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.