I just got back a few days ago from a two week trip having spent the majority of my time in the country of Nepal and also a few days in Thailand. My experiences, people met and sights seen were nothing short of amazing. I was confident after living 5 months in Indonesia that nothing could be quite as different as my change from America to Indonesia… but I was wrong. Nepal’s rugged mountainous terrain including the Himalayas and Mount Everest make it one of the most beautiful countries in Asia, while its political and historical aspects make it one of the most corrupt and unstable countries as well. In just a few weeks the country will have its first ever democratic elections which many agree will turn things for the better or make them even worse. The countries instability is apparent in many ways, one of which being the countless policeman marching the streets in anticipation for demonstrations or riots to break out at any minute. Words are hard to explain all that I experienced so I have posted a handful of pictures that I hope you will enjoy.
Here we are trying our best to represent the Nepali people. We are wearing a traditional "topi" worn by many men in the Nepali culture.
Part of our stay we got to visit this hostel for Nepali children located in the mountains outside of Kathmandu. It was a great experience. The organization that runs this hostel helps the neighboring families put their kids through school who otherwise would not be able to afford to do so themselves. We got to spend time with some of the children. The kids loved our magic tricks and Jordan played his guitar and sang a few songs. It was quite a humbling experience for me in realizing my family and educational upbringing in relation to theirs.
Here are some of the kids that live in the hostel.
A few more little ones. Notice the candle in the background, several hours each day there is no electricity in the whole country. That is when they bring out the candles and flashlights!
Here is one of the classrooms. I was told about 28 students are packed in this tiny room for class. (In case you were wandering, my question never got answered.)
These guys are enjoying their afternoon gambling together, a common activity for Nepali people.
This lady is pretty amazing. She is about half my size and probably twice as strong. No tractors in Nepal, they do it the old fashioned way.
These next two shots are after we participated in a nation wide holiday named "holy". Essentially it is probably the worlds biggest water balloon fight with paint filled water balloons. Safe to say, I've never experienced anything like it.
These guys take their holidays seriously.
Just a shot of people...traffic... and buildings.
Most the population of Nepal are either Hindu or Buddhist. These are are just a few of thousands of temples in Nepal that are frequented by believers to offer prayers and sacrifices to the 300 million or more gods and goddesses that are worshiped.
Looking out over Nepal's Capital City, Kathmandu. This is were we spent most of our time.