Going to Nepal

Joe's wild, zany adventures to Nepal and at home.

29 March 2004

Sorry, sorry. Life has been happening, so I've been a bit behind on the blog. This was a great weekend. On friday after school I went to meet Nima for a little field trip. I had dinner with him and the other fellas who work at the guest house, I think that the men in this country cook better than the women. Fantastic meal. Saturday morning we took off to catch a bus at around 8am. The bus ride was a unique experience. Careening around blind corners at 45k, barely missing the other buses, 50 people on the bus, and the barnyard animals. No joke, there were at least three chickens and a goat on the bus. I wonder if they had to buy tickets. We arrived at our destination of Daksinkali in about 45 minutes. This is where they sacrifice animals to the gods. The atmosphere was one of reverence, not blood lust.
I enjoyed watching the different dress that people had on. The mulitcolored clothing is wonderful, and you can tell where they come from by their dress. Well, Nima could, I couldn't. After watching this for about an hour, one grows, what? A little tired of watching animals without heads being carted by. I thought of the chickens and goat on the bus, wondered if they were still here. In a way, the animals were dying a good death. They were being sacrificed to bring a greater good to the family they came from, to cure some illness, some malady, or just to continue the prosperity that a family was having.
From there, we walked to Guru Rimpoches cave about 2.5k away. The walk was beautiful, as we passed through acres of crops. The cave it's self was more of a cut into the hillside that was slightly covered, but the fact that the man spend hours here everyday meditating was humbling. We continued up the staircase until it became a dirt path to the top of a hillside. Atop this hill was the highest density of prayer flags that I have seen in Nepal. TOO MANY. We rested for a bit, I chased a large bee around for 20minutes trying despirately to get pictures for Alex Burke. Nima was spotting for me. It was ture adventure. On a micro scale. I felt like the crocodile hunter. BUt not really. More like this guy who had to many cameras, and thought that made him a photographer.
Descending from the hillside, Nima led the way to Shesh Narayan Temple. This is a beautiful Temple set at the base of a cliff. At the base of the hill leading up to the temple are a few small ponds, and statues to various gods. I particularly liked the semi-submerged statue. Our adventure then turned uphill. 3k to Hatiban on a hillside over looking the entire valley. The view, while beautiful, only served to remind one of just how much smog was in the city its self. We had a soda, and headed downhill. The plan was to wait by the side of the road for a bus, this is how it's done. We sat on the side of the road waiting, a taxi drove by, stops. I am the taxi magnet. I can have my cycle with me, I still get asked if I need a taxi. He asks, I say no. Nima asks him how much to New Road. He say 200, Nima says 100. Okay, get in. It would have cost us 60r on the bus, so this wasn't bad. We head back to his house for a little dinner with his family. All 20 of them. It was like Christmas dinner, but every night.
Yesterday I went with one of the kids from the house next door, her father and brother on a little trip to a place called Osho. The four of us fit on ONE motorcycle. And there was one helmet to go around. It is always nice to get out of the valley, the pervasive amount of smog kills me.
I'll be out of touch for about a week, as today I go trekking for 7 days, I get back on 5 April, and if all goes well, I'm off to Pokara till the 10th. But when I get back, I'll have lots of pictures. LOTS.
I keep getting asked about shipping things here. That's fine, just know that I have to haul it if it can't be used.
Joe Trimble
C/O Rajesh Shrestra
GPO Box 11535
Kathmandu Nepal
Take care.

