Karen achieves nirvana in Kathmandu: a Diet Coke... with ice!

Imagine taking a do-over on your *country*. As seen in the Kathmandu Post, Nepal is trying to come up with some new states, and the new Constitution is supposed to be done in less than 30 days. As with politics everywhere, no one is completely happy.

Bhandipur window

Another quick rafting trip, this time on the Upper Seti. A fellow rafter checks out a bridge along the way.

We shared a laugh with the Nepali shopkeeper when I explained that Karen's last name is Gill... and we're married

Karen and her fan club

Best foot forward

Kayaking in Pokhara

Awesomely cool bug on our windowsill

Dontcha love it when you decide to treat yourself to a rum and coke, and it turns out to be 2-for-1?

Vultures... eyeing us up a bit too closely for comfort

Rafting the Kaligandaki (more on that in a future post)

It's true: kids really do play with old tire rims or whatever those circular things are

Finally, some anonymous Americans watching over us. Sadly, American standards of packaging were not utilized, as the bag split opened and showered this trail mix all over the floor.

Yes, I'm sure paragliding above the Annapurna Range is spectacular. But is it a good idea to have that many people in the air at once?!

Sunset

A glimpse of the Annapurna range from the plane

Bhaktapur alleys

Egrets

Korean in Kathmandu

Reliable? Maybe. New? Definitely not.

Karen and friend

Wine with friends in Kathmandu

Gharial crocodiles at the breeding center. These are the vegetarian crocs, so we didn't have to worry about them as we cruised the river in a rickety wooden boat. It's the meat-eating mugger dohi crocodiles you have to be careful of.

Red bug

My nephew Nelson gave me a luggage tag with his smiling face on it, which I have dutifully carried from country to country (people often ask if he's my son). In India and Nepal, Nelson took quite a beating... even gaffer's tape can't stand up to the latest indignities.

Entering Nepal

Ceremonial smoke in Varanasi

Bridge over the Ganges. It floats so that it can stay intact when the waters rise in monsoon season.

Ken continues a decades-long tradition: finding the local apple soda. A new Appy Fizz fan!