Archive for ‘Nepal’

I decided to stay in Nepal an extra five days to see my friend Anne briefly on her unexpected business trip so I needed to entertain myself until she arrived. Lingering in Kathmandu eating pastries and apple pies was not an acceptable option. The Kathmandu Valley covers a huge circumference around the city and contains a wealth of cultural sites and interesting cities. The problem is, it’s hard to visit many places on a budget. It seems either you need to rent a taxi for the day or join an annoying cattle herding tour group… or buy a map and get creative.  (more…)

My goodness. This Solar Sister project was definitely an experience. Installing a solar light panel is easy. If you’ve ever experienced an Ikea instruction book, then you’ve got the idea. Getting the thing there and feeling your way around a remote village with unfamiliar customs and strenuous social demands is quite another thing.

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The Annapurna Circuit trek was phenomenal. I have no idea how to concisely describe such outstanding beauty. If I tried, I’m afraid I’d gush for hours. Therefore, I limited myself to a top ten list… which is not to say I’ll be concise. Ironically, “Hotel California” is playing at this Kathmandu internet cafe. On the trail I actually sang this song twice, both times with locals who had asked if I was from California when I told them I was American. I’ve always loved this song but who’d have guessed Nepalis do too! The man next to me is playing solitaire… shouldn’t he be addressing his needs for solitude with trekking or something?! But hey, here I am at a computer for the second day in a row! Okay, my list…

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