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The moment I entered the first-class cabin, one of the flight attendants greeted me by name and handed me a glass of champagne. And this was not just any champagne, but one of the premium brands in a sparkling crystal glass. This set the tone for the rest of the journey, a taste of the luxury that lay ahead.

Having had personal experience in airline catering and menu development for major airlines, I was eager to see and get a feel for what first-class dining would look and feel like. The meal service didn’t disappoint. First, the menu presentation at the tableside was just like one would have in a fine dining restaurant, with gourmet dishes crafted by well-known chefs.

There was smoked salmon and caviar followed by a delicate lobster salad with avocado and citrus dressing. The main course was a turbot filet with truffle mashed purple potatoes, roasted vegetables, and white wine caper sauce. The presentation was faultless and the food was bursting with flavor. I thought I was having a Michelin-star meal in the sky. For dessert, I had molten chocolate fondant with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. The freshness in ingredients and richness in flavors perfectly ended the meal.

What really made it special was the personalized attention. The cabin crew was attentive, calling me by name, seeing to my every need without being intrusive. When I mentioned a wine that I enjoyed, they quickly brought along a bottle to try. It felt like a fancy restaurant where the wait staff does everything possible to make the evening an unforgettable one.

Each meal was served on fine China (porcelain pots) with real silverware, linen napkins, and crystal glassware. Every detail was well thought out, even down to how the presentation of the bread and the serving of the butter were laid out. It was an exclusive experience that was tailored to suit my liking.

The first-class seat felt more like a private suite than a standard airplane seat. There was everything I needed to feel comfortable—a personal closet, a huge screen for entertainment, and adjustable lights. When it was time to sleep, the flight attendants transformed my seat into a fully flat bed-complete with a thick mattress, soft pillows, and a warm duvet. Pajamas and slippers were also provided.

The bed linen was such that I slept for several hours and woke up refreshed to continue the further leg of my journey. Quite frankly, it felt much more like being in a five-star hotel than on a plane. One thing that did surprise me was how functional the first class was for working professionals: high-speed internet, power outlets, and spacious tables to work on. I could see why most business executives fly first class. The quiet, private environment had me working as if I were in my office.

Having these facilities in the air was a game-changer for people who had to remain industrious during long plane flights. First class is not all about luxuries; sometimes it is actually a necessity if one is a professional who needs to work without any disturbance.

Now that I have flown first class, I can understand why people pay for it. It’s not just space and gourmet food. It’s the experience. First-class flying passengers enjoy privacy, comfort, and personal services that can never be provided in economy or even business class.

It all begins when one arrives at the airport. The journey becomes smoother and more pleasant. Exclusive access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and private check-in enhance this experience even further. The spacious and quiet setting onboard is an excellent opportunity to relax comfortably, work, or sleep. For the business traveler, at least, the productivity could well be worth the cost. For others, it’s that once-in-a-lifetime extravagance that makes a long-haul flight an unforgettable experience.

However, I found all the attention to be a little tiring. It was unlike anything I was used to so it felt strange to be pampered to this degree. I told this to one of the stewardesses and asked her if I could just be left alone for some time. And in that moment of silence, I truly appreciated the first class services. It wasn’t luxury but it was a different way of travel. Not many people can travel first class, but if the opportunity presents itself, make sure you savor every single moment.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

China has sought Nepal’s support in its bid to maintain peace by ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and growing crisis in the Middle East. 

Chen Gang, a member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made such a statement during talks with top leaders of major political parties. Chen, who is also secretary of the CPC Qinghai provincial committee, led a delegation that visited Nepal Oct 19 to 20.

The Chinese delegation discussed the current global crisis, including the ongoing wars, and informed us about Beijing’s attempts to end the war, said a Nepali leader requesting anonymity, asking Nepal for support in its peace bid and hailing Nepal as a land of peace where Gautam Budha was born.

Both in the Russia-Ukraine war and in the Mideast, China is playing the peacemaker by leveraging its clout. Both Russia and Ukraine recognize the importance of including Beijing in their negotiations. The Chinese delegation, during the interaction with Nepal’s communist parties, discussed a range of bilateral issues, including Xi Jinping’s short visit to Nepal in 2019. 

According to Xinhua, during the stay in the Himalayan country, the CPC delegation had exchanges with leaders of Nepal’s political parties and attended a briefing on the spirit of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Committee, which was focused on sharing the opportunities brought by the Chinese-style modernization and deepening the trans-Himalayan cooperation.

