, 2009
Kathmandu, Nepal
24.05.09
What a great and crazy place Kathmandu is. I started my day yesterday with a stroll around Thamel, the main tourist district, walking around the tight maze of chaotic streets full of shops, bars and guiding companies. I stopped for some breakfast and met some nice American guys, Scott and Mark, who had a guide for the day to show them Kathmandu and invited me to join in. We jumped into Prashant's car (our guide) and headed off around town. We visited both sides of the Monkey Temple where the monkeys literally run the place and eagles soared overhead, then the Boudha Stupa which is the biggest Stupa in Kathmandu. We went into the monastary there and I got blessed by a Tibetan monk. Then we had some lunch at a small local Tibetan place and then after lunch we went to see Pashupatinath Temple, a temple for Shiva and the biggest Hindu temple in Nepal where all the bodies in Kathmandu are cremated. Seeing people play music and dance, while people watched bodies burning at the same time as children digging through the river mud that the bodies ashes are washed into looking for jewelry and coins was eye opening to say the least.
The start contrast of the huge monastaries and the slum buildings was around every corner, as was the reminder that this is a very poor place, with beggars and the infirm at every turn.
After a long day I relaxed a while, went and had some dinner while watching a traditional Nepali band and dancer, then a beer at Sam's Bar followed by much needed sleep. Today should be a relaxing day then I am off on a flight to Pokhara tomorrow!
What a great and crazy place Kathmandu is. I started my day yesterday with a stroll around Thamel, the main tourist district, walking around the tight maze of chaotic streets full of shops, bars and guiding companies. I stopped for some breakfast and met some nice American guys, Scott and Mark, who had a guide for the day to show them Kathmandu and invited me to join in. We jumped into Prashant's car (our guide) and headed off around town. We visited both sides of the Monkey Temple where the monkeys literally run the place and eagles soared overhead, then the Boudha Stupa which is the biggest Stupa in Kathmandu. We went into the monastary there and I got blessed by a Tibetan monk. Then we had some lunch at a small local Tibetan place and then after lunch we went to see Pashupatinath Temple, a temple for Shiva and the biggest Hindu temple in Nepal where all the bodies in Kathmandu are cremated. Seeing people play music and dance, while people watched bodies burning at the same time as children digging through the river mud that the bodies ashes are washed into looking for jewelry and coins was eye opening to say the least.
The start contrast of the huge monastaries and the slum buildings was around every corner, as was the reminder that this is a very poor place, with beggars and the infirm at every turn.
After a long day I relaxed a while, went and had some dinner while watching a traditional Nepali band and dancer, then a beer at Sam's Bar followed by much needed sleep. Today should be a relaxing day then I am off on a flight to Pokhara tomorrow!
You can see more of my photo's on facebook or at:
A Macaque monkey overlooking Pashupatinath Temple
A cow in the streets of Kathmandu
The Boudha Stupa
Scott, Mark and Prashant in the Tibetan Buddhist Monastry at Boudha Stupa
A beggar girl at the Monkey Temple
The golden Buddha at the Monkey Temple
Prayer wheels at the Monkey Temple
The streets of Thamel, KathmanduSaturday, May 23, 2009
Guangzhou Pic's
A few of my favourite pics from my time in Guangzhou!
Portrait of my main man in Guangzhou, Kaare Iverson
Best city pic I have taken, skyline from the appartment before a storm
Colin bouldering at the wall
Statue in Martyr's Park
Rollerblader in Martyr's Park
Statues in Martyr's Park
Colin off to find some buildering
My friends apartment block
Colin playground bouldering
And againNamaste Bitches!
22.05.09
From my first hectic, eye opening days in Hong Kong, to my relaxing yet shenanigan filled final days in Guangzhou and the pure majestic awesomeness that was Yangshuo in the middle, China has been amazing, and it is with a content smile that I am now sitting on a plane bound for Kathmandu, Nepal.
China dealt me a few blows. Namely being robbed of my laptop, phone and money and of course my shoulder injury. But despite these set backs I have loved China and will definitely be coming back one day!
Now it is onwards and upwards, quite literally. Next week sometime I should be heading out on my first trek into the Himalayas, most likely out of Pokhara. I will spend a few days in Kathmandu, then head to Pokhara to meet up with a friend, then head out on one of the treks from there at the end of the week sometime.
Psyched!
23.05.09
11pm. Thamel, Kathmandu.
So I have landed in Nepal and after some haggling with taxi drivers and hotel goons I got myself from the airport and into Thamel, the main tourist hub of Kathmandu, and into a comfy hotel room at a good price.
Driving through late night Kathmandu was eye opening to say the least. Rough roads, dogs, traffic, rats the size of shetland ponies, drunk tourists and more lady boys than most of Thailand combined! I was expecting crazy and crazy I got. Keen as mustard to get out into the city and explore tomorrow but for tonight it is a cold beer and some sleep.
