Christmas and New Year in Nepal

What is it like to spend Christmas and New Year in Nepal?

well, nothing exciting really. I get 25 Dec and 1 Jan off. On Christmas Eve, I went to my friends place (he lives in a hotel, permanently) and we had stuffed chicken dinner with red wine, and watched Christmas movies on TV. The next day, we did exactly the same... ... no party, no Christmas trees, no Christmas lights or decorations, no turkey.

Nepalis being primarily Hindus and Muslims dont celebrate Christmas of course. They have several other festivals during the year that lasts for weeks (see October posts). One of those festivals, Tihar is the light festivals. Traditionally people used to light many candles all around their houses but nowadays, they use colored light bulbs similar to western Christmas lights style. Its very pretty all around town. That was in November. During this festival, they worship dogs on one day, they catch stray dogs and feed them and put flower necklaces around their neck before releasing them. The next day is cow worshipping day (they always worship cows but more so then), and another day of this Tihar festival is brother worshipping day. Thats right, sisters are expected to worship their brothers!

For New Year, I will host a party at my house. My place is quite big, 6 rooms with a large balcony and a big hall as well as a large garden so I can easily 30-50 people. I will let you know how that goes next week!!

Happy Holidays!!!!
Happy 2008!!!

PICTURES!!!! YEAH!!!

I published my first PICTURES from NEPAL!! YEAH!!

Here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/canadianglobetrotter

click on "NEPAL" and then on SLIDESHOW

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J'ai enfin publier mes premieres photos du NEPAL!! Hourra!!!

Elles sont ici:

http://picasaweb.google.com/canadianglobetrotter

Cliquer sur "NEPAL", puis sur SLIDESHOW pour la meilleure resolution!


ENJOY!!

long time no posting

I haven't been posting in a while and I apologise. The reason is that I have spent several weeks in the field for work. I went to Dailekh district for 7 days in early November, Kapilbastu district to visit the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, and had a chance to visit LUMBINI, the birth place of BUDDHA! Then, I went to Kathmandu for a few days and just got back yesterday. The day after tomorrow, I will go back to Kathmandu again, this time for 10 days.

All this to say that I am sorry I havent written in a while nor posted any pictures. I only have access to the internet at the office and I am hardly ever there.

And by the way, my phone was stolen so I need to get a new number soon.

Will try my best to keep you posted. See you soon!