Tag Archives: Nepal

On Planning for and Enjoying Retirement

After twenty-two years in the US pharmaceutical industry, I was laid off. I remember that day very well— a bleak winter morning rendered bleaker by the verdict, a devastating blow. No job, no regular pay checks, no routine or fixed schedule in my life. How will I manage? It was disorienting.

What should I do now, I pondered. Get another job? With my background and experience that would not be too difficult. But, do I want to? Same old, same old did not appeal to me. Why not try something different. But what? Decisions, decisions!

On my patio with a book and a drink. — Relaxing on my patio with a book under the flowering Japanese Cherry tree in spring.

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My Nepal Trip (Part 3): In Crocodile infested Waters

Among crocodiles and gharials

After the spectacular elephant safari (last post) where we saw a one-horned Indian rhinoceros, we went on a dugout canoe trip on the Rapti and a walk in the jungle. The dugout is hollowed from a single long tree trunk and can hold around 15 people. It is narrow and quite shallow, we had to squat single-file at the bottom of the canoe. The tour guide instructed us to sit still and not make any sudden movement because that might capsize the canoe. As we glided down the Rapti, he pointed to the banks. There were large gharials and mugger crocodiles quietly sunning themselves. I quickly withdrew my hand I was trailing in the water. I fancied a crocodile eyeing me for lunch through half closed eyes.

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My Trip to Nepal: Land of Mountains, Jungles and Temples (part 1)

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Nepal, the land of high mountains, secluded valleys and dense jungles, has always held a fascination for mountaineers, trekkers and adventurers seeking an escape from their humdrum daily lives. Geography has indeed blessed this land. It hosts some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas to its north and hot and steamy jungles of the Terai to its south. It has swift clear rivers suitable for rafting, challenging peaks for mountaineering, soaring thermals for paragliding and verdant jungles for wildlife viewing. Having a wild, adventurous streak in me, I had always secretly dreamed of a Nepali adventure. On a trip to Kolkata in December 2014, I finally turned that dream into reality.

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