25 March 2004

One thing that I forgot to mention as I rode up to Kopan was the truck in the ditch on the side of the road. As I rode back down, there were about 50 men with ropes preparing to pull it out. I slowed to enter the crowd and as I passed through a gentleman looked up at me, smiled and said "This is Nepal." I smiled, and said "Ho, chha." Yes, it is. The meaning of his statement had an immediate application to the work they were doing right there, but as I think about it, that statement could be applied to many situations faced on a daily basis by the people of Nepal. They have very little in the way of mechanical resources, so farming and other labour that we do by machine, and don't consider it being done another way, is all done by hand. Imagine pulling a 20 foot truck out of the ditch with thin nylon cord, or hauling 43 1kg bricks on your back in a basket all day (i have watched this being done regularly), this type of wear and tear on the human spirit at some point has to be debilitating. And through it all, a Nepali will help you find your way when you are lost, take you into his home and introduce you to their family, want to share their piece of Nepal with you. They will smile, laugh and share whatever they have, be it a meal or simply a cup of tea. The presence of perserverence is strong in this country, but I think that it is the ability of the people to endure that will likely remain with me for the rest of my life. The baskets of sand on the backs, a man carrying an armour the size of a couch, 40 people in a bus with 20 seats, 20 people in a house with 4 bedrooms and one toilet. It boggles the mind and diminshs every problem I have faced, forced me to look at them in the context of another life. And while they were problems for me, in the bigger picture, the broader view, my life is simple and has been easy.

24 March 2004

Had a great Tuesday, Nepal time. After school I rode to Kopan [I love this part- www.kopan-monestary.com], which is on a hill over looking the valley and Boudnath. The ride took 45 minutes and was mostly uphill (think Old Tunnel Road, but steeper.). Oh my was it worth it. The monestary does not charge for entry (yeah!!) and the views were stunning. In addition, there was not very much noise. This is a marked change from the rest of the places that I have been. It seems that not many tourists come up there, however those that do either a) are there for the day or b) are there for up to 5 months on retreats. I met a gentleman from CO. who is there with his wife. The first month they could talk half time, the second not at all, and the third only half time again. This guy was a gabber. I also chatted with a Nepali who was studying on the top a hill over looking most of the monestary. He and I discussed the restrictions of the caste system, the difficulty of the educational system and how his dad wanted him to get married NOW (he's 20). He helped me with my Nepali and I with his english. I left around 6 and didn't get home till 7. Haven't quite firgured out the distance on the ride, but I would guess it at 20k. Not that far, but I hit traffic. Imagine street traffic so bad that it's stop and go for the bikes. I feel like I should take up smoking, my lungs might be cleaner. I should have listened to a friend who told me to bring a face mask of some sort. Thanks to all the kids at the Vill for the card.

22 March 2004

Been a wonderful weekend and first part of the week. I played cricket on Saturday afternoon (spent the morning not feeling so well). The process of bowling is not at all like pitching in baseball, your arm does not bend at the elbow, however, I did manage 6 wickets (hitting the "pins" behind the batter). It was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday, I had a leisurely Sunday morning, did some laundry, took a wash [water. comes from a tap, but you DON"T drink it. You don't even think about it. At home I would wash my mouth out in the morning with water, not here. I drink boiled, filtered water or bottled. And they put two handles in the showers and taps. What a tease. It's all cold. COLD. Unless you shower in the afternoon, in which case the tank has had a chance to warm up a bit.] I headed off to Bodnath, but never made it. I ended up runnng in a student from the school, then went to check with Nima about plans for this coming Saturday. We're still on. He invited me back to his house. We rode there in about 15mins. It's a few "blocks" from the school. I met his wife, two children, brother, his kids, sister in law, her two kids, and four of his other brothers kids. They all live in his house. I asked him how many people lived there, first it was 12, then 15, and, no, it was 20. Or so. This week. Communal living is standard for a Nepali family. It's nice to see a family that close. They were all very nice. Apparently the goal is the education of the children. All the kids are in school. The father of the four children and his wife still live in a rural area, but their children need to attend school. It seems they sacrifice so much just for the betterment of a future generation.
Other notes [religious symbols-this is mostly for sketch, but interesting in and of it's self. Two common symbols in the Buddist religion play totally different roles in the western world. One looks exactly like the Star of David. The other, like a swatiska. Both mean the same thing to a Buddist. Om. It's the begining of their chants, I forget exactly what it means, but I think its something along the lines of "longlife", I'll look into it. I was getting a bit worried when I kept seeing these symbols all over the place, like this would become the next Israel/Palestine battle ground. But no so.]

