Nepal impression

(Full text and more pictures in blog sina.com .cn/henryshi418 and related album)

Go to Nepal was entirely devoted to North Korea.

May 2007 went to Kazakhstan, Almaty City, the snowy mountains in the distance, is the tallest is yearning for. But because it is a business, coupled with the dozens of individuals, no chance to experience it at close range. And at a distance of only a few snow photos, but also because it was unsatisfactory. Since then, "near the snow, feel the world of Reiki, shoot some nice photos", became one of my little desire – always dreaming.

Himalayan mountain range is the ideal place to go – the world famous snow-capped mountain ranges over the entire group, 8,000 m peak is said to have 8, including the world's highest peak – Pearl Mulama peak ...

Everything is filled with the temptation, not to mention the distance is not too far away. But I am a professing and I was very conscious of their own this weakness. Really let me go mountaineering is absolutely no good, I don't have that kind of courage and Wang strength; Tibet also cannot go, altitude is too high, I had not enough oxygen in the plain, let alone go to plateau.

Nepal is ideal.

Located between China and India, the Himalayan mountains in the Southeast, to the North is to look to the Himalayan mountains panorama. Most importantly, Nepal's view of several major attractions, the highest but 2,000 m, and China's almost Xining. This I also cannot accept.

In addition to determine a good place to have a good guidance and good partners (alone, of course, is a good choice, but if you go to a have never been to a place in the local language is not familiar, it's best to avoid).

In a photography magazine has a professional photography organization Nepal photographic mission to enroll. Wanted to join them in March of that period, but the Organizer said in January, March, of Nepal was too hot. In this way, passports, visas, pay the deposit, the relationship is defined in the estoppel are not like-.

Prepare

I always thought that vision, planning and preparing for a coveted activities, is the most enjoyment.

Because the entire preparation process is full of imagination, and often imagine more than reality.

Because work is not busy, large segment of time.

But travel has become commonplace, abroad or just do more than one visa formalities, and no special preparation. Nevertheless, bought a yellow and white garments to morphed in million can be recognized at a glance. I can never bright clothes Ah. (Results to the Assembly station, found some clothes are quite striking. Haha, white pride. ) Also bought a pair looks very professional gloves and a seemingly can warm hat, fantasy is to mountaineering. In fact, the entire journey is not needed on a few steps. Spend the most, when few with two nice lens, lens than the camera a lot more expensive.

Prepare for not doing anything, but a lot of things.

I know the regiment daily trip photography are quite full, especially every day to play early, in order to catch that a light – this to me, but the biggest challenge. But all in all, in my imagination it is fascinating: chenguang eliminated Red Snow Mountain, in the early morning Temple has just raised the butter lamps, the early work of Nepal who ... I and my colleagues and friends to share my vision. So, I admire in everyone's eyes out.

Departure

Our photographic mission is based in Chengdu group.

January 14, 2008 to get alone, Chengdu has been in the evening. After dinner, in a simple, team leader (is a professional photographer) Organization members to see him shoot photos of Nepal. The integration team photos in a presentation, also with a text and music (pure folk music of Nepal), and then out through the projector, play, let us first class results each and every one of my upcoming Nepal trip full of wonderful aspire.

The next morning to catch the Air China planes, 6 points is going to get up.

To me, this is no small challenge. Fortunately, with people sharing a room, each with a reminder. Our line of 11 people braved the rain and Chengdu continuous cold air out.

In Chengdu shuangliu airport terminal building of the smoking room, a dark, with obvious Aryan features gentleman came along and asked me for a lighter.

I guess he should be Nepal, on the chat. His English with a strong accent of India, you need to listen carefully to be able to understand. He said he has lived in Beijing for five years, and now in Chongqing University MBA. I think he should be a person of noble Nepal, at least in higher castes. I also learned the first and only Word Nepal language – Nama Stay, meet greetings mean, goodbye. Very happy. The next eight days, the most frequent Stay become Nama said most often heard of vocabulary.

On an airplane, you see several people, like Nepal and India is the same person.

Only two of the young and beautiful girl, dressed, in addition to telling a could not understand the language, and other behavior and the girl in the big cities in China, certainly is Nepal's alternative, because since then I in Nepal for eight days, never seen such a fashionable young lady.

From Chengdu flights to Kathmandu from Air China planes (CA407) through Lhasa, where cross the border.

