photo from The Last Resort in Nepal
The Bhote Kosi originates from the snow capped peaks of Tibet. Some would say it's among the world's best rafting and kayaking. I joined a terrific group of people in Nepal in 2006 and did a two day river trip with a stay over at The Last Resort. It was incredible rafting and great accomodations. I highly recommend this trip.
What made me think of it today was a news article about a bus plunging off a hillside outside Kathmandu into a monsoon swelled river. 11 people are dead and 20 more are still missing. Bus accidents like this are all too common in Nepal. I remember at the time, as we were taking the 3 + hour bus ride to the river, thinking that the bus was much more harrowing and risky than the river ever would be. We took blind corner turns on the wrong side of the road. The bus tires seemed inches from the cliff's edge at times. We narrowly missed oncoming drivers. I know other travelers can relate to what I'm talking about.
But when I traveled oversees something I often had to do was "let go" and allow myself to flow. Oddly, I wasn't terrified while riding in the bus even though I knew the reality of the danger it posed. I chose to accept the risk in order to ride the river. It comes with the territory of that kind of traveling. But every bus crash I read about, strikes a little close to my heart. I know the travelers on that bus probably were feeling the same as I did....
I'm not making a point. I'm just commenting on the tragedy and the mixed mindset that goes along with how it happens...
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