19 March 2004

I think that yesterday was the best afternoon since I have arrived here. After posting the pictures, I decided to go back to Swayubunath. I tried to take a shorter route than the one that I know which takes me back out to Ring Rd. And guess what happened? I got lost. I'm starting to enjoy this part. It allows me to see places here that I might not have otherwise. And this was true of this afternoon. As I navigated away from Durbar Sq, which I would have gone back into had I had my passport (this will allow me access for the full time that I am here w/o having to pay 200r everytime I try to enter) I skirted the edge of Thamel, you know that you are near here by the prolific amount of white people. I down one street, looked at my compass, realized that it was taking me in the wrong direction, it's a bit hard to navigate as none the streets have names or go in straight. I rode by a large statue of a lion which usually denotes the presence of a temple, kept going, changed my mind and went back. Walking into the courtyard of the stupa was amazing. A small 15m tall stupa with the usually accoutrements. There was a newer monistary to go with the newer statue of Bouddha they were building. I walked around the stupa several times before stopping to take some pictures. After I had snapped a few photos, a gentleman walked up to me and asked me where I was from, this is not unusual. I told him Ca. He has friends in Ca. Does business with them. Jewelery biz, very lucrative. Can make a lot more money there than here in Nepal. Problem is getting the stones out of the coutry. Gee, that must be a problem. Could you help me with this? It only requires a small cash outlay on your part, then you sell them to my friend when you get back to the states. GEE, that sounds like a great plan, but no. You're really missin, No. g out. Could make so No. Your loss. Sure, sure it is. I continued walking around the stupa. Saw him hit up several people. No one was biting. I was taking a few more photos when a "Monk" walked up to me. He spoke broken english. He was hungry. Wanted money. Funny thing occured to me, none of the other monks in the area were asking me for money. No. He followed me for a bit and kept trying to talk with me, I tried not to be rude, but he just struck me as a bit odd. As I was about to leave, two kids asked me take their picture, I did. Then they wanted some money. Chaina. Don't have any. My friends stomach hurts. Give us money. Mero pet dukyo. Rupee chaina. My stomach hurts, I don't have any rupee. I left to continue my journey to Sway. When I finally got there it was about 30mins before sunset. I walked up the 365 stairs, thankfully there were not to many hawkers out selling their wares at this time. When I got to the top I walked around the stupa for 15mins, just looking at everything that was there. There are so many monuments to gods and goddesses packed into this little hill top, it's just stunning. I ended up sitting down next to a gentleman from Tibet who is studying Psychology at Tribuvan University. We discussed cultural norms, religion, the blending of Western culture into third world countries. It was lots of fun. We talked for about an hour, exchanges emails and went our seperate ways.
Things are pretty good here. I realized that while I maybe riding a 28lb cycle to the school now, I basically suck down a pack of cigarettes to get there. I have sent my first batch of postcards, it'll be interesting to see how long they take to get to the States. They are actually not that cheap here. 20r for the card then 18 for the stamp. Email runs 25r/hr. The rafting/chitwan trip has likely been delayed as the Maoists have called for a Banda on the 6, 7, 8 of April. When they call them this far in advance, they usually work for that legenth of time. In other sporting news, India beat Pakistan in cricket, but just barely. I am slowly learning how this game is played, and while I won't go as far as to call it interesting, it's not as boring as I thought. DON"T ASK ME THE RULES. I don't know it that well. I have also taken to playing Basketball with the kids at the school next to our house. The past two days. If I was playing against 5 kids in the states of the age of 9, I would get my ass kicked. HOWEVER, these kids don't dribble and it appears they think the object is to get the ball, and keep it away from EVERYONE ELSE, even their own team. I spend most of the time laughing my ass off. It's really fun. On Wednesday night they were load shedding [load shedding- the random loss of power around the Kathmandu Valley in order to keep the central part of town powered. They don't announce it, it just happens and you deal. Think CA. during the energy crisis but without the warning], so there was no reason to be inside. We played till 7:30. Totally dark out. The ball was a mere shadow, a phantom, didn't matter, they wern't passing. Several heads were knocked. I played barefoot. Haven't worn shoes since Saturday, maybe sunday. I'm not really sure. Or ridden in a car. Life is grand.