From my first hectic, eye opening days in Hong Kong, to my relaxing yet shenanigan filled final days in Guangzhou and the pure majestic awesomeness that was Yangshuo in the middle, China has been amazing, and it is with a content smile that I am now sitting on a plane bound for Kathmandu, Nepal.
China dealt me a few blows. Namely being robbed of my laptop, phone and money and of course my shoulder injury. But despite these set backs I have loved China and will definitely be coming back one day!
Now it is onwards and upwards, quite literally. Next week sometime I should be heading out on my first trek into the Himalayas, most likely out of Pokhara. I will spend a few days in Kathmandu, then head to Pokhara to meet up with a friend, then head out on one of the treks from there at the end of the week sometime.
Psyched!
23.05.09
11pm. Thamel, Kathmandu.
So I have landed in Nepal and after some haggling with taxi drivers and hotel goons I got myself from the airport and into Thamel, the main tourist hub of Kathmandu, and into a comfy hotel room at a good price.
Driving through late night Kathmandu was eye opening to say the least. Rough roads, dogs, traffic, rats the size of shetland ponies, drunk tourists and more lady boys than most of Thailand combined! I was expecting crazy and crazy I got. Keen as mustard to get out into the city and explore tomorrow but for tonight it is a cold beer and some sleep.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Flickr!
So I just started a Flikr page for my best photos, check out what I have put up so far at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38530300@N02/
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38530300@N02/
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Guangzhuo or bust!
15.05.09
Yay! I finally have a new laptop! I just bought a nice little 'Acer AspireOne' as well as a new 35mm f/1.8 lens for my camera... bit of a splurge day today. Although a laptop and a new lens cost me less than $600 Aus... god bless Asian prices! haha
I left Yangshuo yesterday and it was a sad day as I really like the place and it was hard to say goodbye to my friends, but with an injured shoulder (minor tear in part of my rotator cuff of my left shoudler that should take a month or so to heal as I have caught it early) I couldn't hang around. I have come to see some friends on Guangzhuo for a week then head off to Nepal for a month or two of trekking in the Himalayas which will be amazing I am sure!
I caught the overnight sleeper bus down here and when I arrived at Kaare and Angie's apartment who should stick their head out the door just as I walk around the corner at 6.30am but Colin! He came here after hitch hiking here from Yangshuo which is a mighty coincidence haha, serendipity.
So, things are all go, new toys to play with, tickets for Nepal to arrange and loads of fun to be had, expect some more pics and blogging from me now for sure!!!
18.05.09
Guangzhuo. Day four. Having a ball just chillin with my friends here. Watching movies, taking photo's, eating great food, enjoying great company and generally relaxing.
I went to the photography markets with Kaare today. Was such an effort not to just go crazy and buy loads of new toys. I would really like a remote flash set up but I stayed strong and left my wallet in my pocket. But I did get a nice little soft case for my spare lenses and a cleaning brush :)
I have a ticket sorted out for a flight from Guangzhuo to Kathmandu on the 22nd of May, this friday, so I have the week to just chill here with the guys and gals before heading up the Himalayas for some sweet high altitude shenanigans. Cheddar. Ace Cheddar.
19.05.09
Not much more to say at the moment except that I have found a way to get around the "Great Firewall of China" to actually post on my blog except that it wont let me upload pics, just text. Shame, because I have some great pics with my new lens to share.. Oh well, I will get them up on facebook and get them up here when I can!
Yay! I finally have a new laptop! I just bought a nice little 'Acer AspireOne' as well as a new 35mm f/1.8 lens for my camera... bit of a splurge day today. Although a laptop and a new lens cost me less than $600 Aus... god bless Asian prices! haha
I left Yangshuo yesterday and it was a sad day as I really like the place and it was hard to say goodbye to my friends, but with an injured shoulder (minor tear in part of my rotator cuff of my left shoudler that should take a month or so to heal as I have caught it early) I couldn't hang around. I have come to see some friends on Guangzhuo for a week then head off to Nepal for a month or two of trekking in the Himalayas which will be amazing I am sure!
I caught the overnight sleeper bus down here and when I arrived at Kaare and Angie's apartment who should stick their head out the door just as I walk around the corner at 6.30am but Colin! He came here after hitch hiking here from Yangshuo which is a mighty coincidence haha, serendipity.
So, things are all go, new toys to play with, tickets for Nepal to arrange and loads of fun to be had, expect some more pics and blogging from me now for sure!!!
18.05.09
Guangzhuo. Day four. Having a ball just chillin with my friends here. Watching movies, taking photo's, eating great food, enjoying great company and generally relaxing.
