Depart Sydney Saturday 8th November on SINGAPORE AIRLINES flight SQ 242 at 19:10 arriving Changi Airprort at 00:15 Sunday 9th Nov (flying time 8 hours and 05 minutes). Then Depart CHANGI, SINGAPORE on SINGAPORE AIRLINES flight SQ 402 at 02:30 and arrive at 05:45 at INDIRA GANDHI INTL, DELHI Sunday 9th November (flying time 5 hours and 45 minutes).

I am waiting at the airport for my flight, it has been delayed. So while I wait I thought I would fill you in on my pre-fight experience.

Not only did my parents pick me up for the airport but they bought Tyla to say goodbye. I was very happy to see you and I will miss you 'moo', thanks for coming.

For those that know the M5 they will understand this next part. We were nearly at the tunnel when the M5 was closed East bound due to a serious accident. We then had to detour down to the Princess highway and then travel up through Kogarah to make our way to the airport. This is why I like to leave early, we had plenty of time to spare.

I love Sydney Airport on a Saturday! No waiting at check in, no waiting at customs, no waiting at the bag scanner and no waiting for my tax refund on my new camera! However because they did not have anything to do or I looked suspicious, I was asked to complete a full body scan, pat down and then be tested for explosives.

Namaste and welcome to New Delhi, India’s capital. On arrival I will be personally met by the Scenic Tours Representative and transferred to my luxury hotel. Receive a traditional welcome and a floral garland. The remainder of the day is at my leisure until early evening when I meet the Tour Director for the tour briefing and a welcome dinner at Spice Route, heralded as one of the world’s top restaurants by "Condé Nast Traveller".

Three Night Special Stay: Imperial Hotel Delhi

I have arrived at my hotel in Delhi and the good news is that we have been able to get into the rooms early.

Thats about all I have for now as I need a shower and a couple of hours sleep.

OK, I am back.

I successfully made my connection in Singapore, but there was no time for any shopping - perhaps on the way back. Both flights were good, with no dramas. It was dark when we flew into Delhi this morning, but the first thing I noticed was the smoke/smog. There were 9 of us on the flight that are doing the scenic tour, I will meet the others tonight. The ride to the hotel took around 30min, again grateful for early sunday traffic. The hotel is beautiful, a big contrast to life outside its waslls. I have been wandering around and have posted some photo's from the hotel. Tonight is the welcome dinner at the spice kitchen. Still a bit weary from the flight, so looking forward to a good night sleep before starting tomorrow. Bye for now

DINNER

we had our standard meet the tour guide briefing and afterwards had our intro dinner at the Spice Route (incorrectly referred to as kitchen in my previous post).

The restaurant and meal was one of the best I have had. But there was a twist, it was not traditional Indian cuisine, but the spices from India used across South East Asia. There were 10 courses in a restaurant decorated in the 9 stages from the journey of life. I will put some photos up later.

This morning we delve into Old Delhi during a tour. Then a drive through the old walled city past the imposing Red Fort and visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Weave through the maze of alleyways on a cycle rickshaw ride to Asia’s largest wholesale spice bazaar. A journey to Connaught Place on the metro ride, Delhi’s 21st century transport solution. We visit India Gate, drive along Rajpath past Parliament House and then a visit to the remarkable World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb. For tonights dining I can select from: (1) 1911, an all day dining multi-cuisine restaurant: or (2) San Gimignano, an Italian speciality restaurant; or (3) Lodi, the Garden restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine; or (4) Zaffran, an Indian speciality restaurant highlighting frontier and north Indian cuisine.

SENSORY OVERLOAD

We started the day early and headed to old delhi. Leaving early means that you miss most of the heavy traftic, lets just say I would hate to leave late. Today we experienced a complete sensory overload.

