Celebrations in Nepal
There have been massive celebrations today in Nepal over the king’s capitulation when he declared that parliament would reconvene on Friday for the first time in nearly four years. Nepal is a country struggling to come into the modern world and has seen contant civil unrest and conflict over the last decade. This era has seen over 13000 deaths. The last three weeks have been particularly uneasy with riots and protests in the capital Kathmandu.
To read about my adventures in Nepal in January of this year, including trekking the Himalayas, go to the Archives section of this blog.
More trouble in Nepal
Nepal continues to be in the news – for all the wrong reasons.
This is a country torn apart by political troubles. There have been riots and demonstrations in the capital city Kathmandu now for many weeks. The king continues to hold on to power, a position he assumed when he dismissed the elected government early 2005. This country is struggling to regain democracy at a great cost to the local people. Many thousands, said to be over 13,000, have lost their lives in this struggle over the last decade. An added layer of trouble is the struggle brought on by the Maoists who are also trying to gain power.
The Country and its People
Nepal is one of the most stunningly beautiful countries in the world. The magestic Himalayas are always in the background in scenes of fascinating Kathmandu. I trekked the Everest region in January of this year. (Go to the archives of this blog to read all of my adventures.) The word awesome is overused these days – but the truth is – the Himalayan mountains are indeed awe inspiring. Words – even photos – do no justice to the grandeur of this country.
The people too, are wonderful. They are so helpful, friendly and approachable. And they are so proud of their beautiful country. I was asked many times whether I liked their country. I was also asked many times when I was returning. Even back home here I have been asked whether I would go back. To me there is no doubt – it’s just a matter of when.
And now is not the time.
Which is a shame – there are at least two very attractive teaching positions just begging to be filled, one in June in Tansen and the other in Kathmandu in August.
Unrest in Nepal
It saddens me to hear or read about in the news of the current political turmoil in Nepal. There have been numerous protests, riots and even deaths in recent days. Country wide curfews have been put in place and these are severely damaging the economy of a country struggling to develop. The trouble is particularly damaging to the tourism industry which has been an integral part of its economy.
My Experiences in Nepal
I spent nearly four weeks in Nepal in January of this year. I was staggered by the amazing beauty of the country. Tourism has become the life blood of this emerging nation. It can ill afford such turmoil. I would dearly love to return to visit other parts of Nepal, but the current trouble discourages me from going. Other tourists must feel the same.
To read about my recent trip to Nepal, including trekking the Everest region of the Himalayas, go to the archives section of this blog.
Shopping in Patan, Kathmandu
Thursday 19th January 2006.
Shopping in Patan.
My main purpose in revisiting this part of Patan again was in response to an email from Corinne. Rose and I had visited the Dhukuti craft outlet last week before I went to Chitwan. This time I went a little overboard with my purchases. Well, not really. Corinne had by this time seen what Rose had brought home and asked me to get some more, so I bought another 18 pieces of batik featuring scenes around Nepal. I also bought a woollen beanie for her. I didn’t feel too bad about my purchases, seeing they were all on sale this week. Some items were 50% off.
 Great views of the Himalayas
On the way down the hill I had some great views of the surrounding snow capped mountains. Today it was about 25C and the air was the clearest it has been since I’ve been here. There was quite a nice breeze as well, so that probably accounted for the clear air; all the pollution had been blown away. Ironically, I probably could have flown easily to Bhairawa and the driven on to Tansen. (Postscript: the political events of the next few days may have prevented my return to Kathmandu, so in retrospect, I made the right decision.)
 Pleasant evening
After dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening I sat for about an hour in front of the open fire in the lounge next to the bar. I have taken to one of their special non-alcoholic drinks served here. It is called a Mango Dango and consists of mango juice mixed with other fruit juices. This was one of the few occasions while away that I was not able to initiate a conversation with anyone. Instead I enjoyed the lovely fire, the pleasant atmosphere, the delicious drink and the inestimable pleasure of my own thoughts.
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In Kathmandu Nepal
Tuesday 17th January 2006.
Kathmandu Nepal.
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I had a very good night’s sleep overnight. I did wake for a little while at 4am and watched about a half an hour of television. I then slept again until 7am but stayed in bed for a while watching the television news. I could get very lazy if we had a TV in our bedroom. After showering I dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast I checked my emails and wrote one to Corinne. I came back to my room to watch some of the cricket from Brisbane between South Africa and Sri Lanka. I also checked out the Australian Open Tennis from Melbourne.
 Four more days in Kathmandu
At about 10:30am I went down to the travel desk. The agent there was very apologetic because he couldn’t change the day of my flight home. Neither of us had realised that there was an inscription on my tickets stating that they were valid only for the dates shown. Oh well, we tried. That means I have another four days here in Kathmandu. It forces me to get out and see things around this amazing city. I then had to book my room for the rest of the week. This was done personally by the manager himself. I asked him to quote the price per night and being a Peregrine customer he gave a special discount price (US$77 compared to US$130).
 Farewell to Kane and Jade
At just after 11am Jade and Kane came down with their luggage. Ananta also came to the hotel to see them off at the airport. I told him about having to stay until Sunday and he offered to guide me wherever I wanted for no charge. I think I’ll take up that offer. After Jade and Kane left for India I went to my room and watched the end of the Lleyton Hewitt match. I also ordered a pizza via room service.