Daily Dispatches [CLICK FOR INDEX] Gordon Janow Leaving for Nepal
 Fri, March 26, 1999 — Kathmandu, Nepal
Eagerly awaiting my moment of departure, except for that tearful eternity when I give that four week kiss to my wife, I step into a small oasis of time and mentally touch down in Kathmandu. Even with all its marketing hype and often desperate pollution, it is magical, alluring and soulful. I cannot imagine not visiting this timeless city of mad monkey gods, communist teens, aging monarchs and Buddha's watchful eyes. More than anything Kathmandu is a place of discovery, the commonplace easily makes way for the unexpected and the serendipitous nature of travel rules the country from high atop Shiva's trident.

I walk the streets like a child on an Easter egg hunt (or looking for afikomen) combing the grandiose in search of simple elegance and rummaging through poverty riveted areas for priceless gems. My first stop will be the great Jaggannath temple. Meaning "lord of the world," Jagganath is the incarnation of Krishna. This has always been my spot in Kathmandu, where I think of family and friends and reacquaint myself with a sort of passion that I often misplace in America.

While many try to get out of Kathmandu as quickly as possible, I always enjoy my time. It is a splendid place to introduce trekkers to idea of Asia while offering much comfort before the rigors of the Himalayas. For as many people as visit Nepal, I am always shocked that there are not more people trekking in these stunning mountains. With all the fascination (and rightly so!) surrounding Buddhism, Nepal, Sherpa culture and the legendary climbers and ascents, any enthusiast can have a powerful experience. I don't see why more people don't visit this exotic and relatively easy place to travel.

—Gordon Janow, Trek Leader
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