Lumbini Garden Lodge, Lumbini Nepal
Anticipation of crossing the border and visiting the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini Nepal, a giddy feeling as the day finally arrives, fantasies take shape – Himalyan landscapes, fields of green, untouched natural beauty. Board the first bus out of Gorakhpur to the Sonauli Border. No trembling or nervousness like experienced prior to the first day in India.
Overland Crossing at the Sonauli Border
Calmly observing the farms passing, making final goodbyes to India. Bus runs out of gas 20km from the border, “A walkable distance,” I think to myself. Driver returns with a gas can and funnel and soon we drive on to Sonauli. Not thwarted by the pesky rickshaw demands, eyes ahead, marching to the Nepal Border.
Get stamped out of India, find it interesting that no border gates prevent one from entering Nepal. Locate currency exchange, bend the $20 US dollar bill in the sunlight to ensure watermarks and shifting color of the “20” in the bottom right hand corner. Seamless stamping in at immigration, and thus begins the Nepal adventure.
Lumbini Nepal Arrival
Board bus to Lumbini Nepal, stand awkwardly in the aisle next to my pack, pull out a wad of Nepali Rupees and motion the bus conductor to pick out the note that corresponds to the request. Arrive in Lumbini, 2 unsuccesful ATMs, but no panic, finally find an ATM that works. Quickly settle on accommodation. Enjoy momos. Walk to Buddha’s birth site.