17 March 2004

Not much to report today. Bought my first souvenier. Not for myself. As soon as I asked the guy how much it was in Nepali, he told me that he wouldn't cheat me on the price. 500r. Not to bad. I do have that feeling like I just left the car dealership, somehow, someway I got screwed. I was happy though, it'll look nice on someone's wall. I figured out how to get to school the short way, which should only take me 20mins as opposed to the 30 that I have been riding. Not that the long ride is bad, it is wonderful to get on the bike again, but it's nice to know that I don't have to get up so damn early anymore. Not that it's early like EARLY used to mean, but still, when one gets into a particular lifesytle, it sure is hard to get out of it. Hmm, I'm trying to recall some of the other things that have occured to me to write about but am drawing a blank at the moment. I must be getting old. One thing for ma, the kids are from Jr Kg to grade 4. Jr Kg kids are about 3-4, then on up to an 8y/o in 4. A broad spectrum of ages, and abilities to speak english. I read to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders to day, "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. I prefaced the read with a little talk about made up words, and how they did not really exist in the english language, but they sure were fun. They were mostly interested in the art work. Who was that behind the window, why don't they show his face, etc, etc. Love to all who are online.

16 March 2004

So, I'm trying to get address to send post cards. If you'd like one, please email me your address: albrtwick@yahoo.com Other observations that I've been meaning to make: Food-Yes Steve-0, I eat the spicy food now. It was rather strange the other day realizing that the food was spicy hot and to my mouth it was just a salty sensation at the back of my mouth. The food here is mostly starch. The other night there was spinach at dinner and I did my best not to eat it all up. Rice and thalcurrie make up dinner and breakfast, but while thal is mostly vegetables, it's really almost all potatos. Yummy. Toast in the afternoon, man do I need a salad.
As I have stated before the schooling contines to amaze me. The teachers smack the students on the head, call them lazy, scream at them. The exact type of school system that I would have floundered at is the one that I start teaching in. Yeah. I try and insert a little fun into the day. I've read to them from Pablo Neurda and The Iiliad. I usually pick the parts where they are at war in the Iiliad, it's the only way to hold their attention.
On the issue of pictures. I'm still trying to locate a internet cafe that has XP, as my camera needs drivers that XP has, 2000 does not work and most places run 98. Anyone want to become an international software pirate? I'll bring you something nice. That's all from the foreign correspondant.

15 March 2004

Let us review the past two days. Right now at school is their versions of finals. This must be some national joke. The students blantently cheat. They ask one another the answers, ask me, look at all the posters on the wall, etc. What is really funny is that the questions on the tests are verbatim of what is in their text books. I really don't understand. The concept of "why" things are the way they are does not occur to these children. On saturday I went back to Dhapasi to see the old fam. Lovely people. We played futbol for two hours, barefoot. My feet are slowly turning into leather. Maamaa is going back home for three weeks, so he loaned me his cycle. FREEDOM is being had. I rode to school today, got lost, still made it in time. It's funny how not knowing this place at all, I can still find my way around. I found the guest house where I spent the first night and chatted with Nima for about an hour. We made plans to see his village in early April. And next saturday we are going to a Hindu shrine Dakshinkali, I love this part, check it out at: www.dakshinkali.org Apparently on saturday's and tuesdays they slaughter animals to the gods. Then a big party ensues. [ Killing of animals-this is a regular occurance roadside in Kathmandu. I saw a goat head sitting on the side of road in the "lap" of the goat, it took me a second to go "huh?" then see the the neck. It had been done about 30 seconds before I had walked by. The same goat was there four days later, still being pieced apart.]. I'm really looking foward to getting out of Kathmandu. I understand that the weather has been rather nice in the BA lately, all I have to say is YOU BASTARDS!! It rained for about three hours today, conveniently while I was riding my cycle home it was heaviest. [cycles- seppo they are not $10. They are more like $40, while not a princely sum, one I will hold off on paying while I have the loaner. This is for a steel frame seven speed with brakes that wouldn't stop you while going uphill. I'm fixing the breaks on maamaa's cycle today when I get home.] There really isn't to much to more to say, except that I have a new found respect for teachers. Especially those in a)bilingual schools, b) teaching very young children c)teaching children who just won't listen, which really means all kids.

