Namaste,
My Nepali wife and i have been in Pokhara again now for 4 months. Our original plan was to return to Nepal last September, but after the Earthquakes of April and May, we returned here in July. It has been a most interesting journey this time. We were able to help some Nepalis directly with financial contributions. But after breaking my right foot twice, Un-official Embargo/Blockade, No Petrol, No Propane, No Medicine (or waiting at the airport for customs tax payment, on free medicine, going to Nepalis who really need it), NO PEACE (in places), and certainly no Never Ending Love (in those places), and the craziest drivers on the globe, we are both ready to return.
It is an interesting time, what with the India boarder challenge, and the opening of boarders by China, a new constitution, there is much change going on in a country and culture that really doesn't welcome change with open arms. I'm looking forward to seeing this unfold.
Everyone is aware of the graft, corruption, payoffs and greed that underlies some government officials. Is there a Mahatma Gandhi anywhere in the Nepali Government that can bring Peace back to Nepal for the Nepalis?
Over 8,000 dead from earthquakes, thousands injured and even more left homeless, and someone lets free medicine, sent by other countries to help, sit at the airport, waiting to pay the tax. I feel sick. Hopefully SOMEONE will be able to do something.
And through all of this, the Nepalese people continue to smile. How do they do that?