First stop was a mosque, but the best part of the day was a rickshaw ride and walk through the markets, including the spice market. I am not sure how to describe this to you because it was a complete sensory overload. We trusted our lives to the rickshaw driver as they weaved through the traffic, the first sense was sound - horns as the various bikes etc made their way through the streets, any road lines or lights were decoration only! The next sense was smell - mostly spices of all shape and colour, this was combined with the normal Delhi smell of lots of people crammed into a market. Then sight - you really don't know which way to look, something was going on to the front, back and sides. You give up on trying to watch where your rickshaw was going and instead just hung on. People of all kinds, food and wares, horses, dogs, goats, ox - you name it everthing was at the market.

We then headed to the Delhi underground to travel to our lunch stop. The train was actually quite good. Lunch was traditional Indian with a moden twist. There is so much food here and yes I am trying a lot of new things.

Finally was our stop to the Humayun’s tomb. built before the Taj Mahal and possibly could of been what the Taj Mahal was based on.

Off now to get ready for dinner - more food....

Today I can select an activity from: (1) explore the magnificent World Heritage Qutub Minar, Lodhi Gardens and Dilli Haat; or (2) learn about three religions with a visit to the Bahai House of Worship, a Hindu Temple and a Sikh Gurudwara; or (3) visit some of Delhi’s wonderful museums including the Craft Museum and one dedicated to Gandhi; or (4) join a walk with an NGO, through the lanes around New Delhi railway station, led by a child who once lived and worked on the streets. This evening I select from: (1) Sound and Light show at the Red Fort; or (2) a unique Bollywood-style spectacle of colour and music at the Kingdom of Dreams.

But first an update on last night. There were a few dining options, but I chose one of the restaurants in the hotel. We sat outside and had a vey relaxing meal, I was not realy hungary after our Indian lunch so I just had something plain (or as plain as you can over here).

This morning I headed out to explore the magnificent World Heritage Qutuwb Minar, Lodhi Gardens and Dilli Haat. Which translates to the frst city of Delhi, a garden and a craft shop. It was good to travel through Delhi to the outskirts, it is amazing to look at all the sites on the way. It was a good morning of site seeing. We did have a minor incident though - just to demonstrate how bad the traffic is, one of the ladies was hit by a motor bike whilst crossing the road (she is ok, lucky the traffic does not move very fast!)

The weather has been in the low 30's, but it does not feel that bad, I am coping really well with the heat. It does get cooler in the night and The locals say it is now winter.

Tonight I am off to dinner and then a bollywood concert - should be fun!

KINGDOM OF DREAMS

The kingdom of dreams is india's answer to Vegas. Upon arrival you are greeted by two elephant statues and a gate, once you walk through it is like another world, together with the fake blue sky. I don't need to go into more detail, the photos should say it all.

The Bollywood show was good, but no photography allowed. Sorry for everyone expecting photos of me. For those that usually follow by blogs know that it is not going to happen.

The Bollywood story is like most others. Boy loves girl, girl loves another boy, boy wins girl over and they live happily ever after. This story was set against an Indian reality singing contest. The technology, costume etc was really good and whilst these shows are very long we all had a good time.

A flight brings us to India’s holiest Hindu city, Varanasi, believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. We journey down the River Ganges on a sunset boat journey, release sacred offerings and witness the evening aarti. This is a magical ceremony where the River Ganges is ‘put to sleep’ and is filled with chanting, incense, flower offerings and oil lamps.

Two Night Stay: Varanasi

Our stay in Varanasi has been manic, it is all about the Ganges river and the adventure getting there.

We arrived in Varanasi at lunch time yesterday, after lunch at the hotel we began our adventure to the river.

The hotel is not close to the river (none of them are), so part of the fun is making your way to the river bank. First the bus - quite tame really, watched the activity on the street go by out the window, Then the rickshaw - if I thought the rickshaw ride in Delhi was exhilerating, then OMG, this ride was something else. Let me start with the noise - there are at least three different horns from rickshaw, scotters, motor bikes and cars - bells, somehting that sounds like a sick duck and your traditional horn. Now put all of these together and keep them going in one continuous cycle. The rickshaw driver is an expert at ducking and weaving in traffic, with so much chaos I am not sure how they survive. The streets were amazing, so many different types of people here, all coming to worship at the river. As usual all of the shops line the street, marigold is popular as an offering. I am glad I have my new camera, which is lighter and easier to point and shoot, the bumpy ride does make it challenging, especially when I am holding on with one hand. Now we get off our rickshaw and begin a 10 minute walk to the river bank - so much traffic makes it impossible to drive all the way. Walking here is not as straight forward as it seems. First make sure your belongings are close, then watch where you are walking - not only are bikes, rickshaws, cars part of the traffic, you also need to factor in cows, goats,dogs, people etc, they all compete on the road, then make sure you don;t step on anything, keep up with the guide, avoid the beggers and hawkers, oh, and take photo's of interesting things!