In Lhasa only for a short stay, we also take off. Lhasa to Kathmandu flight less than an hour, during which you want to fly over the Himalaya mountain range, you will fly over Tibet's second largest lake – the sheep Zhuo yumco. No desert plateau, Brown, awesome; long stretches of constant snow, from time to time to step out from the window into view; Green lakes dotted in Plateau snow, more cukuang added angry, too spectacular! don't know go in between will be like?, or take a look. Unfortunately the plane window does not open, but there is not much to the glass clean, so there is no photograph, a pity.

1 hour later, we have landed at Kathmandu airport.

The Terminal has no special features, border officials was very friendly. At the time of customs clearance, first used the phrase Nama Stay Nepal.

Kathmandu

The Nepal's capital Kathmandu is said there are 300 million people, is the biggest city in Nepal.

As one of the nation's capital, even if the country how backward and poverty, are the country's political centre, also tend to be the cultural and economic center, compared to other parts of the country, the capital will be more prosperous and developed.

On the other hand, each of the cities of South Asian countries, including China South of second and third line cities, more or less have some similarity.

For example, a large population (of course is in relative terms), such as building-intensive, such as streets, narrow ... But there are some in Kathmandu is indeed "features" that I had to use the "surprise" to describe my feelings.

Kathmandu residential intensive, street of narrow, slanting silhouettes.

Such a feeling, since I am from the plane at all when there will be a city, and before and after three days in Kathmandu streets of shuttle, more deeply in my experience. Please imagine some in southern China in the original farm, Yue Tian founded on cities, due to the needs of urban development, where the original farmers have no agricultural land, and the whole village population gathered at a speed not greater Homestead, its density is already making people feel depressed, and Kathmandu is composed of hundreds of such rural village consisting of cities, and there is no gap between the village!

Kathmandu is not high, the building has five floors is the high-rise building.

Houses are generally three or four layers of FOOF, floor and the floor immediately, form a long, until the next junction. And a two-lane width of the street, so rows of houses, unbroken. (Kathmandu sidewalk is very narrow, no bike path, bike almost no, a number of motorcycles and cars. ) Did not know until recently, the original Shanghai and not crowded.

Fortunately, the arrival in Kathmandu on the second day, after dinner we returned to the hotel when passing "military Plaza".

In the evening after dark, do not know the square is not tidy, bustling, but at least, there should be three or four football pitches so big. Close to the "military Plaza", there are a number of open space, and finally let me sigh of relief.

In this city, has become the natural traffic.

Nepal is rich with high import duties, in the street run, full of Otto, Tata and the like, just like a "mini cars" big show. 8 days in Nepal, has not seen a BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz three back, including we sit on a 30 000 km of run of the "old" cars. But don't look at the car down a lot of time, quantity, in particular in Kathmandu so crowded cities, in addition to the House, and motorcycles, car.

Car a lot, and traffic congestion is inevitable.

According to accompany said, there are several Hulu Kathmandu, typically to rub-a-half hours to the past (I don't know why they should not walk around). Once to Kathmandu, Pokhara has bronka delay over ten hours, but at the time of entering the Kathmandu city and plugging up – this may just plugging in the road, blocking in mind. 5 km of the road, and spent half an hour.

Would have been amazed by the superb Shanghai taxi driver while driving, you are really in Kathmandu to admire Nepal drivers alley shuttle.

Once I package a taxi (small Otto) in Kathmandu city stroll, car all the way to the Horn, the Chinese call it the "free market" blocks in the left red right, soul-stirring.

Kathmandu city comparison of buildings are almost dull, height, flattened, no feeling of picturesque, apparently no urban planning.

Only one such a House does not matter, in the China Southern towns can often see similar buildings, sometimes found quite chic, but if the city was so smooth, it is really too monotonous. Even the new Palace, is mediocre, just more decorative. Throughout the Kathmandu city, I think the most modern buildings, several United States Embassy – same is short, but with a strong United States Silicon Valley style, let the refreshing, yet people feel very uncomfortable, not harmony.

But in Kathmandu Centre districts outside of some old, also very good to keep my imagination of the new tile Li style.

In the ancient city of bafatan to du bus Plaza in a small street, is the second and third floors of houses lined each window is small, but the window frames, must have very fine decoration, and the old town with bright curtains display master hobby and yearning for a better life.

Kathmandu down there is a remarkable phenomenon that may be developed by the business community "ashamed", that is, the business prospered, or rather "the prosperity of small business."

