Nepal 29, The Villiage

The day isn’t over, we leave the school and visit Durga’s ancestral home. The house is still there in the village.

Durga has an older bother living in the village and he arranges for Durga to meet the elders.

He tells me that last year when he visited, he felt they didn’t take him seriously but, now he’s back, with a European woman looking at land, this creates interest from everyone. I can now see Durga the diplomat, without getting involved in the politics of the region he is slowly getting their attention. He told me he had learned this in the UK, how to network without being drawn into squabbles. I should think so Durga, I know what you do!

The women are usually absent from this kind of conversation. However it’s not long before some old women wander across and they are very vocal! I can’t understand them but they are definitely asking the direct questions and very cheeky with it!

We are invited to sit, have a drink of water and eat a local dish, a sort of not too sweet doughnut. There is a wedding happening tomorrow and there are preparations going on. I watch fascinated as a special grass garland is made, food is prepared and cooked. The whole village is involved.

I meet a woman from the village who’s English is superb. She now lives in the USA but has returned for this wedding. She is curious about Durga’s ideas and asks me if I’m financing it. I say no just helping and maybe bringing new ideas. We talk for a long time and afterwards I get the impression what I have said is now being spread to the women.

Durga is in conversation with the men and he is presented with a book of his family tree made by one of the elders. I hope he gets it translated because I would be fascinated.

Someone comes over with a jug and pours me more water. I take a long swig only to find it’s Raksi! Then I’m given a plate of what I think is goat intestines. Not sure Raksi goes with this, or anything goes with this for that matter. I don’t want to appear rude and I manage to eat the liver but that’s it. I put my plate down and to my relief one of the stray dogs creeps up and finishes it off. I don’t think anyone saw. I know the Nepali for “I’m full”. Phew!

The walk back to the jeep was a bit precarious, Raksi and a suspension bridge don’t mix!