The walk takes us through small alleys until finally we are at the banks of the river. Here is where it all happens. We walk down the steps to our boat (see photo gallery) and then take a sunset cruise along the river, it is stil very hazy here so not much of a sunset. We get to watch the activty on the river bank from our boat that is rowed along the river. We go past the crematorium where people bring their loved ones bodies down to be cremated by the river (you can see the small fires in the photo's) and then scatter their ashes. Now it is dark and we each have a candle and flower to offer to the river. On the banks a cermony is performed each night, invovling lots of chanting and ringing of bells.

The transport back to the hotel was as before but now even a bit scarier because it is dark and there is not alot of street light. There is a lot of competition for rickshaws with many drivers and tourists, one of our party was lost in the confusion (now safely returned).

Then we did it all again before sunrise in the morning. This was minus the rickshaw because the shops do not open before 10am and the bus could get closer in.

We listen to the sounds of traditional Indian music, a sitar and tabla, as we float slowly down the River Ganges on our dawn boat cruise. Observe the hundreds of devotees who gather to wash in the holy waters before the walking tour along the ghats (steps) and laneways of the Old City. Later appreciate the visit to Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most important sites, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Then we did it all again before sunrise in the morning. This was minus the rickshaw because the shops do not open before 10am and the bus could get closer in.

This morning we again boarded our boar and rowed up the river. This is where you see people coming into the river to bath and worship, as well as wash clothes etc. We were joined on the boat by indian musicians who played classifical and folk indian music while we cruised along.

This afternoon we visited the site of Buddha's first sermon and a museum. I will post these photo's later.

That's all i have time for, now need to get ready for dinner!

Opportunity to join a private yoga lesson, one of India’s ancient exercise regimes for a healthy mind and body. Take the flight to Khajuraho, famous for its World Heritage-listed temple architecture. Then to be inspired on a visit to the exquisitely sculpted temples with their Karma Sutra carvings. This evening I will enjoy one of these activities: (1) Sound and Light show at the Khajuraho Temples; or (2) a performance of different Indian dance styles from all over the country in a spectacle of colour and energy.

Overnight Special Stay: Khajuraho

I started the day off with an early morning Yoga class before flying to the next destination.

We are now in more of a rural town in India and Khajuraho is famous for its temples. They have been well preserved and feature Karma Sutra carvings (some of you will know what this means). Last night we watched a local dance featuring folk dances from across the country.

Discover a wonderful glimpse into village life on the drive through Central India to Orchha. We visit a community-run papermaking plant where local women craft paper from recycled clothing and wood pulp. Orchha is a timeless 16th century town set along the banks of the Betwa River, with crumbling cenotaphs, ancient temples and palace ramparts rising above the landscape. During a walking tour, visit the Ram Raja Temple and see the wonderful murals in the Raj Mahal before strolling along the river to watch the sun set over the beautiful cenotaphs of Orchha’s former rulers.

Overnight Stay: Orchha

The last two days we have been driving through the countryside to some of the more rural destinations. It is ashame that we move so quickly on the bus because I would love to take photos outside of the buses glass window.

Orchha had another temple that we toured around, this one was also home to several monkeys.

Our hotel was on beautiful grounds and was very quant, however some of the basics were missing. Some people on the tour compared it to the Hotel Marigold movie. Not sure because I have not seen it, but the hotel was not that bad really.

