We woke relatively early. We had to be at the centre by 11 so this was early for us. A good breakfast of honey porridge, a bottle of water and we went on our way. As soon as we reached the centre we waited 15 minutes before being thrown in a jeep to be taken to Sarangkot, the take-off zone. The journey took half an hour, half an hour too long if you ask us, we were so excited! Driving up to the take-off spot made us appreciate how perfect the conditins were, almost clear skies, enaling us to see the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Massif (Himalayas). Upon arrival our parachutes were laid out, we were fitted into our harnesses and before we knew it the kite was up, we were running and the ground was no longer beneath our feet. This was an experience that just cannot be described unless you have done it before. After flying around in thermals to gain a decent height (1900m) we headed across the ridge gazing at the views (will be uploaded) and following the birds of prey to get the best thermals. To cut an hours flight short, we did this for 50 mins or so before heading back down over the Phewa Tal to the landing spot. Now, we had set each other the challenge of who could get the guide to do the best stunt. Typically they did the same one. Once over the water each of our guides made sharp turns until we were spiralling, at what seemed out of control, towards the ground raising the G-force to ridiculous levels. Landing was simple and straightforward, and also came wth a slight relief that we were back on terra firma.
That evening we went to an amazing restaurant called Once Upon A Time. It was really chilled, they gave us free popcorn, and they had a massive tele which we were able to watch the England-India cricket match, cracking stuff!
Th last night we intended to be a nice, friendly evenng with the guys at Peace Eye Guesthouse, however this was somehow quashed by the fact that our hotel had told us we could pay by card for the room and upon trying to pay with non-embossed STA travel cards, they pulled out an old-school card imprinter, instead of the chip and pin machine we were expecting. So after telling them that we couldnt pay because we had no other cards or money (we did but they were being arsey so we decided to be difficult too) they started to get a bit aggressive which naturally we were having non of, and put them in their place by telling them how the customer is always right, and how their incompetance and obnoxious service would not get them anywhere in the future. Also being a new establishment directly opposite the LPs top rated hotel, they didnt stand a chance of gaining any customers in the future. After that was sorted (Tim paid by a magically appearing spare debit card) we resumed our evening back at Peace Eye Guesthouse where Chiran (the manager and chef) served us up some of his freshly made vegetable and tofu soup, followed by the best hot chocolate Nepalise can make, all on the house. Lad.
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