Swaziland is well known for its beauty and peaceful environment in the region. I too am really inspired by the beautiful environment. Naamacha is where entered the border of Swaziland at eight in the morning. Passing through MR3 was a wonderful feeling. I tried to figure out the kind of feeling to explain but all in vain. Might be the windy ride or the calm surroundings; memories of people I left or I am likely to meet; fear of the uphill or the joy downhill; might be the combination of all; yet I felt and it was wonderful.

Mbuluzi Conversation was on my side as I entered the Kingdom of Swaziland, I passed; enjoyed. There was a police checking on my way where I was stopped. A policeman asked about me and the place I was going to. I answered. But the thing that interested me was the cheerfulness of the policeman. With courtesy and softness, he was interested in knowing more about me and wanted me to explain myself. With pride, I explained myself as a messenger of peace and environmental protection and handed him my visiting card and the letter. After reading the letter, he asked about Nepal as he had no knowledge regarding the country I belong to. I was happy to explain him. With the first encounter with a Swazi individual I was assured that I would get plenty of cheerful faces ahead.

Hwane Royal National Park was next. I saw fascinating views both sides of the road. Various animals were seen which was wonderful; yet, I was scared because I felt anything wrong might happen in the midst of such wild place. Being conscious of the inner fear, I fully enjoyed the proximity with the wildlife. After around a hundred kilometers, I happen to be at a village. Though I didn’t spent time there, I recollected memories of my own village passing through it.

There was a steep uphill then. In the windy way, it was difficult and it was sure to get weary up the end; I made it. The capital city Mbabane was around 1200 feet and I felt like Kathamandu. Though, the city was well managed and peaceful unlike the bustling city of Kathmandu. Firstly I had to search the internet café to do some of my works done. As I got out of the café, I found the only unpleasant thing in Swaziland for me. It was the charge for interned surfing which was dollars seven an hour and print which was a dollar per page.

In the capital, I gave a letter to request appointment with Mayor. The guard outside welcomed me inside. After a hard cycling, filled with sweat, it was pleasant to get a great courtesy. I had to wait some time to meet Mr. James Nxamulo. Meeting with a dignitary with body wet with sweat and clothes soaked was not good. So I went outside the Mayor’s office so I could comfortably change. There was a public toilet at the riverside where I got ready meet the respectable Mayor of Mbabane. I had some time left before the appointment time so thought to get a cold drink. There too people were interested to know about me and the country I belong to. As I said Nepal, they had no idea even the country existed. With some fun around with them, I explained about Nepal and shared some information. The half an hour with the mayor was a great time. I felt really happy to confer my message to Mr. James Nxamulo.

It was a happy feeling to be in the peaceful environment of Mbabane: the capital of Swaziland. As explained by the public, Swaziland is recognized to be the peaceful country of the region. I too agree the fact after the visit. The peaceful and clean environment everywhere I visited in the two days really inspired me.

While leaving Mbabane after two days stay, downhill road was difficult again due to steepness of the road. It was very hard to control bicycle with the brakes. I am happy to get respect that every vehicle gave to a bicycle rider. While ending up in Sicunucha, I am happy to inform that I have covered a distance of 90168 KM in 87 countries.

Peace and Harmony
Furtemba Sherpa