October 22, 2009

This morning was great, everyone was in better spirits and there was a breakfast buffet. It was the best all-you-can-eat-breakfast of all time! There was bacon, eggs, broiled tomatoes, pancakes and honey. Heaven on Earth. After breakfast we sort of all went our own way. At least a little alone time was needed. My dad and brothers got massages and I decided to do some hiking. My goal was to hike to View Tower and soak in some Himalayan views. The hike was definitely worth it. It was 3 miles up steep hills. It was no easy battle, but a great relaxer. At View Tower, the sight was spectacular. I was sitting in silence soaking up this beautiful place when all of a sudden a group of Nepal kids start singing Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open” out of nowhere. I could not help but to laugh. Here I am at the top of the world and I have to listen to Creed. Moments later a girl’s phone rings, and the ring tone is none other than the song that sings; “making my way downtown…” I laughed out loud this time.

The Tower is a circular platform with panoramic views, it was pretty large. On one side there was an oddly dressed man recording a Nepali music video. I asked the local kids, listening to Creed, who he was and they said he was a Nepal artist. They also mentioned that his music was no good. The kids seemed to make fun of him quite a bit. Turns out the Nepal kids are also musicians and really want to be in a band. We started talking music and tomorrow I am meeting up with them so we can swap songs on an acoustic guitar. They were even nice enough to drive me back down the mountain on one of their motorcycles.

What a great day! Tomorrow will be the first time in over a week since I have touched a guitar. On top of that, I am going to hear some true Nepal music. I am still a little skittish from yesterday, so I am pushing for the brothers to go with me. Even though I am really excited about tomorrow, you always seem to stay on guard in a foreign place. Better safe than sorry. (In India you realize you are one drop in the sea of humanity.)