I wrote Rainy morning – got out and saw most of the temple sites before eating really fluffy idlis (a classis South Indian morning cake made of steamed fermented rice paste and served with a zesty fresh coconut, chili, curry and dhal chutney) by the bus stand.

I prowled, running into the nice French couple Olivie and Francoise and her sister Laure (a doll) too many times. Finally struck the fine idea of swimming and then met two Dutch girls one of whom was strangely attractive but rough (but had a boyfriend she mentioned). Then turned on a German two girl one guy group where two left leaving one single German girl nice and pretty but no chemistry – once it got dark we all met for dinner – another case where I wished the boyfriend could swap with me. Germans were so boring – seems like whenever I AIM to meet women I come up empty or with something in my net that does not make me hungry.

Philosophical point: I am discovering that this universe is such that what is aimed for directly is almost never achieved – I must aim above it always (but with sincerity). Aim for enlightenment and you might just get a happy life.

This place has the full Annapurna tourist trap feel – I have to set the standard and not travel with the birdies – my pocketbook can’t take it.