12 March 2004

Sorry for the delay in posting, the internet cafe was without connection yesterday. I went for a long walk yesterday, about 4miles. It was quite nice. In my sandals. Seems this is the normal mode of transportation. Surprisingly it was rather comfortable. I walked up toward the trailhead for Nagajun (went hiking there a few weeks back). Very relaxing. I needed to get out of the house. I spend all day at school with the family, then I live with them. They are going to a wedding today. I'm thinking that I don't want to go. I need at least some time to myself. (Sorry ma and pop, this is the memories that come to mind). It's like living with my parents after I had graduated from HS and was working at the store. The relationship is likely to get strained in some way. We'll see. If I get a bike, I'm free.
Other random observations: The "military": They are all over the city, but there seems to little order to them. The weapons don't match in any sense. I have seen Enfields (british WWII era bolt action rifle), submachine guns w/ mags mounted on the side (another british WWII relic), the odd M16, and M14 knock off. In addition, when they ride in the back their trucks these barrels are pointing out, and I keep wondering when someone on the street is going to get shot. When I have seen them on patrol in the streets, they do some shopping, their weapons are in one hand and no one appears to pay attention to the surroundings.
Juto. Ritual infection. This applies to food and drink. When you serve food at the begining of the meal, the utincil can touch the plate, however once eating has started, you cannot touch the plate. The same appies to water, but this is a little different. Most people drink from one water jug, but the jug never comes into contact with the lips. I find myself drinking this way. Not so much because I share water, just because that is what I keep seeing people do. That is all from Kathmandu. Thanks for the suggestions Michelle!!!

10 March 2004

So the teaching continues. I wouldn't say that I'm comfortable with it yet, however all the suggestions that I'm recieving have been helpful. Lick, I know that I was never force fed like these kids are. They answer in unison, they mimic, however, I don't know if they really "learn" the material. Apparently the questions they are given in class are literally the same ones that they have on the exams. VERBATIM. This is not learning, this chipping into stone and wrote memorization. The children are nice, and I try to break the mold, but I get concerned that if I do, I may hamper their future.
On the family front, things are okay at best. On monday there was a bandh, so I went back to Dhapasi to see the first host family. It was a 5k walk, but it gave me time to reflect on the differences. The new family is nice, but I just don't have anyone to talk to. The parents are in their mid fourties, and the closest child to my age is 11. In the old family their were two 17y/o and a 14y/o. When I was over there, the bond between us was quite apparent. Hard, hard. I spend alot of time reading (tearing through the Iiliad-great book) and plying BBC world for some interesting news.

