The final frontier.

Sanauli bound, the border town between Nepal and India. Leaving at
0800, we should be there at about 1100 – as we have to be at the station
at Ghoratpur to catch the 1655 express to Delhi. We are all looking
forward to the comforts of the western world, and well remember what it
was like when we handed on the 20th October (was that only two weeks
ago)? We have done a lot in the past two weeks, in fact we have achieved
a great deal, overall the trip was a major success, however with every
trip there are highs and lows and “if we did it again we would do it
this way” talks. We live and learn. Hopefully Mr Walia from the Indian
scout association will be there in Delhi, to whisk us speedily to the
airport – as time will be short.

We descended from Tansen through the clouds, its like travelling through
a land that time forgot, passing oncoming traffic on roads made for one.
When stopping on the hills – placing a brick under the back wheel to
stop any movement!. Goats, Cows and rubbish litter the ‘pavements’ and
a massive rubbish tip is situated at the entrance to one of the small
villages, beneath a hand painted sing “Keep Nepal Beautiful”.

The mood has changed in the camp – with adults and scouts alike
reflecting on what has gone before and the prospect of leaving Nepal for
the last time – many will not return, all they will have are their
memories, photographs and diary’s to look at and take stock of what has
happened over the adventure. Fran was heard to say “this is not like a
normal holiday – I don’t want to leave yet”.

Arriving at 1130 – we exited one custom post (Nepal) crossed the border
to India and after completing the customary forms – entered India
legally, climbed onto the two awaiting taxi’s and sped south to the
train station, after an emotional goodbye to all the ‘boys’ that had
been our guides and interpreters for the past 13 days..

Arriving in plenty of time, we offloaded all our gear at the station and
Fran, Kevin, Hari and Matt ® went shopping for food. Once they returned
the food was devoured, and we awaited for the train to arrive. Hari
bade us fare well and we were back as we had started the journey – on
our own. The train arrived an hour later, we found our beds and settled
in for the 13 hours journey to Delhi, we should arrive at 0530.

Keith writes … Well what feels like months ago most of us entered Nepal
for the first time ever, but it was only two weeks ago, what a fantastic
time, experience and education. Once you visit Nepal, and see the
things we have you only have one option, you have to come back, I really
love the country, but more so its people, they make you feel so welcome.
You have everything, they have nothing, but they do everything to make
you welcome and grateful that you have to come back.

Matt ® writes … As we did on our way, we narrowly escaped collisions
several times! Although only two weeks ago, it feels like it was only
yesterday that we were doing the same route in reverse. Thinking back
to what we have done, I cant begin to explain how privileged I am to
meet the Meghauli-ites and share this experience with the 47th – ians
and the 90th – ists! Thank you!

Marion writes … I never ever thought I would do a trip like this, if it
was not for Kevin and Rob I would not have been able to and I shall
always be grateful. I met some lovely people especially Hari and the
boys and it was so sad to leave them. The people of Nepal were so
loving towards us and I shall always remember that even though i9t was
very emotional to see how some lived but they didn’t seem to mind – it
was their way of life. I’m on the train now reminiscing. Some hair
raising journeys during the trip especially paragliding but as they say
the whole experience will be with me forever. I shall always remember
the group I travelled with and look forward to our reunion! Love to all.

A couple of games of cheat late, Chai, Omlette, Cutlet, ring out from
the ‘buffet car’ bus boys, plying their trade up and down the carriages.
Time for bed 2100.

Stuart Little visits

0403 – rudely awoken by Sharron ‘SCREAMING’ “STUART Little” had visited
her and was felt running over her leg. All the carriage was now awake
(including the driver) (excluding keith! He slept through it all).