We met at the Pashnima shop - about 120 yards from my $8.00 a night room just 50 meters off Durbahr Square - then, en mass, we all left on 9 motorcycles - we traveled as a loose pack of bikers, through the unlit back streets of Bhaktapour, horns honking, dodging pedestrians, other motorcycles, road hazards, then across a 4 lane divided highhway without a stoplighht, until we arrived at the party house.
It was not a baby shower like in the west. It was mostly men - maybe 2 dozen iTrekNepal staff, friends, etc...... Men did not bring their wives. Several single women attended...staff of iTrekNepal and the ladies doing all the cooking and serving were grandmothers, aunts, etc. of the baby boy. About 8 men to a woman.
Lots lof Nepali rice whiskey, seemingly endless courses of food - chicken, potatoes, rice, nuts, pink potato chip like things, all of which we ate with our hands. It was a traditional Nepali party. It seems like there is some type of festivity several times a week- either a 3 or 4 day religious festival, a wedding, a birth, a welcoming party or a going away party. Or just a party.
Although Nepal is a third nation status country, everyone seems happy, content, friendly. I have not heard an argument, or a parent screaming at their child...hardly ever hear a baby or very young child cry.
But you do hear dogs barking all night. Some places are worse than others. In Tibet - western Tibet especially, the dog barking - packs of dogs - was at times incessant in the middle of the night.
I have said several times that dogs in Asia/SE Asia are more like chickens. They run loose everywhere, none are "pets " per se, and you never see a dog being played with or petted. You just see them everywhere, usually sleeping in the sunshine. I was astounded on my trek when I saw a little, all white dog - like a big Schnauser....on a leash. Canines are never restrained, nutered or groomed. They are always scratching at fleas and they often have open sores.
Today I did not feel well and had minor chills, a headache, my joints hurt and my eyes hurt. I did not have a fever and was not very hungry. I was not hungover, I just had some type of mild intestinal bug that laid me up for most of the day. Did get out to have a morning mocha, dry some clothes on the clothesline on the roof and later went out for a light dinner. The French Onion soup was a poor escuse for FOS, but then, this is Nepal.
Off tomorrow to Thamel for a night in the Kathmandu Guest House with Andy and to attend an expat Thanksgiving party.
All is well. Will leave KTM for BKK on 12/1. Thinking about heading south from BKK to some sun, sand, beaches, beer and bikinis.
I have seen my fill of rock, mountains and women dressed head to toe in the last 8 weeks.....
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