Imagine, in a house full of short flat, wide streets, crossing the city, a small shop, immediately one can shop wherever open shop. If you have been to Beijing the old Silk market, or Shanghai past Xiangyang Road market, you'll be able to realize the business climate in Kathmandu, except where the whole city is the silk market and Xiangyang Road market.

Business development is developed, but few are large supermarkets, Department stores and the like.

Street side of the body shop supply from clothing, articles of daily use,To books, stationery, food, beverage, fabulous, seems to have no need of modern business facilities, because the whole city is a big market.

I joked with local tour guide, in addition to the money earned little tourists (in this case, because the visitors in addition to buy some souvenirs, generally not in Kathmandu streets consumption), the other main economic sources, is not to increase wealth and earn their money.

Tour deep thought so. Do not see the factory in Kathmandu, no large-scale government departments, or even not even in Cambodia-Siem Reap Cambodia can see scenes of rush. Seems to be the city's people are too busy to even think of sites with their money, in addition to this, is the Sun and chat.

Kathmandu is a dirty city.

The use of "dirty" the word, I'm not feeling too much. With the stench of small river, decorated in full Street (downtown streets) refuse composition of urban greenery Cang razed in, tragically, people can't imagine how this turned out to be the capital Kathmandu is about to leave the home of the airport terminal building, and peer exchange of feelings of partners. I said, Kathmandu is the only one I don't still cigarette also don't feel guilty. (Ironically, after coming back from Nepal and I immediately went to Hong Kong, in Hong Kong on the streets of a corner, two cigarette smoke, ready to leave two cigarette butt turn away, was a security guard stopped abruptly. Colleagues to laugh at me, "there is not a" Kathmandu. ) My comment was recognized immediately, we will be accompanied by a photographer and echoing said he began his film bag carefully carried in the Pocket, find trash tossing. Later also felt as though it is not necessary. Want to come in this dye VAT, to ward off, you need to succeed!

Kathmandu's infrastructure is very general, cuts off the power outages are frequent.

Night on the way back to the hotel, and often see shop to candle lighting. Sometimes on the side of the street there is electricity, brightly; on the other side can only "excuse me". Kathmandu tap water may not be able to cover the entire city, not far from the city centre of three old Imperial Palace, can see people morning queued up water scenes. Water tankers delivered, or overnight in block towers. Local water in plastic drum with blue, yellow, red, very bright, lined up in a row, down into the scenery.

One of the nation's capital, not enough to reflect the country's political and economic development.

Because capital is being glorified. This rule applies in Kathmandu, Nepal and I silence.

Pokhara

Nepal Pokhara is the second largest city, is also a tourist city.

Nepal in Western countries enjoy "outdoor sports paradise", referring to the Pokhara and its surrounding areas.

Kathmandu, Pokhara, 200 km distance between the river connection, tourists can go rafting from Kathmandu, Pokhara and the whole process takes about a day.

We are on the way they encounter two from Beijing of drifters, and their tour guide. But if you do not have enough courage, can't put up with the icy river beat the chill of the body, or as we go by car from Kathmandu (you can also fly, half an hour from Kathmandu to Pokhara).

Connects Kathmandu and Pokhara highway is built, mountain, road, Riverside, and somewhat similar to the West.

Although the highway from a total of only two lanes of traffic, but it is already the most advanced of Nepal "Freeway". Visitors must pray traffic flow, to enjoy the scenery along the way there are feelings, and from time to time to get off experience again the local style. If for any reason the traffic, it's not a village, next to hotel. We're back from Kathmandu, Pokhara, met this once, 200 km road had gone 13 hours!

Was the second largest city, Kathmandu, Pokhara is compared to quiet a lot, in fact, that it is a small town also almost, only 20 million of the population.

However, Pokhara is clean and many, many of the "new rich". If you have just returned from Kathmandu to Pokhara, contrast is simply an underground a heaven. The same is short of FOOF, Pokhara road but no point garbage; only a leisurely drink coffee, and the same leisurely stroll of cattle (cows are sacred in Nepal). You can be in the lake or street side sit down, there is no need to worry about dust (not free of dust, but not much). In this environment a little butts in mind almost too.

Pokhara and the surrounding area offers hiking, rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, downhill, mountain bike, all kinds of outdoor sports.

