Pokhara and Dirty Hippies

Everyone raves about how great Pokhara is.  Because of this, perhaps, I was disappointed when I first arrived.  Too many dirty hippies and pushy vendors.  As I walked along the lake front the other day I was entreated, beckoned, approached, or otherwise accosted by no fewer than eight people.  Two of them looking to sell me marijuana.  [Apparently I look like a stoner; must be time for a shower…]  Just making eye contact with a merchant is a mistake: “Come, come!  No buy, just talk!”  “Wait friend, I want to ask you something.”  Or beggars: “Father, mother, sister, hospital. 50 rupees.”  What to do?

Pokhara is in a beautiful location next to lake Fewa, but the smog, pollution, and trash really detract from the scenic allure.  So, like I said, I was disappointed at first.  But by the end I started to see its charm.  It is far more quiet and peaceful than KTM.  It has wonderful restaurants and bakeries which, though in the tourist area, are still reasonably priced.  The colorful rowboats on the lakeshore are picturesque.  And finally, the views of the Annapurna range are stunning on a clear day.