I went to the photography markets with Kaare today. Was such an effort not to just go crazy and buy loads of new toys. I would really like a remote flash set up but I stayed strong and left my wallet in my pocket. But I did get a nice little soft case for my spare lenses and a cleaning brush :)
I have a ticket sorted out for a flight from Guangzhuo to Kathmandu on the 22nd of May, this friday, so I have the week to just chill here with the guys and gals before heading up the Himalayas for some sweet high altitude shenanigans. Cheddar. Ace Cheddar.
19.05.09
Not much more to say at the moment except that I have found a way to get around the "Great Firewall of China" to actually post on my blog except that it wont let me upload pics, just text. Shame, because I have some great pics with my new lens to share.. Oh well, I will get them up on facebook and get them up here when I can!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Injury... but NEPAL!!!
I am in Yangshuo in China still but about to leave cause I have hurt my shoulder and going to take a month or two off climbing. Going to catch an overnight bus to Guangzhou tomorrow night then fly to Nepal about the 20th of May to go trekking in the Himalayas for a month or two and let my shoulder heal properly before going to Europe in about August.
So yeah, still having a blast of course, loving every day despite the few set backs China has dealt me...
Life is amazing, and now it is just off and on to the next adventure :)
So yeah, still having a blast of course, loving every day despite the few set backs China has dealt me...
Life is amazing, and now it is just off and on to the next adventure :)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Can you say Gambe???
So things are still awesome here in old Yangshuo, climbing alot and trying to getting fitter and stronger, going to start guiding for China Climb on the 12th of May so psyched for that! Alot of the crew here will be leaving over the next week or so leaving only a skeleton staff of about 5 of us left here, but all will be fine, there is plenty to keep us busy and I am psyched to bolt some more routes soon so there will be alot to do!
There is also the occasional Baijiu catastrophe to entertain us all too... rice wine is a dealy thing that makes everyone lose it is a spectacular fashion whenever it is brought out to drink haha.
Been climbing alot lately, places like Moon Hill, White Mountain, Space Buttress and more are all keeping me busy and wearing my rope out with all the falling I tend to do haha, so many great routes to send I just don't know where to go on any given day!
Well nothing much new from me really, just all the usual, peace all!
The beginning of yet another Baijiu catastrophe
There is also the occasional Baijiu catastrophe to entertain us all too... rice wine is a dealy thing that makes everyone lose it is a spectacular fashion whenever it is brought out to drink haha.
Been climbing alot lately, places like Moon Hill, White Mountain, Space Buttress and more are all keeping me busy and wearing my rope out with all the falling I tend to do haha, so many great routes to send I just don't know where to go on any given day!
Well nothing much new from me really, just all the usual, peace all!
The beginning of yet another Baijiu catastrophe
The end results of a Baijiu catastrophe haha (Tomaz, what a hero!)
Nina climbing at Moon Hill
Xavi, Colin, Kari and I in the back of a tractor heading to Lei Pi Shan
Walking in to the amazing White Mountain
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sleight Of Hand...
Things are a blend of sweet and sour here in Yangshuo. The other day we had an EPIC run in with the local farmers at White Mountain and, long story short, it is out of bounds for the time being and they may have chopped all the first bolts off the routes.
But other than that things are great! Yesterday I sent the project that I bolted at Lei Pi Shan finally! I have called it 'Sleight Of Hand' and it is about 7b+ (Oz grade 26). It is a cool, hard boulder problem for the first 5 metres then it links into an overhanging and pumpy 7a to the top... really fun route and I am especially psyched because this is my very first First Ascent in another country... booyah!
Also, I have scored a job guiding for the company China Climb here in Yangshuo. Doing a few days work here and there guiding climbing, kayaking, hiking, riding, etc... should be a blast... also means I can spend a few months here climbing basically for free, loving it! So I will be here till the end of May at least, but who knows, maybe June as well haha... We'll see :)
Last night ended in another Baijiu catastrophe... thats rice wine for the uninitiated... so today is a team rest day, then tomorrow it will be off climbing again... good times!
But other than that things are great! Yesterday I sent the project that I bolted at Lei Pi Shan finally! I have called it 'Sleight Of Hand' and it is about 7b+ (Oz grade 26). It is a cool, hard boulder problem for the first 5 metres then it links into an overhanging and pumpy 7a to the top... really fun route and I am especially psyched because this is my very first First Ascent in another country... booyah!
Also, I have scored a job guiding for the company China Climb here in Yangshuo. Doing a few days work here and there guiding climbing, kayaking, hiking, riding, etc... should be a blast... also means I can spend a few months here climbing basically for free, loving it! So I will be here till the end of May at least, but who knows, maybe June as well haha... We'll see :)
Last night ended in another Baijiu catastrophe... thats rice wine for the uninitiated... so today is a team rest day, then tomorrow it will be off climbing again... good times!
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