07 March 2004

Wet and colorfull. The two words to sum up Holi Day. Breakfast was early, then we prepared ingredients for Mo mo's, which are Nepali potstickers. Yogesh had brought home about 30 packs of those cheap ass water ballons, but he and his friends are far more skilled at filling them than I. And thus commenced a three hour water fight. The kids from accross the street joined in with the ones from next door. But I had back up. Yogesh, Rajesh, Maamaa and some of thier friends. And INK. Powder. Red, blue, orange, pink. Lots of it. We assaulted the roof top, I with my bucket and the boys with the ballons, funny they let me run up the stairs first, and get doused. Gallons of water were used. When we ran out of water in our bucket, I would rush them with the bucket and wait for them to throw thier water and catch it in my backet. Then douse them or steal their bucket. I ended up with red and blue dye in my hair, on my arms, legs, face, I had always wondered what I would look like with red hair, now I know. My hair is to dark to be able to tell what color you put in it.
After the water fight, I took a wash, and slowly began to pack my stuff, as this was also the day that I was moving. It was actually rather hard to move. I didn't realize how attached I had grown to the family that I was staying with. Apparently Nepali's arn't that much into goodbye's which, for me, is rather difficult. I walked from my house to Rajesh's house with a heavy heart. I didn't want to go, I would have rather stayed with them while I was doing the volunteering phase. But this is the set up. I was met by the new host father at Rajesh's place. And we drove to his place. Wow, he cannot drive (i would later find out why). SO the old set up was like this: small two story house. Three bed rooms downstairs and a bathroom. Upstairs, a kitchen,and a storage room. The new set up? I live with the Rana's. Two sons, Ayuse and the other I don't know. He doesn't live at home. They are also having two students from their school staying with them as those students parents are living in Japan for two years. The house: 3 story. On the first floor is my room and an entertaining room, that is the size of my parents living room, sun room and dining room. There are a few other rooms on this floor, but I don't know what they contain. Second floor: two "normal" size bedrooms, the TV room, and the master bedroom:HUGE. The third floor is the kitchen and the dining room, and a large balcony. On top of the kitchen is another balcony. I'd rather be in Dhapasi. I really would. The Rana's were on of the family's that used to run Nepal. They were essentailly knocked out of power when democracy came into being. I listened to the father complain about the democracy for an hour last night, and not wanting to piss him off, didn't voice my opinions of representation. Then today was my first day of teaching. There doesn't seem to be much order to how things are done. There is no lesson given to me. Go in that room and teach. Huh? What subject are they studying? Yes, you teach. What? What topic? Okay, go teach. Yeah, that's wonderful. Thanks. I answered alot of questions today, but that can only last so long. Appparently they are going to fire the english teacher and guess who gets to do that? Oh, that would be the guy from the states. Huh? This is going to be entertaining. We shall see what we shall see. This coutry is very focused on through put, and forced feeding it's students, that I'm sorry, I don't think that I'm cut out for that. The next three months are going to be interesting.

