We left our hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday morning, squeezed into a CNG with our luggage and headed to the Airport. CNG is short for Compressed Natural Gas, which all the auto rickshaws around Bangladesh are powered by, as well as some cars and buses. CNG reduces inner city air pollution, and is part of some strong steps the Bangladesh Government has made towards environmental protection. It's almost impossible to get a plastic bag in bangladesh, and there are significant levels of recycling. There is also an increasingly powerful system of environmental courts that preside over significant environmental issues. Perhaps Australia could learn a thing or two from this highly populated developing country.
Flying towards Nepal was an amazing experience, as the plane banked to the left and we caught a breathtaking view of the snow capped Himalayas for the first time. Despite being such a well known scene, there's something awe inspiring about seeing it in person...it has a real presence.
Flying over much drier hillside villages set steep into the range, the contrast in landscape was amazing. Dry muddy looking river beds cut massive swathes throughout the country, obviously teeming with water when the snow begins to melt in the hills.
We arrived in Nepal with a little apprehension as we had to get a visa on arrival, and werent sure how easy things would be. We were met by a smiley immigration official, who led us through, literally bouncing across the airport. We had a visa within 10 minutes and were on our way! Nothing to worry about.
Travelling in countries like these is quite unpredictable, but so often things just kind of work. Never exactly how you planned, but rarely as complicated as you imagined. I've got a lot to learn, as my tendency is to over plan everything, and make sure I have all my bases covered. Generally that seems to be a waste of energy, as things just slot into place, the gaps in time and the waiting offer up lots of surprises, and above all, no one else seems to be worried. At various points I've been asking advice, likemaking sure buses connect etc, and generally overthinking things, only to be met with a smiley face and the confident response of "No Problem, No Problems" accompanied with that great little head waggle! Most of the time...they're right!
We walked out of the airport to be met with much fanfare; a brass band, a throng of media cameras and journalists, and lots of banners. We thought this was a bit over the top for a couple of Australian Tourists, but the Nepali Asian Games Team walking out behind us seemed to quite appreciate it!
Our driver met us with wreaths of marigolds to welcome us, and drove us to "Hotel Magnificent View" in Thamel, which is the touristy hub of Kathmandu. We organised our travel for Pokhara for the following day and wandered around the town, which contrasts strongly with Dhaka due to the strong focus on Tourism, and the tourist dollar. Widespread tourism hasnt really made it to Dhaka or Bangladesh yet, and you really notice it in the lack of touts, internet cafes and pushy sales people.
You can really feel the mountain air up here, and we rugged up in our thermals and warm clothes before heading out to dinner at the Cozy Cafe, a quaint little candle-lit upstairs restaurant with views over the busy streets below.
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