Before the Safari, I went on a recommended walk in the area around the Homestay. Yes Linda, I was unaccompanied! So, Im still in the Terai, the tropical lowlands and here people live in a very authentic traditional way. Its amazing to see but, I can understand modernisation will come eventually and I don't think … Continue reading Nepal 32, Around Bardia
Nepal 31, Bus Ride
I still need to tell you about a ceremony that took place with Durga and his brother but, it will wait.Getting to Bardia was an adventure in its own right, I went by local bus.Durga and his brother-in-law took me to the bus station in Butwal. It was complete chaos even Durga looked a bit … Continue reading Nepal 31, Bus Ride
Nepal 30, Stop Press
I'm jumping ahead, but I simply cannot contain myself. Today I saw a Tiger! I will catch up with the last few days later...this is far too exciting. Durga was busy so I took myself off to Bardia National Park in West Nepal. For a day an a half I went on a walking Safari. … Continue reading Nepal 30, Stop Press
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 … Continue reading Nepal 29, The Villiage
Nepal 28, The School
Still reeling from the Raksi, we head up the valley after lunch to visit a school. Marigolds in Hinduism represent the sun, brightness and positive energy! This is a government school and I say this because there are a lot of private schools and these are considered to be gerally better than the government ones.Durga … Continue reading Nepal 28, The School
Nepal 27, The Plan and Raksi
Up early, I actually slept pretty well considering the snoring in the cell next door and the hawking sounds in the middle of the night. The men hawk noisily all the time, spitting everywhere. Ive learned to tune out!I braced myself for the bathroom. That done I went back to my room and drew back … Continue reading Nepal 27, The Plan and Raksi
Nepal 26, Traveling into Baglung District
Now we start really winding up and around the hills. The temperature is dropping and becoming chilly.We come to a complete stop for an hour at some road works. No lights, no signs here, just vehicles waiting for the road to open and when it does, the ground is loose stone and rock and only … Continue reading Nepal 26, Traveling into Baglung District
Nepal 25, Love and Loo’s
Ok so Im not the only guest in the hotel, there more bees and 2 tortoises living here too! (Maybe Ben Kingsley is tucked away somewhere too! Harem Reference.)The manager has got wind of my interest in natural history, presumably from his friend of a friends brother!More giant honey bees hanging high up on the … Continue reading Nepal 25, Love and Loo’s
Nepal 24, Buddha to Bees
On the way back from Lumbini, we visited Durga's Brother in-law Anil, he keeps bees. Thus is of interest to me and I know Durga is keen to have an apiary on his farm.Anil wasnt there when we arrived but his mother was, the tiniest, oldest, looking woman I ever saw! She also had no … Continue reading Nepal 24, Buddha to Bees
Nepal 23, Lumbini
I have breakfast in this huge empty hotel, its a bit reminiscent of the film 'Harem', (not the plot of course, well I can live in hope!) I can't be the only guest!Druga collects me and we go to visit Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha. What a place, opulence gone mad! Many countries have … Continue reading Nepal 23, Lumbini
The Travelling Bee 