Then we journey northwards to Gwalior for a visit to the massive fort, one of India’s most invincible, with its huge ramparts and decorated tile work sitting high above the surrounding countryside. Continuing on to Agra to our magnificent hotel, which is located only 600 metres from the spectacular Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Then I can select one of these dining experiences: (1) Esphahan, specialising in a thali, presenting delicious Indian cuisine in a traditional way; or (2) Bellevue, featuring a buffet comprising both Indian and International specialities.

Two Night Special Stay: Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel Agra

So now I am here in Agra and have had my first glimpse of the Taj Mahal. Up early tomorrow to see the sunrise and later in the day to see the sunset.

I get to savour a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal with its shimmering marble domes and towers reflecting in the landscaped pools. This architectural marvel took more than 22 years and thousands of craftsmen to build and takes on different colours throughout the day. After breakfast we tour the impressive World Heritage-listed Agra Fort, built in 1565 and the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. One visit is never enough, so we get to enjoy a sunset visit to the breathtakingly beautiful Taj Mahal.

I am writing from Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal and it was everthing I thought it would be.

We arrived yesterday at dusk at our hotel for the next two nights. The hotel is amazing and all of our rooms have a view of the Taj Mahal, you can see my first glimpse and photo from my room.

Our dinner had a choice of indian or international cuisine. After eating indian for the last week it was good to have a break. I have not spoken much about the food, I have been trying different things, but not everyting is what it seams. There is no beef being a Hindu country (this is why there are so many cows on the roads and in towns, no one hurts cows, they get the right of way on the road), lamb is usually code for goat, so I have mainly been sticking to chicken. Lets just say I really like the rice and bread! I have tried the Chai Tea, Ice cream made of condensed milk, saffron and pistacio's. I have not taken to the lentils and some of the other traditional food, but at least I can say I tried, and touch wood I have not been sick,

Back to the Taj, we had an early start to be at the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Cars and buses etc are not allowed close to the Taj to prevent some of the pollution damaging the monument, so our transportation was golf carts, however some of us walked, it was only 600m from the hotel. The gates opened at 6:30, but there is a long line to get in the morning. There are always male and female lines because at most of these sites we go through a security process including a pat down. There are plenty of hawkers around, this time trying to sell you fake marble.

We made our way through the gate (there are two different ones open for the public), our guide gave us the history and story of the Taj Mahal and then we were free to take our photo's and walk around the site. There are a few key photo points where you need to push your way through to get to the front. The sun does not rise or set directly behind the Taj, but you can see how the changing light affects the colours and some of the mother of pearl within the marble sparkles with the sunlight.

We then put on our shoe covers to enter the tomb in the centre, no photos were allowed inside. Inside had a lot of the marble work upclose, it is actually tranlucent and the light shines through it and the detail in the carving and tile work was very intricate.

Going in the morning allowed us to walk reasonably freely around the site, on our return for sunset the nunber of people doubled, there were thousands, mostly Indians.

Also during the day we travelled to the Red Fort and what is known as the 'Jewel Box', which predated the Taj Mahal and was what alot of the archeticture was based on. While these were also both great to visit, it was very hard to beat the Taj Mahal itself.

So now after a very busy day I am catching up on photos and the blog and about to go to bed because we have our train ride tomorrow!!

Hope you are all well, depending on internet access you will here from me again soon.

Time to explore the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri on a tour of this World Heritage-listed site. After a lunch at a 19th century palace, we transfer to Bharatpur railway station for our short train journey to Ranthambhore, one of India’s finest Tiger Reserves. Travelling on an Indian train is an experience not to be missed, and the short journey provides a wonderful opportunity to meet people.

Two Night Special Stay: Oberoi Vanyavilas Hotel Ranthambhore National Park

It was hard to say goodbye to our hotel and Taj Mahal in Agra.

Another action packed day, we visited another heritage listed site just outside of Agra and the boarded the Indian railway for our train ride down to ranthombore national park. Would you believe they are making us stay in tents..

The train trip was fun, it was only for 2 1/2 hours and we got to see a bit more of the rural countryside and the sunset. there are several types of cars ranging from 3 tier sleepers to first class. We were seated in first class.

