The birthplace of Buddha
Trip Start
Aug 10, 2008
1
38
59
Trip End
Ongoing
Lumbini,
Nepal
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I had one change of bus to get there and here I met a group of young Nepali guys who had been studying in India but were back to see their families and have a few days exploring. They were also going to Lumbini and asked me to join their group. I was a bit hesitant at first (and mad my normal excuses of meeting friends at the other end) but they were lovely and so genuinely friendly.
When we got to Lumbini I quickly found somewhere to stay and put my bags then we went off to explore the temples together. It was a warm, sunny day and perfect weather for walking around the site. Here there was the marker for Buddha's birth, ruins of ancient monasteries and Buddhist temples built by a number of countries that practice Buddhism - so there were temples from China, Thailand, Japan etc.
It was interesting to see the different styles and from outside they were amazing buildings, although I was a little let down by the inside of some. This place would be much better in a few years time, once it has become more established and all the construction work has finished - they seem to be spending a lot of money on it. We had a good time exploring though, and whenever we stopped to eat or for tea, the boys would refuse to let me pay. I felt like an honored guest and again had fun with all the group photos. It was a memorable last day in Nepal.
After I'd said goodbye to the boys, I went for a wander up the one-road town that changed from cafés and guesthouses to a real village with buffalo being herded along and kids asking me to take photos. In the evening I joined some others from the guesthouse for my final dhal bart (I'll need to learn to cook this at home). Goodbye Nepal, I'd really like to come back one day.