05 March 2004

PART II of National Water Ballon FIght Day. I ate breakfast before the onslaught began. Yesterday there was random fire from roof tops, today, the assault began in ernest. AND TOMORROW IS THE REAL HOLIDAY!!! So today I was standing at the front of our house when SPLATT!! A near miss. Then another (remember that they play cricket here, NOT BASEBALL). Damn kids of the roof next to us. Then the people from accross the street joined in. 10 on 1. I didn't like the odds as I had not ONE ballon. So I ran down the street [dirt road, even in downtown Kathmandu there are dirt roads. It normally doesn't bother me, but when the water hits near you on the ground you don't just get wet, you get dirty.] to get some balloons. Nepali water balloons are, without a doubt, the WORST in the world, from a pack of 20, I got one that didn't a)pop first b) have a hole c) wouldn't even take water. Thus armed I threw my bastard balloon at the kids on the roof. I don't even know if I hit them, they knew that I was armed. I quickly broke open my second pack. Score two working balloons. The kids accross the street were uping the assault, so I chose to go after them. What does one do against 6? The unexpected. Attack. I ran accross the road and nailed two people before quickly retreating to my fortress. Their attacks then began in ernest. Still chosing to throw from afar, I got brazen and stood in the walkway leading up to our house. Several near misses. Cricket playing little punks. I retreated. Realizing that if the kids on the roof top, who have a clear shot into our yard and water "hose" [volume-1g per 5minutes. So not a usefull weapon] were to team up with the kids from accross the street, I was up that well known tributary without any visible means of propulsion. It didn't take them long to realize a) I was out of ballons b) that the high ground is the best. The light bulb went on. They joined forces, as I watched them cross the road, I felt as I imagine the Marines felt at Chosin, SCREWED. I again was left with one option. Attack. But with what? AH, the FIVE GALLON BUCKET THAT WAS FULL OF WATER. I picked it up. Charged up the stairs, up the staircase to the roof, crazy eyed and cursing (not really). Now we had a stalemate. They had their balloons, I had my bucket (which lost 1/3 of it's water on the way up, that ended up on me) and was standing by the only exit. Sure, they could throw, but who started the arms race? THE AMERICANS BABY!!!!!!! A stalemate was reached and an understanding that if they threw, I would douse. Peace. On my block. HOWEVER, when I leave the block, I am target du jour. MMMM, that sounds good, I'll have that. (just for you keith!!). I feel like that deer in the FAR SIDE, "BUmmer of a birth mark Hal." I walk the streets watching all roof tops ready to roll out of the way. I have found one way to stop the onslaught, and that is by making eye contact with them and continuing to stare as you walk by. Little punks. Reminds of myself on Wildwood Gardens. Now I am the target. They'll have to work to get their shots in. I am NOT looking forward to tomorrow. Anyone got an umbrella? SOME DECENT FRIGGIN' WATER BALLOONS???!?!!!! A hose? Anything? I'm toast.
PART II of National Water Ballon FIght Day. I ate breakfast before the onslaught began. Yesterday there was random fire from roof tops, today, the assault began in ernest. AND TOMORROW IS THE REAL HOLIDAY!!! So today I was standing at the front of our house when SPLATT!! A near miss. Then another (remember that they play cricket here, NOT BASEBALL). Damn kids of the roof next to us. Then the people from accross the street joined in. 10 on 1. I didn't like the odds as I had not ONE ballon. So I ran down the street [dirt road, even in downtown Kathmandu there are dirt roads. It normally doesn't bother me, but when the water hits near you on the ground you don't just get wet, you get dirty.] to get some balloons. Nepali water balloons are, without a doubt, the WORST in the world, from a pack of 20, I got one that didn't a)pop first b) have a hole c) wouldn't even take water. Thus armed I threw my bastard balloon at the kids on the roof. I don't even know if I hit them, they knew that I was armed. I quickly broke open my second pack. Score two working balloons. The kids accross the street were uping the assault, so I chose to go after them. What does one do against 6? The unexpected. Attack. I ran accross the road and nailed two people before quickly retreating to my fortress. Their attacks then began in ernest. Still chosing to throw from afar, I got brazen and stood in the walkway leading up to our house. Several near misses. Cricket playing little punks. I retreated. Realizing that if the kids on the roof top, who have a clear shot into our yard and water "hose" [volume-1g per 5minutes. So not a usefull weapon] were to team up with the kids from accross the street, I was up that well known tributary without any visible means of propulsion. It didn't take them long to realize a) I was out of ballons b) that the high ground is the best. The light bulb went on. They joined forces, as I watched them cross the road, I felt as I imagine the Marines felt at Chosin, SCREWED. I again was left with one option. Attack. But with what? AH, the FIVE GALLON BUCKET THAT WAS FULL OF WATER. I picked it up. Charged up the stairs, up the staircase to the roof, crazy eyed and cursing (not really). Now we had a stalemate. They had their balloons, I had my bucket (which lost 1/3 of it's water on the way up, that ended up on me) and was standing by the only exit. Sure, they could throw, but who started the arms race? THE AMERICANS BABY!!!!!!! A stalemate was reached and an understanding that if they threw, I would douse. Peace. On my block. HOWEVER, when I leave the block, I am target du jour. MMMM, that sounds good, I'll have that. (just for you keith!!). I feel like that deer in the FAR SIDE, "BUmmer of a birth mark Hal." I walk the streets watching all roof tops ready to roll out of the way. I have found one way to stop the onslaught, and that is by making eye contact with them and continuing to stare as you walk by. Little punks. Reminds of myself on Wildwood Gardens. Now I am the target. They'll have to work to get their shots in. I am NOT looking forward to tomorrow. Anyone got an umbrella? SOME DECENT FRIGGIN' WATER BALLOONS???!?!!!! A hose? Anything? I'm toast.

