Exploring Pokhara on 2 wheels.

Our 2nd relaxing day in Pokhara. Loh was hunger for action and we decide to go cycling. Lunch at the recommended Restaurant Once Upon A Time was not so fantastic for me. As the chicken was serve on a sizzling plate, it didn't take long for the sauce to dry up. Turns out, I find the 320rupees half chicken too dry.

Under the leadership of Loh and Chin, we were given a tour of true Pokhara, or perhaps the true Nepal, out of the touristy Lakeside and Damside.

We cycle to the Pokhara town where the happenings are for the locals. Unlike the tourist zone which was a duplication of shops-supermarket, internet cafe, up-market restaurant and tour agent. Over here you find shops selling merchandise meeting to the needs of Nepali such as a shop selling indian pot bigger than a bathtub for baby. We have our water break at Restaurant Almond, a local version of America fast food. Most interestingly, we went into a shopping centre that resembles People's Park in the 80's. At that time, it was possibly the most happening place to be.

My favourite part of the cycling was the countryside- Children playing soccer, huge padi fields, happy buffalo grazing the grass, men playing Carom, migrating birds flying in an inverted 'V' formation.

As the sun was setting slowly, we departed my favourite part of the cycling trip regretfully and make a dash for Devi's fall.

We came to the Damside and was fast approaching the place where all the fanciful but affordable restaurants are. There were local men playing table tennis and it caught out attention. We parked our bicycle and stop by it. Loh went to assess the players, at some point, the players are so good, Loh mistaken a game of ping pong for tennis. They are standing like 5 metres away from the table to receive the ball. While all this actions as going on, I stood by the dam watching the setting sun beautifully cast an orangery reflection on the lake. Mesmerise by the sight, I took a picture using Ming Yuan's camera.

Pokhara, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Dhal Bhat
Being on the trek for more than 2 weeks, my stomach has programed itself to take almost 2 times my usual food intake. As a result, I acquire a liking for Dhal Bhat-Nepali version of buffet. Instead of fanciful spread of intercontinental breakfast, it's unlimited supply of rice, dhal (lentil soup, I don't know what is that), veg, potato and pickles. Meat comes at an additional charge of 50-100rupees but they are not part of the free flow, only 1 serving is allowed.

At Thakali Kitchen, I sense something different. I don't feel as hungry as before. Somehow my stomach detected that trekking is over and that I have to moderate my food intake. I heeded my body's calling and had just a portion of DBS (Dhal Bhat special)

It was my best time in Pokhara. From a rating of 5/10, I amended my ratings of Pokhara to 7.5/10. I fell in love with Nepal again. Suddenly, I find myself under the charm of Nepal all over again. I forget the dust and noise of Thamel, the commercialisation and money mindedness of city Nepalis.

Malebonding
We retreated back to our room after getting beer, a routine for the past 2 nights. Bunking with the guy, I was reminded of my younger days when I spent much time with my kakis in chalets or each other's home. Here, it was male bonding time, being shirtless, beer, being loud, silly jokes, 99, German Bridge, chess. In this room, men becomes boys. No women allowed. Memories that we will talk and reminisce for the next few decades.