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  Biranagar, Nepal
Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Namaste and Happy Birthday Lord Buddha,

A man from Calcutta moved into the hostel Monday night (Mr. Doss). He will be teaching Civics at my school.

The good news for me today was my room is done and I moved in - it is quite nice with a private shower and toilet. The bad news was I couldn't take advantage of it because our water was off for most of the day. I was looking forward to cleaning up for the festival  and the water that is pumped from the ground where the boys were bathing had a strong rust smell. I think my sweaty smell might be slightly better. My lost bag has wet wipes in it and would have been quick helpful today. Ahh that lost bag - it seems according to Laurie's sister (Susan) that works for Delta that the bag did in fact leave the U.S

Altar

. and is in Doha or KTM. I looked in KTM airport several times and it isnt there so it seems that Doha is where it must be. Thank you Susan for helping me out.

On Tuesday morning the hills were alive with the sound of music, Nepalese music that is. Two of the boys and I walked to the temple to join in the celebration. I was given a tikka (red mark made of rice and a paste from flowers). Its given as a blessing and pressed onto my forehead. There is a ceremony at the temple where worshippers walk around the sheltered altar praying and chanting. Many people carry incense and gifts (flowers/fruit) for the Lord Buddha. I was told that by coming to the temple to worship and pray I would have all my sins from the past year cleansed away.  I will start the next year (tomorrow) pure again. I do admit I do feel lighter since my sins for an entire year are washed away. Or I may feel lighter because I was pickpocketed at the temple (1000 rupees)...whatever the reason, I am lighter and the optimist in me thinks its the cleansing. I was also glad it was just money and not my camera, passport or wallet.
As the boys and I were walking back we ran into the rest of the boys coming to the temple with Mr Doss. From there we all walked to the Cyber Cafe for some internet time. Its a big deal because the hostel doesnt have a computer.

Altar 2

The people here refer to it as the "cyber". Halfway there (a one mile walk) it began to rain. It started slow and then the heavens opened up and we were soaked in a downpour.We "cybered" for an hour and then walked back to the hostel - it was no longer raining by now. Once back the new teacher and I talked for awhile and he invited me to visit with him on October break at his home in Calcutta. I plan on doing so.

About 3pm a few of the boys and I walked to "cyber"  again. I didnt need to but I accompanied them so I could do some people watching. I am sure I was watched as much as I was watching...tall white guy with tattoos...yeah I was getting the once over quite a few times. I enjoyed watching all the brightly colored wormen and children dressed up for this holiday.My other favorite thing to do was to watch the APF (Armed Police Force) at work. Men and women in fatigues carrying rifles isnt something I'd see everyday in Cincy. I always see a few everyday here but due to the holiday and the bombing in Kathmandu the day before I think they were making their prescence known even more.
When we got back the water was on and I jumped into MY shower and the cold water shower felt good especially on this hot and humid day.

Sometime later Mr Doss and I went for a walk up to the main highway where the APF were out in force, probably because its the main highway into Biratnagar from India. While walking I saw artists making paper mache' looking scupltures of the Lady Krishna and very ornately painting them(photo). We also stopped for tea at a roadside tea shop. I noticed as I have in the past that the people that work their shops also frequently live in the same area, usually behind them (photo)

Temple3

.

When we got back I was overjoyed to find out that the laundry guy was here with our now clean clothes. Twice a week he comes and takes our dirty laundry to wash and iron (except underwear and socks). He had most of my clothes for over 3 days and I practically hugged him when I saw him. I might've had to call in sick on Wednesday had he not come - 3+ days in the same two shirts in this heat is not a pretty sight (or scent).

I awoke Wednesday morning to two surprises - one was a knock on my window, Noris (the cook) had a big smile on his face, as usual, and a hot cup of tea in his hand for me and surprise number two was when I put my feet on the floor I found that the nights rain had found its way into my room and my bed was surrounded by a 1/2 inch pool of water. After my cool water shower and shave the world was right again. Plus while showering someone had mopped my floor nearly dry, I assume it was Noris.

I know I've mentioned this before but it rains every day or night here in monsoon season and not just a drizzle, it really dumps water. Several years ago I went backpacking with my friends Mikki, John and Chris and it rained for the 3 days we were on the trail. Those 3 days of  rain is what we get here in a just a couple hours. It is a bone drenching downpour.

Mr.Doss told me after lunch today that we need to book our train tickets to Calcutta very soon. The cost will be 270 rupees or $5.

** One side note:  To my friend Mikki - There is a pickle relish here that is so incredible and if you had it you'd rule the cooking world in Louisville. Unfortunately it is only made in Nepal (there's always ordering on the internet, I guess) Its called Khana Khazana (mixed pickle).

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Temple	Temple 2	Waiting	Student
Ring bell....	Bad Boys	Making a Wish	Outside view
Inside View	Temple Musician	Brightly colored	Another artist
Lady Krishna	Carrying	Maoist Hdqtrs	Hostel helper
My Room	My Room 2	Outlets	Rickshaws make ready
Covering up	Almost there	There he goes	Shop
Small home	Tea stand

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