Journey to India

It seems to be a day of optimism here in Nepal as all political parties have finally agreed to work together in an interim coalition government, consisting of the current Nepalese Congress party and the Maoists, as well as five other minor parties. The UN has overseen an arms truce, which consists of both the Maoists and the army putting away all their weapons under lock and key, ostensibly, and having access to them but only in such a way that video cameras would record the where, when, who, etc. People seem to be really happy here about it, but cautiously. It's hard for them to think that something major could change for the better, although it is acknowledged that some things have changed for the better over the last thirty years including less hunger and more education opportunities. Countries all over the world are congratulating the new accord, and Nepali people are cautiously looking at removing the monarchy entirely, even as a figurehead.

 

Today we wrapped up our extensive shopping spree, and shipped it all home. I am tired of shopping for things, though I must say one is easily overwhelmed by the hundreds of stores selling fantastic chunks of turquoise, coral, silver, emeralds, exotic textiles, buddhas, prayer flags, and kurkuris. Tomorrow morning early we head of for Chitwan National Park on another ecotour, to see one horned rhinos on elephants, and hopefully to sight a tiger or two. After that, southwards to India again for Allahabad and Kalakankar. Life is good. I hope I surrender to India and make peace with her.... soon.

 

Our last evening in Kathmandu was celebrated by having a Nepali dinner in a small restaurant with our British friend Patrick and our Nepali friend Manju and her 9  month old daughter Anju. It was the first time Manju had ever eaten in a restaurant. She is 30 and sells Tibetan silk bags for 80 cents on the main tourist drag. Anju was awfully cute, trying to climb up on the table and bang various dinner spoons on dishes and glasses. We took turns feeding her bits of rice. Since she wasn't wearing diapers, we had to make sure Manju took her out the street regularly to have a little preventative pee. The owners were very accommodating of us all, though one could see they had rarely seen such a motley crue for dinner. Eight of us, all sizes and shapes, from all over the world, eating and laughing and just having fun.