Ceasefire in Nepal
The newly convened government in Nepal has declared a ceasefire in the deadlock with the Maoists which has caused almost constant conflict in the beautiful Himalayan nation. Over the last decade this conflict has seen about 13,000 deaths.
I hope that this is a lasting ceasefire and that the government is able to get on with restoring peace and democracy in this troubled nation.
Go to the Archives section of this blog to read about my adventures in Nepal in January of this year.
To read the full story go to ABC News Online by clicking here.
Parliament opens in Nepal
Today the Nepalese Parliament met for the first time in nearly four years. This is after massive protests and riots over many weeks turned the tide of opinion against the ruling king. Unfortunately, the desigated Prime Minister was too ill to attend this special sitting of parliament. The problem now is to deal with the urgent call for elections and for a new constitution to be written.
To read more go to the ABC News Online page here.
To read of my adventures in Nepal in January of this year go to the Archives section of this blog.
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.
Big Changes in Nepal
Big changes are promised in the struggling Himalayan country of Nepal. After weeks of turmoil and rioting, the king has finally relented and is recalling parliament. It will assemble on Friday after almost four years since it was dissolved.
For an account of my experiences in the fascinating country of Nepal in January of this year go to the archives of this blog.
To read the full story from ABC News Online click here.
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.