Typical Nepalese breakfast (also found in India and Sri Lanka) -- curries, chutneys and breads. (My family thinks I'm crazy but it was delicious!)
On our first day out visiting a small town and temple,this little lady wanted to sell me a flower. She is considered a beggar and there were signs discouraging tourists from giving money, but with 50% of the Nepalese people living below poverty level, how can we always say no? Plus, I did get a flower and a photo in return.
In Pokhara, these two boys had a note written in English, asking for donations so that they could buy a soccer ball for their school. Whether it was another form of begging or not, we gladly contributed and Zack wrote his name on the paper and the amount we gave.
Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there, so by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect. (Swami Vivekananda)
There was much to see as we walked the old cities around Kathmandu and Pokhara ...
A woman spinning wool outside her home.
Women singing and chanting prayers at a Hindu temple.
A sadhu (Hindu holy man).
Hubby plopped himself down amongst these guys outside The Patan Museum.
At the end of every day, I enjoyed a cold local beer. (Everest Premium Lager Beer was introduced in 2003 to commemorate the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the historic conquest of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on the 29th May, 1953.)
