I’m in Lumbini.  It was a very long and not so comfortable bus ride to get here, but all in all it wasn’t so bad.  The views along the way were stunning.  I liked the views on the way here more than the ones on the way to Pokhara from Kathmandu.  Despite the length of the bus ride, I’m excited for the bus back simply for the views.

I found a place to stay pretty easily after I got off the bus.  The first place I went into wanted 4000 rupees/night so I thanked the man and walked to the next place.  The guy here only asked 600 rupees/night and the room is totally decent so I took it.  I’m not sure if I could have bargained with him to knock the price down.  It’s inexpensive to begin with so I just offered to pay the price he asked.  I feel like it’s fair.

I visited Buddha’s birthplace after dumping my bag in the guesthouse.  I then walked around the development zone and visited a couple of the monasteries as well.  I’m going to try to get an early day in the morning so that I can spend all day wandering around.  I’d like to visit many of the monasteries and the museum, as well.  I got a jump start on some of it today so I think that’s more than doable. And, if I don’t end up seeing all the monasteries and stupas I’ll survive.  I definitely don’t need to visit all of them before leaving.  Seeing Buddha’s birthplace was pretty cool and kind of the main attraction, I think.

There is a moth in this room.  I think there was another bug as well which I flicked to the floor, but it might have just been something dark that freaked me out and looked like a bug.  I really hope this place doesn’t have bed bugs or anything else.  I’m actually not super excited about going to sleep.  I might decide to sleep in pants and a shirt tonight.  It would provide me with some peace of mind at least.

I’m glad I’m here and glad that I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.  I know I write this everyday, but I am ready to be home, but I feel like there are a couple of things I still need to check off my list before I can go home.  Visiting Lumbini is one of those things.

Gratitude List:

Seeing the birthplace of Buddha

Walking around in nature for a good part of the afternoon

Beautiful views on the bus ride to Lumbini