We left the train and boarded our safari vehicles to travel to our hotel. Upon arrival we were greeted with music and had rose petals thrown at us when we passed the threshold. Then straight to the dining room for the best dinner, including a chocolate pudding that was a work of art. Then onto our tents, I will load some photo's later but I can say that I love this hotel.

Can't wait to go looking for tigers tomorrow!!

With an expert wildlife naturalist to accompany us, we search for the elusive Bengal tiger on the private morning and afternoon game drives into this former hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

We left at sunrise in our safari vehicles, it was very cold but they supplied blankets and hot water bottles. The park is broken up into zones and because the tighers are territorial there is usually only one tiger per zone, they could be anywhere in hundreds of kilometre.

After about 3 hours there were no signs of any tigers, just a lot of dust and a very bumpy ride. So we returned to the hotel very disappointed. Upon arrival the hotel has two elephants that were waiting for us.

In the afternoon we headed back out, not really expecting to see much ( they tell us that it is not normal for all groups to see them ). But after about 45 minutes we came across our first tiger walking along the road. There was already two vehicles following it so it was hard to get a good view and because it was in front most of what we saw was its backside.

Then our vehicle managed to come along side another and we had a slightly better view, but we only really managed shots on the side because he did not really turn around. At one stage he spotted some deer and crouched down ready to pounce but he changed his mind.

After thinking that we would have no chance of seeing a tiger I was very excited just to see one, even if it was from the rear end!

This morning we travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Known as the ‘Pink City’ because it was coloured in terracotta pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the intriguing Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the City Palace Museum and the striking World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar observatory with its massive sun dials and other astronomical devices. Another dining choice: (1) The Rajput Room, an all-day dining restaurant serving multi-cuisine food; or (2) spend time with a royal family and enjoy dinner at their home, Naila Bagh.

Two Night Special Stay: Rambagh Palace Hotel Jaipur

From a tent to a palace, today we travelled to Jaipur.

After a 5 hour bus drive we arrived in Jaipur, another large city. Our hotel is very opulent and I am dining in tonight.

This afternoon we visited the city palace and the observatory.

Hopefully revel in a elephant ride through the impressive gateway to the striking 17th century hilltop Amber Fort. Explore the Maharajah’s apartments, the palaces with interiors richly decorated with exquisite paintings and intricate carvings. Then an activity to select from: (1) take a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of the Old City and sample culinary delights; or (2) take a cycle rickshaw ride and meet people from different artisan communities; or (3) trek between Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts in the Aravalli Hills; or (4) visit the Anokhi Museum and discover the traditions of block printing. In a private demonstration, we learn how to wear a sari and a tie a turban, which is ours to keep. This evening we dine on authentic Indian cuisines of the royal houses of India in the former royal ballroom during a sumptuous Maharajah’s dinner.

We headed out early in the morning to visit the Amber fort, to get there we travelled by elephant (there is no photographic proof).

After some lunch we drove into town for our scenic free choice, which was a rickshaw ride. I enjoy these the most because we get to experience more of the local people. Like before there are thousands of people and vehicles on the street and we navigated through it all.

Dinner was a royal banquet at the ballroom at the Palace. But we could not dine in our normal clothes, we dressed in sari's. My final Indian meal before travelling to Nepal.

Indian tour has ended and today I check into hotel in Delhi for one night until flight to Nepal tomorrow.

One Night Special Stay: The Oberoi Gurgaon.

Our flight from Jaipur to Delhi was cancelled (we were supposed to fly out late in the afternoon) and this meant catching an earlier flight. So it was waking up at 5:30 to be transferred to the aiport. There were 7 of us leaving the tour, the rest of the group continue their tour for the next week down to the lake palace.

The flight was ok and we arrived at the hotel in Delhi around lunch time. I had a short sleep and am now catching up on photos (there are some more loaded from Jaipur). Next is some dinner and then a massage at the spa before turning in for the night (see hotel image to right - click to enlarge).

