Today was my last day in Pokhara. It’s also one of my last days in Nepal. In all likelihood it’s only a few more days and I’ll be in India. I’m starting to get more excited about being there. Even if I only stay a little while, I imagine it’ll be quite the experience. I’m trying to keep that in mind.

I spent the day relaxing. I walked along the lake and took pictures, while thinking about how this will be my last day here. It’s funny because I really can’t wait to leave. Pokhara is beautiful and everything, but it’s been difficult being here. Just like it was difficult being in Turkey and everywhere else I’ve been. I really enjoyed the trekking which made coming here more than worth it. Despite the fact I’m ready to go (and really want to go) it’s still strange to be leaving. This place has basically been my home base for the last month and a half and now I’m headed back into the abyss. Well, sort of, anyway.

I’ve pretty much run out of the case I had. Trekking was sort of expensive, but I’ve somehow managed to burn through the money I had left afterwards. I’ve been spending tons of money lately. Well, tons is probably not the right word, but I’ve been spending more money than I need to. Mostly on food.

Today was a food appreciation day. There were a few places I wanted to visit knowing I won’t be able to go back to them. I ate and ate and ate. Right now I don’t feel so gross and full, but earlier I felt just disgusting. I ate until I was quite stuffed and then a couple hours later when I didn’t feel full again ate some more. Tomorrow I don’t plan to eat as much. I also decided that this morning I was going to avoid sugar and caffeine all day. I did manage to avoid caffeine, but I ate some sugar earlier. I suppose at least I managed on one. I bought some chocolate covered almonds and still have two packages of them left so I imagine that tomorrow won’t be a sugar free day either. I’ll still try to avoid the caffeine and it should be ok.

I can’t believe it’s midnight right now. I haven’t been up this late in over a week. I got up at 6:30 am today. I’ve got to get up early tomorrow as well to do morning pages and then catch the bus to Kathmandu. The bus ride won’t be fun, but it’s bearable. I know the drill.

For my second dinner I went to a place down the street that I’ve been to a lot. I like it. The food is reasonably priced and tastes good. As I walked in I saw this guy, Alex, who’s staying in my guesthouse with Marla the woman who runs it. He’s this young, dreamy English guy. Like we’re talking really, really attractive – fit with a beautiful face and smile. I sat down at a table by myself and was hoping to eat the meal I didn’t need in peace and quiet. I then realized that sitting at the tables next to me was this group that was trekking to ABC while I was. I didn’t talk to them that much, but said hi along the way and made some idle chit chat. Before I know it, I’m basically sitting with them and Alex has joined us. It wasn’t so bad being around them. I wanted to be by myself, but I’m usually better off when I’m with people. Even if I’m just sitting there not talking. I can’t be by myself all the time. I mean I can try, but it’s not good for me. Herman called so I met him afterwards and said goodbye while he was having dinner with a couple other people and then I went to a bar down the street and met the trekking group/Alex again. I think he’ll be on my bus to Kathmandu tomorrow so it’s possible I’ll get to spend lots of time chatting with him. I think he might actually be gay. I can’t imagine him being interested in me and even if he was I’d be so uncomfortable messing around with him. Touching his perfectly sculpted, athletic body while I swallow him with my rolls doesn’t sound like something I’d enjoy.

I need to get to bed. I’m somewhat packed. I figure it’s not going to take long for me to throw the rest of my stuff into my suitcase and backpack. I have way to much stuff, but I managed to get rid of a few things here so that’s good. I still don’t know how much it all weighs and if I buy some singing bowls it’ll get even heavier. I’ll make it work though. I’ve somehow managed to until now.

I lost two toenails already and I can tell the big toenail on my right foot is going to be coming off soon. Oh well. Such is the life of trekker, I suppose. I figure toenails are totally overrated anyway.

Gratitude List:
Being around some people even if I didn’t really want to be
Finally headed back to KTM tomorrow
A (possibly gay) guy who also happens to be really nice and cool