In meetings and exchanges with the CPC delegation, the Nepali side reaffirmed commitment to the one-China policy and expressed the willingness to further strengthen inter-party exchanges with the Chinese side, and to deepen cooperation in various fields, promoting the continuous development of relations between the two countries, Xinhua reports. 

According to Nepali leaders, the Chinese side focused on enhancing ties on multiple fronts, including in the agriculture sector. Of late, the Chinese side is expressing readiness to support Nepal's agriculture sector but Nepal has not come up with any concrete proposal. A few weeks ago, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Cheng Song had said that his country was ready to lend support to Nepal for establishing a fertilizer plant. Unlike the previous delegation, this delegation did not raise the Belt and Road Initiative, according to a leader. 

Of late, CPC has stepped up engagement with Nepal’s political parties and the government.

In 2017, Sajan Shrestha was working as a driver. By 2018, he had ventured into the world of stand-up comedy. A friend suggested he watch Kshitiz KC’s comedy and that opened his eyes to a new world, where jokes could change how you view things and even make someone’s day. “The idea of comedy, and its ability to resonate with people, fascinated me,” he says.

But stepping into the world of stand-up wasn’t as simple as it seemed. “I was really scared of crowds,” he says. “I almost decided not to do it but then I decided to give it a shot. That first show was amazing.”

His debut performance was a memorable one—a comedic exploration of the quirks of a ‘typical mom’. “Looking back at those early days, I’m a little embarrassed,” he says. “We didn’t know much about jokes or timing. We just went up there and cracked jokes about whatever came to mind.”

What started as a fear of crowds evolved into a love for the energy they bring. “I didn’t know it then, but those early shows were some of the best moments of my life. Now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else—there’s something powerful about connecting with an audience, sharing a laugh, and feeling their energy.”

A major turning point in Shrestha’s career came when he found himself torn between his passion for comedy and the reality of having to eke out a living. “Most comedians at the time were struggling with their finances,” he says, adding after a year of pursuing comedy, he started feeling guilty. There was no financial growth, and he was newly married. He began to question his decision and even considered going back to his old driving job. But despite the financial challenges, comedy still had a strong pull.

His breakthrough came when he started participating in Comedy Champion, which helped him gain recognition. Just when things seemed to be turning around, the pandemic lockdown happened. “I was completely hopeless,” he says. “With just Rs 20,000 in my account, I was feeling frustrated and lost.”

Then, he decided to start his own YouTube channel, a move that would eventually become a lifeline during the lockdown. He started creating reaction videos on the reality show ‘Blind Date’. It was something his wife suggested. This allowed him to build a solid online presence.

Determined to make his YouTube channel work, he started researching the equipment he would need to produce quality videos. He quickly learned about cameras, lights, and microphones—but the reality was that he had none of these. His only tool was an old mobile phone, one that was slow and struggled to capture clear footage.

Undeterred, he got creative and transformed a small room into a makeshift studio, using the window as his primary light source and a bent laptop as a tripod. For lighting, he dug into DIY tutorials and made a lamp using a cardboard box and a CFL bulb.

“The mobile was so old that I had to edit the videos by listening to the audio, because the video wouldn’t even play properly on that phone,” he says. Despite the limitations, Shrestha pushed forward, determined to make it work. Things began to look up when a friend gifted him a microphone on his birthday. “I was really happy and excited to finally have a proper mic. It felt like my setup was starting to come together,” he says.

One of the major challenges Shrestha faced early in his career was navigating the complex landscape of censorship. The freedom to express humor in Nepal was limited, and comedians often found themselves toeing a fine line. “Comedians were put in jail simply because of the type of comedy they performed,” he says. This environment created a sense of fear and caution, as comedians not only had to avoid offending people. They even received threats from those who took jokes too personally.

What was worse was that Shrestha and his fellow comedians had no mentors to guide them. They were forced to learn the ropes on their own, seeking inspiration from foreign and Indian comedians to understand what worked in the comedy scene. “The comedy that was popular in Nepal at the time wasn’t youth-centric. It was more politically driven,” he says. Watching international comedians gave them a broader perspective, and they began to carve out a new style—one that resonated with younger audiences and moved away from the heavy political satire that dominated the scene

His love for performing in front of a crowd grew with time. Stand-up is unique. It offers immediate audience feedback. Comedians face the pressure of eliciting laughter or risk having their jokes fall flat. The primary goal is to entertain and connect with the audience through humor. However, this dynamic can be tricky. “You never know how a joke will land. What makes one person laugh might offend someone else,” he says.

Stand-up performances are fleeting moments, meant to be experienced live, yet in today’s digital age, audience members often film and share these performances online. This creates an added layer of pressure, making it harder for comedians to experiment with new material. “I just wish everyone would be considerate and refrain from recording our sets,” he says, highlighting the need for a supportive atmosphere that allows comedians to explore their craft without the fear of permanent judgment.