My flight leaves for Nepal in the morning, so the next time I catch up I will be in Kathmandu! I have been told I am the only person completing this part of the tour so I will have a private guide...

Leave Delhi on flight at 13:40 arriving in Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu at 15:30 and head to my hotel.

Three Night Special Stay: The Dwarika Hotel.

I started my day in Delhi with a final breakfast before leaving for the airport. The staff gave me a Bon Voyage dessert plate at breakfast to say goodbye (could not eat it all, but they were all very sweet).

As I was leaving the hotel my driver pointed out a famous Bollywood star that was near us ( not sure what her name was, but a big deal over there).

I was at the airport in plenty of time and the flight left on time, but the plane had to circle for 30min because the airport was full. This gave me a chance to see the mountains from the air.

Getting through the airport and getting a visa was fairly straight forward so I went outside to find my transfer - it was not there! This is where the fun started. Other people came up to me asking if I was the person who they were looking for, but no luck. Things are pretty chaotic at the arrivals hall.

To make things worse there is a "Summit" coming to town over the next few days with the leaders of all the neighbouring countries. This has meant that security has been tightened and people can't get to the airport like they normally would.

I found one person who asked what hotel I was staying at and he pointed out the hotel car and driver. I figured that would be my best chance of getting there. Still no sign of Scenic. The hotel driver was waiting for the next flight so he suggested that I go with the porter to the car (now parked some distance away because it cannot wait at the airport). The Porter then was looking for money and when I opened my wallet he saw my Australian notes and wanted $10 (I was offering 5 but he saw the 10 dollar note). I did not have much of a choice at this point because I was by myself in a strange car park surrounded by his friends.

So I made it to the hotel, but now needed to contact the transfer company and Scenic to find out what was going on. No one answered from the transfer company, no one answered the emergency contact for Scenic in Nepal and the hotel had no idea who they were.

I ended up sending an email to the Indian tour director and asked for some help.

She got onto them for me and said that they were at the airport (I don't think so) and the guide was on his way to the hotel. The guide did turn up and said he was there (but I think for a later flight).

Because of this world leader Summit my itinerary has changed, I am now doing the Himalayan flight early tomorrow morning and will then leave the hotel. When the summit starts they will be shutting down the airport and they are staying at the same accommodation as me.

I think this part of the trip will be interesting, will keep you posted.

This is the start of my 4 day "Relections of Kathmandu" tour. Things don't start until the evening with a six course Nepali Welcome Dinner, a journey through the multi-ethnic nature of Nepal's culinary culture in the hotels signature Krishnarpan Restaurant.

Early this morning we take a mountain flight to view the spectacular Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest, with the peaks soaring high above the clouds. Then off on a most remarkable World Heritage-listed sites tour that includes Boudhanath Stupa, one of the holiest Buddhist sites; Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as Monkey Temple which towers above the city and Kathmandu's Durbar Square with spectacular architecture which showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. Then an afternoon walking tour to the World Heritage-listed Pashupatinath temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world.

FLIGHT OVER EVEREST

My day started out at 5 in the mornin to get ready for my flight over the mountains. We waited a while at the airport for the early morning clouds to clear and got going at around 730. The flight was about an hour.

I have just returned from my flight over the Himalayas including Mount Everest. The sky was blue above some scattered clouds. Great flight!

Things became interesting when we tried to leave the airport. Because of the leaders summit the airport and roads were closed down for the military and police to 'practice' for their arrival. This meant that the car could not get through and we could only walk in between the motorcade, the streets were crawling with the police.

Once we finally got through we then headed to our sightseeing for the day. First stop was a temple and cremation site, very similar to the one in Varanasi. this one was a lot more confronting. Then onto a Buddhist temple and monastery. we then drove on to dhulikhel which is part of the old trade trade route and also my hotel for the night.

I forgot to mention that I am the only person on this tour which means I have a driver and guide to myself. I am also pleased to report the they are still here and have not gone missing.

