Nepal part two

After we worked in the village we had two full days left before our plane ride back home.  Daryl organized for one of the buses that took us to the village to take us to Chitwan National Park animal reserve.  This is where they have an elephant sanctuary in their country.  We even got to see the first Asian elephant being trained by positive reinforcement with the help of an American woman who we got to talk to about her work with elephants all over the world.  I LOVE elephants but after this experience up close you could say I am OBSESSED now!

We got to spend the day seeing and riding elephants and learned a lot.  We walked the jungle and went on a boat ride to see gators which we saw quite a few of.  Pretty sure our boat was carved out of a single tree and we were pretty much level with the water.  That night we went to a Nepali cultural performance that was incredible!  We got to see their cultural dances through the history of their country.  We stayed in the NICEST hotel that might be comparable to a Motel 6 here but felt like pure luxury after sleeping on a pad on concrete for five nights:). 

At this point I was HUNGRY for something other than curry and rice.  When we took the bus back to Katmandu our group had discovered a pizza place and I ran straight there!   It really was pretty good.  I hadn't had bread for seven days and it was probably the best thing I had tasted all week!  I didn't really fall in love with Nepali cuisine but appreciated the way they ate and prepared their food.

After being in Chitwan for a day and night we went back to Katmandu and shopped until our plane departure.  We also visited the Monkey Temple.  These were not friendly monkeys.  If you had anything hanging out of your purse they would grab it.  I was pretty on edge!  The Temple grounds were neat and we walked up a huge amount of stairs to get to it!

Meanwhile, back at home my sister was doing an amazing job taking care of our girls!!!  So grateful she was able to take the time to be with them.  Couldn't ask for a better sister!!!  Thank you Greta!