This week: we wrap up my Nepal adventure with a visit to the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (The Golden Temple) in Patan, Kathmandu. Along the way, we explore the six realms, admire stunning tapestries, and enter the wrong temple at the wrong time. With early January temperatures below freezing, I experience life in a traditional house with no heating—such fun! Join me for a hilarious farewell to this magnificent country.
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We wrap up my time in Sauraha and Pokhara, Nepal, exploring the far side of the elephant center suspension bridge and stumbling on some unforgettable souvenirs and photogenic moments. Then, M and I part ways, and I catch a wild bus ride back to Pokhara — just in time for an unusual Christmas and an epic New Year’s Eve.
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Today, we venture deep into the wilds of Chitwan National Park, home to one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles, tigers, and countless other species. From sunrise boat rides to jungle walks, this safari was pure magic, and I also share a few must-know travel tips before you plan your own trip to southern Nepal. 🌿
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Today, we venture across Phewa Lake and up the hill to the Shanti Stupa, one of only two peace pagodas in Nepal. We also talk about the fascinating backstory and the Japanese sangha that was behind building it!
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Today we venture into Chamero Gufa, the famous Bat Cave of Pokhara! Discovered in the 1980s, this wild underground cavern is home to thousands of Horseshoe Bats! 🦇 Along the way, I also stumble into the wrong gorge—an accident that turned into a blessing when I was treated to a live sarangi performance nearby. We wrap up with a walk across a breathtaking gorge and a stop at my favorite restaurant in Pokhara.
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On International Mountain Day, I joined the 7th annual mountain festival in Pokhara, Nepal — a lively celebration of mountains, culture, and adventure. From geology exhibits to festival games, it’s a must-see if you’re visiting Pokhara in December. Plus, my review of Annapurna Bhanchha, a great small diner in Pokhara.
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Come on, grab your friends! Today, we venture down the spiraling staircase into Gupteshwor Cave (Nepal’s most famous cave) and check out the roaring Devi Falls just next door. Wet, wild, and unforgettable.
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Hiking Sarangkot Hill is one of the best things to do in Pokhara, Nepal! In this episode, I share my trek to the top, why the gondola isn’t worth it, and the breathtaking views you’ll see along the way. Plus, a little behind-the-scenes from writing my upcoming Kaleidoscopic Sci-Fi series. Annapurna Range was so magical, and I even found cool companions along the way.
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Today, we cover some of my favorite parts about being in Pokhara and the very special Tihar festival, complete with mandalas, dances, and more LED lights than you can believe.
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After an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu, my time in Pokhara got off to a rocky start, including one of my weirder Couchsurfing stays. But I did meet a Gurkha soldier and experienced rural Nepali life! 😅 In the end, I visited 7 hotels before choosing one for my long-term stay. Hear why and how I made the final call.
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This one’s got it all: Couchsurfing adventures, market missions, street snacks, and sacred temples. We roam through Thamel trying to find my host a shaver, snack on sweets at Tip-Top, return to Pashupatinath for a glimpse of riverside cremations, and somehow end up making vegan cheese sauce (don’t worry, I share the recipe). We try momos, battle minor food poisoning, and close out with my tried-and-true stomach survival tips. That’s a wrap for Kathmandu. Pokhara next!
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We venture to Swayambhunath, the ancient hilltop temple overlooking Kathmandu. From vivid art to serene moments beneath the massive stupa, this site radiates myth and meaning. Revered as one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage spots, it invites deep reflection, but don’t expect enlightenment. In the final segment, we explore what humility (and noisy inner voices) can teach us during meditation.
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I explore Bhatbhateni, spot wildly overpriced cereal, learn Nepali numbers, meet temple monkeys, say hello to an orange Ganesh, and visit the coolest market in Kathmandu!
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Why October is my favorite time to visit Nepal and how I stumbled upon one of the country’s most heartwarming (and airborne) traditions.
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Sometimes when no ATM will work, you end up walking halfway across a capital city. Don’t make the same mistake I did. 😆 This was one harrowing (and unforgettable) 24 hours.
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In which I go to a Turkish bathhouse that’s over 560 years old and get covered in foam. Was it relaxing? Weird? Unforgettable? All of the above. This episode is all about Ağa Hamamı (the oldest working Turkish bath in Istanbul) and why you should definitely make time for one, too.
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From zipping through the colorful chaos of the Grand Bazaar to descending into the haunting beauty of the Basilica Cistern, this episode takes you deep within Istanbul. Once lost to time, the cistern was stunningly restored from 2020 to 2022 and is now home to eerie legends, two Medusas, a “weeping” column, and the most frightening sculpture I’ve ever seen. 😱Some even believe parts of the cistern are haunted…
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After being ghosted and left for dead (okay, not literally) at the historic Bomonti Beer Factory during Oktoberfest, I ended up meeting three lovely women who invited me to join them. Things were going fabulously. We even headed to a cozy pub across the street. But I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming!
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My first day in Istanbul was a whirlwind of architectural magic, baby coffees, delicious (and cheap!) plant-based food, stunning moon shots, and a visit to what was once the largest interior space on the planet for nearly a thousand years. Let’s jam!
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The hour+ extravaganza! In which I go to Komodo Island, the verdant Padar Island, see MASSIVE mantas, and sort of (but not really) almost drown. I really feel like this episode gets better the longer you listen, with a fun finale. Also, this is a review of the fast boat tours you can take from Flores Island. Be safe! 😆
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