This morning kicks off with a visit to a nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur. Once the capital of Nepal during the the great Milla Kingdom until the 15th century and then an independent kingdom until the 18th century. Bhaktapur is now World Heritage-listed for it's rich culture, temples and wood, metal and stone artwork. We wander through the small streets and alleyways and admire the fascinating architecture and Hindu and Buddhist religious sites. We continue on to Dhulikhel, which lies on the old trade route to Tibet, the old town has numerous temples depicting traditional and old Newari craftsmanship. Dhulikhel offers spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and Dwarika's Resort is set in magnificent natural surroundings.

One Night Special Stay: The Dwarika Resort.

I arrived to find my hotel under siege by the police and army. One of the days of the leaders conference is being held at this hotel and they have sent their advance party.

The hotel itself is set on 22 acres of bush, including its own organic farm. It is also on a hill, which means that there was a lot of climbing to each part of the hotel. I set out to visit the pool and viewing area of the mountains, it took me nearly 30 minutes to get there, up many stairs and rocky paths. It was worth the effort, not a perfect view of the mountains because of the clouds but still a great view. The hotel is also a bit of a retreat for people, with various meditation rooms, Himalayan salt room etc.

My viewing of the mountains was cut a bit short because the army and its helicopter wanted to do preparation work. I walked back to my room with soldiers with guns at almost every corner. I was even looking out on my balcony and heard a noise, looking down I found another one of them in the bush, looking up from below. The staff were very apologetic.

It was a very nice hotel, but my time was up and I left after breakfast. We travelled about an hour further South to visit another old world heritage village and then onto some more temples and palaces. It was good to be able to walk through the streets rather than be on a bus.

Getting back into the city was a bit problematic with the main roads closed (today only cars with odd number plates are allowed to be on the streets), so we took the back street (I mean dirt tracks, bumpier than our safari).

Now I am back in the hotel, having my 6 course traditional Nepalese dinner tonight!The hotel itself is set on 22 acres of bush, including its own organic farm. It is also on a hill, which means that there was a lot of climbing to each part of the hotel. I set out to visit the pool and viewing area of the mountains, it took me nearly 30 minutes to get there, up many stairs and rocky paths. It was worth the effort, not a perfect view of the mountains because of the clouds but still a great view. The hotel is also a bit of a retreat for people, with various meditation rooms, Himalayan salt room etc.

My viewing of the mountains was cut a bit short because the army and its helicopter wanted to do preparation work. I walked back to my room with soldiers with guns at almost every corner. I was even looking out on my balcony and heard a noise, looking down I found another one of them in the bush, looking up from below. The staff were very apologetic.

It was a very nice hotel, but my time was up and I left after breakfast. We travelled about an hour further South to visit another old world heritage village and then onto some more temples and palaces. It was good to be able to walk through the streets rather than be on a bus.

Getting back into the city was a bit problematic with the main roads closed (today only cars with odd number plates are allowed to be on the streets), so we took the back street (I mean dirt tracks, bumpier than our safari).

Now I am back in the hotel, having my 6 course traditional Nepalese dinner tonight!

This morning is free time to roam the resort and surroundings before heading back to our starting point hotel in Kathmandu.

One Night Special Stay: The Dwarika Hotel.

My three week adventure is coming to an end. Today was a lazy day at the hotel, I spent some time on one of the day beds in the courtyard reading. Tomorrow is my last day of sightseeing - the army will be taking over the hotel and all guests are requested to leave between 8am till 3pm.

With the tour now over it is departure day, so I leave Tribhuvan Airport at 13:05 (SILKAIR flight MI 411) arriving in Changi Singapore at 20:15.

Leave Changi Singapore at 00:45 (SINGAPORE AIRLINES flight SQ 231) and arriving home in Sydney at 11:40!!

I am at Nepal airport about to start my journey home - I leave at 1pm today (Nepal time) and arrive around lunch time on Saturday.

I have had an amazing time and have seen so much. From the religious temples to the manic streets of India, Tigers, mountains and rivers. I managed to survive the food and did not get sick!

I am however looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, having a real cup of coffee and some more traditional australian food.

See you all soon,