He also started a podcast channel where he talks to people from the entertainment industry. This way, he has had the opportunity to connect with many people, and he’s begun to gain recognition in the community. He also launched a segment called ‘Bear the Dare’ where he visits different locations, poses tricky questions to strangers, and offers them a chance to win money. “It started as a backup plan, just in case the podcast didn’t work,” he says.

Shrestha admits he has a spontaneous approach to life. “I’m not someone who likes to plan. I believe not everything goes as planned, and that can be disappointing. Instead, I let life unfold naturally.” His journey is testament to the fact that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and rewarding transformations.

When we embarked on a trek to Panchase, a place known for its serene forests and breathtaking views, little did we know that this journey would introduce us to an unlikely companion. Sheru, a stray dog, became the guardian and guide of our journey.

Our adventure began in the early morning from Pokhara, taking a bus to Kande, the starting point of our expedition. Hungry and excited, we stopped at a small hotel for breakfast. That’s where we first met Sheru. She was hanging around the hotel, but there was something about her that caught our attention. After a while, she cautiously approached us, and we instantly became friends.

We never asked Sheru to join us on our trek. In fact, we thought she would follow us only for a short while. But as we started our expedition, Sheru seemed to decide that she was now part of our group. She followed us quietly, keeping pace with us and sometimes leading the way, as if she knew the trail by heart.

By 8 am, we had set off from Kande. The trail took us through mesmerizing Rhododendron forests, villages, and paths filled with the chirping of birds. Around 11:30 am, we reached Bhadaure village, where the local homestay community welcomed us warmly. Sheru was right there with us, blending in as if she belonged to our team from the start.

Throughout the trek, Sheru was more than just a follower; she became a source of motivation. Whenever we paused to rest, she waited patiently, her presence somehow urging us to keep going. We shared our food with her, and in return, she gave us companionship and a sense of safety in the wilderness.

After Bhadaure, we came across ‘3 Dhara’, a spot with natural spring water where we refilled our bottles. From here, the trail split into two—one path led to Panchase Peak, and the other to Panchase Lake. Due to a mix-up, our group got separated, with one half heading towards the peak and the other towards the lake. With no network to communicate and growing confusion, it was Sheru who brought us back together, guiding us through the jungle paths.

As we reunited and continued towards Panchase Lake, Sheru stayed by our side. The lake, enveloped in a blanket of Rhododendrons, was a peaceful sanctuary, like stars twinkling in the sky. We rested and soaked in the tranquility, rejuvenated by the beauty around us.

Our plan was to reach Sidane before nightfall, and as we began our descent, the sun started to set. Sheru seemed more excited than ever, leading us through the protected forests of Panchase, known for its rich biodiversity, including various orchid species. She guided us to Sidane, where the homestay awaited us with a warm welcome and a cup of tea. We spent the evening around a campfire, preparing sekuwa and reflecting on the day's trek. Despite walking 20 kilometers, we were filled with a sense of accomplishment, and Sheru had been a catalyst in making this journey memorable

The next day, we set out early from Sidane, determined to cover the remaining 20 kilometers to Pokhara. After a breakfast of selroti and chiya at the homestay, we began our trek. Once again, Sheru was our guide, leading us through beautiful Gurung villages, across suspension bridges, past waterfalls, and through orchid forests. The beauty of the trail was matched by the serenity of the surrounding nature, and Sheru's presence made it even more special.

The village of Gatichina, a rest stop on the way, offered a refreshing break. With its scenic waterfall, it was the perfect place to catch our breath. As we continued, the stone-paved Gurung villages felt like stepping back in time, each turn revealing more of Nepal's natural and cultural heritage.

Finally, we reached Pame, the endpoint of our trek and the place where we had to part ways with Sheru. Saying goodbye was difficult. Sheru had been more than just a stray dog; she was our protector, guide, and friend. It felt like a mutual relationship, where we looked out for each other. Her companionship had turned an ordinary trek into an extraordinary journey, leaving us with memories that would last a lifetime.

Sheru’s story is a representation of the many stray dogs that accompany trekkers in Nepal. They guide, motivate, and even protect us, adding an unexpected layer of joy to the adventure. These silent companions leave paw prints not just on the trails but on our hearts as well.

Sheru’s story is a reminder of the unseen guardians that make our trekking experiences more memorable. These stray dogs might be nameless and voiceless, but their impact is profound, guiding us through the trails and leaving behind stories of companionship and mutual respect.