Tihar

Tihar is my favorite holiday in Nepal. It's all about singing, dancing, community and neighbors, kids, families, and having fun. It's about lighting candles, inviting prosperity into our lives, honoring animals and renewing relationships.

I headed up briefly to the mountains during Tihar and got to join in on a rockin' village dance party high up in the now cooooold mountain foothills. The views of the peaks this time of year are breathtaking.

I came back to town with 2 nasty blisters, a cold, and a fresh and clear mind. Plus this photo.

The boy above, when he saw himself, got the hugest grin on his face. He said, "I look like an eagle"! Indeed.

For my brother, Cameron

Dear Cameron,

I took this picture just for you.

How cool are the deer's antlers?

Love, sis

Dad visits!

Mountains and monasteries
Crazy local bus rides
Women sitting on my father's lap
Children sitting on mine
Praying, praying, no one will puke this time
Taking in the quiet of the morning fog of Lumbini
A welcome reprieve from the oppressive heat of the day
Moments of stillness
And home
Wrapped up together, mingling together
Speaking to each other

Sacred cows

Last week we volunteers had the opportunity to gather in Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, for 2 days of work. Program planning, strategizing, discussing... And evening gumning (that's Nepangregi, for my fellow half English, half Nepali speakers).

This cow slept at the front gate of the buddhist nunnery where we were staying. She arrived a year ago, and hasn't left since.

My dad arrived in Nepal 2 days ago. I am seeing the country again from a visitor's eyes.

Tomorrow we head for a 3 day trip on the Trisuli river: from Kathmandu to Naranghat, which was very close to where my first home was in Nepal. Perhaps it's not exactly the same as canoeing down the Deschutes as we used to do when I was young. But - on multiple levels - feels like circling around back to home. Just in a new way each time.