Shrines Lol, Christians don't pray to statues of Jesus and they don't pray to Mary, at all. Catholics do but I don't know that they pray "to" statues. Just thought I'd clear that up. And I also want to say that as a Fulbright hopeful for 08/09, the reality of your blog is very informative and a part of applying to developing countries that people don't really wrap their heads around until they're actually immersed.
Are you doing a study? Hi Michelle,
My name is Kif. I live in Kathmandu. I work for a NGO dealing with child protection and anti-trafficking projects.
I just found your post while "googleing" and I was wondering if you were currently conducting a study on dance bars. As I am also making a few invetsigations, it could be interesting to exhange on the issue.
Cheers,
Kif
Sounds like DJ Traffic in KTM sounds alot like traffic in Djibouti City. The cabs are all banged up. All of them are "modified" by the driver. They find cool shiny things and put them on to dress up their cars. I even saw one once that had a disco ball on the hood. Seriously. As for the traffic, I always compared it to a NASCAR race, with half the cars driving in the opposite direction. And yes, heaven forbid you hit an animal. You can get thrown in jail and pay a hefty fine. As for the right of way, it sucks that DJ doesn't have any real sidewalks, because pedestrians are the bottom of the food chain when it comes to the road.
The Goats of Pokhara As we were being driven to Naya Pul to begin our trek in the Annapurna Region last week we passed thousands, absolutely thousands of goats. They cost around $150 to $200 and the meat is generally shared around the wider family. There were far too many to be only sacrificed by the very rich.
On the car is fine. Even on the Greenline Bus. I just get uneasy when they do it on the propellers of the planes, and on the engine of their only 757. Do they do it on the radar screens too?
www.rosemaryandpeter.com
dirty dirty dirty Seems like the dust/dirt level is similar to Iraq. You'll get used to it. At least you have a bathroom. I gotta walk to a portajohn or trailer. It sucks in the middle of the night. That goat's head sounds scrumptious!
"you are fat" With my extensive studies in middle eastern culture and various exploits abroad, I've found that it is customary to mention people gaining weight. It's the opposite of what we say in the U.S. In the States, we say, "you've lost some weight", meaning that we are more healthy than last time we saw them. In most other, poorer countries, it's customary to say, "looks like you've gained weight", meaning you have money and you are eating well. I suppose it's all relative to the general conditions of food and wealth in the country.
Brava!! Michelle,
We are all very proud of you and expect great things. The secure route is always easy and you will have a lifetime of experiences very shortly. Most of us wouldn't be as open to adventure and challenge.
Love
Carolyn
I can relate. Took a few trips like this myself, but my head wasn't as well screwed on as yours is so I didn't get as much out of them as you hopefully will. Stay safe and take it all in!! You are in our thoughts.
Bethany
non-member comment
Shrines
Lol, Christians don't pray to statues of Jesus and they don't pray to Mary, at all. Catholics do but I don't know that they pray "to" statues. Just thought I'd clear that up. And I also want to say that as a Fulbright hopeful for 08/09, the reality of your blog is very informative and a part of applying to developing countries that people don't really wrap their heads around until they're actually immersed.