03 March 2004

Well today is another Bandh. They don't happen very often I'm told, yet this is the fourth day since I've been here that there has been one. Not very often in Nepal means once a week I've decided. This Bandh, due to planning perhaps, happens to fall one day before the Color Festival. Which, as far as I can gather, is National Water Ballon Fight Day. Being a foreigner, I am THE target. If I was in the states, I'd be a bit more concerned than I am. Being that this is Nepal and the people love Cricket, they under throw the target ALL the time. This does not mean that one doesn't get hit, it's that person threw badly. The ballons are either filled with water or colored water. Hence the Color Festival. Red is the color of choice. I'm wearing shorts and a white t-shirit tomorrow. Sorrry Sketch, the only white shirt I have besides my Giants one is the SF shirt you gave me.
In other news, I move in with my new family on Saturday. They also happen to be the principle of the school I'll be working at. The school is in session from 9:30-3:30, Sunday-Friday. I've talked with Rajesh, program director, and he's going to speak with them about me not working on Sunday's, as my other purpose of coming to Nepal was to see the country. While Kathnamdu has lots of people in it, it is most decidedly NOT the whole country. I'm planning on a trip to Pokhara, which is just outside of the Annapurna Sancutary. From the lake there, apparently, you can see all of the Annapurna Mtns, and a few other 6000m peaks. In addition I would I also like to make it to Nima's (manager at the guest house first night in Nepal) village which is 2hrs by bus, THEN a 3-4 hour hike. That would be real Nepal. I also would like to find some beehives around either the valley or in a town just outside the valley to take some pictures of the world's largest bumblebee, and to taste some honey. :D
Yesterday was a trip to Swayumbath. It is also called the monkey temple, for obvious reasons. The little bastards are everywhere and you can get quite close to them. Leading up to the top are 365 steps, you guessed it, one for everyday of the year. The legend states that by walking up you sins are washed away. I feel like a new man. But my ass hurts as the steps are quite steep. And not of equal height. The view back into the valley was stunning as the day was rather clear. There are several temples packed into a little clearing on the top of the temple. Also on top are several monistaries. We went into one and they were chanting and playing their insturments, which is part of the chanting. You're allowed to take pictures of them, but somehow, I felt that would be inappropriate.
For those of you who might know the reference, I saw a bottle of Vat 69 today. Nothing but the best for Mrs. Nixon's baby boy. A special prize for the first person to get it. Loker should know the answer. It might take some prodding though.

02 March 2004

Had a bit more of the practice teaching yesterday. The educational system in Nepal is DRASTICALLY different that the states. The information that they are, quite literally, fed is then regergatated back onto their homeworks, which they do in class as the teacher is feeding them the answer. My favorite line from yesterday: After reading from the book the teacher told the students : I have told you what you need to know, now it is your job to learn it. HUH? All you did was read from the book. They can do that, they know how to read. What about questions from the students? None. How did they answer questions? In unison. The teacher called one student lazy in front of the whole class. For what purpose? To encourage the child? He's in 5th grade. In the classes that I led, I mainly discussed the cultural differences between the US and Nepal. Eating, bathing, CASTE, holidays, etc. They wanted to know what I ate instead of dal bhaat thaalcurrie for dinner. The existance of a choice slightly baffled them. Mexican food. Huh? Pasta. Huh? When it came to caste systems, they wondered why their wasn't one in the US, but did not want to ask any question about it. I found that ironic. The existance of equality is a bit tough to explain to an 8 y/o. I decided not to press the issue. Other than that I haven't been up to all that much. The stupa that I went to was Boudanath, the one that ma&pop have been to is Swaybunath. I go there tomorrow I think. It sits on a hill over looking KTM and with the way the weather has been, could make for some amazing pictures. I saw the Himalayas yesterday while I was out develping some pictures. Just one mountain. That in and of it's self was stunning. I'm still looking for a place to upload the pictures that I have. . [holding hands- so in Nepal there is no PDA (public display of affection), that means that you can't hold hands with your GF, HOWEVER two male/female friends can and do. I felt like all of Kathmandu was the Castro the first few days that I was here.] Guess that's about it. More later..........