In Pokhara, everywhere you can see the Organizer on foot small travel agency, offer hiking routes and guided tours. If you have not prepared in advance, and to a local before it was this movement by the atmosphere and would like to engage in any of the outdoor sports, and no problems. Shop devoted to exhibiting all kinds of outdoor sports equipment and equipment, everything, also appears to be very professional.

If you don't love movement, even in such a neat little town, sat ha'afeva Lake, watching the snow and enjoy very authentic full English breakfast (only 20 Yuan or so), it is sufficient to Freehand.

We go to Pokhara, primarily shooting snowy mountains.

Pokhara 900 meters above sea level, lower than Kathmandu. But in Pokhara 22 km north of the Himalayan mountain range is annagh Annapurna Himal. And altitudes up to 4000 m in Tibet, from Pokhara to look, you can deeply feel tall and majestic snow-capped mountains. Luckily, we went to shoot snow mountain Sunrise of the previous night, Pokhara has a shower, let the morning air becomes unusually translucent. Days off before we got to the snowy mountains (In a Highland Langke, most people are found unexpectedly, but excellent photography reservation), Ana Annapurna I (8167 m), fishtail peak (6997-metre) and Mariana Annapurna II (7937 m) are quietly side by side in front of us. Because today's comparison of thick cloud, we're not sure whether the Sun will be able to drill out. When a Chao Yang first landed in fishtail peak's top, we all cheered, then there is a shower of sentries sentries of the shutter sound. Snow Mountain Sunrise beauty is suffocating, day 5 am to get a larger than life, beauty is too trivial.

In addition to the snowy mountains, Pokhara famous there are fees for Siwa.

In fact, Pokhara is developed according to the Lake. If the weather is good (if not in the rainy season, Pokhara weather is generally fine, sunny), snow-covered hills. When boating lake, don't be a view, because people are already integrated in the mountains, the sea.

Distant snow-capped mountains, feet of Siwa, and costs around a wide variety of locals and tourists, this is the peace of Pokhara, but clean and tidy.

No wonder the 1970s, the world's hippy gathered here. That's hilarious now tracks hard to find, but is left to the Pokhara a quiet.

The old Palace

Kathmandu Valley original three kingdoms, which preserved the three Imperial City, the locals call it the "old Palace", namely, the old palace, Kathmandu despatin old palace and Bhaktapur (also known as Valle de post) old palace.

This is a regular visitor to the sites, we also are visited.

When it comes to the Royal Palace, the Chinese first thought must be forbidden.

But the old palace of the Kathmandu Valley, hardly and one-tenth of the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Each of the old palace gate has a square, are called du bus Plaza. Read their "square", must also be on the definition of the "square" with a renewed awareness. Arrive Kathmandu's first day in the afternoon, we went to the ancient city of old Royal Palace bafatan. When we are brought to the front of the Palace, I also asked where is du bus Plaza; the guide a means Palace in front of a wide number of walking routes, "Joanne"-collapsed!

Although it is not large, the Palace interior is not open, but also from the Royal Palace, or you can feel the luxury, exquisite architectural wood carvings and complicated, Apex, and the traditional architecture of China and not all the same.

Had the pleasure of went into the old Bard Kong Palace on the edge of the temple (now there are live living Goddess), entered the courtyard of the structure, upper and lower layers, upstairs, downstairs live door is closed, do not know what purpose. After entering the gate on the right-hand side there is a narrow channel, to another court yard, that's it.

In fact, the three old Palace are not isolated.

They consist of the Palace and the Royal Palace, a building complex of temples. Bard Kong old Palace is the most attractive, not only the larger and more clean and tidy and clean. On the edge of a ceramic "square", is the potters pottery, Sun Tao, it is said that have inheritance for a long time. Bard gang du bus Plaza surrounded by many of the hotel, although the Bard posts from Kathmandu city only half an hour by car, it seems there are still many tourists choose to reside at the Abad gang, you see that bus de post's charm.

More interestingly, old palace surrounding area until now remained important residential area.

In addition to the old Royal Palace internal won't let go of the old Royal Palace as a matter of fact, is part of human life in Nepal, without any special isolation and protection measures. The men in the old palace in front of the Sun, housewives in du bus Plaza shopping, children climb in the temple to climb, and many sleep on the joints of sleep on the on the steps of the temple. As tourist attractions, while foreign visitors also receive tickets, but there are dozens of road (through residential areas) can access to the old Royal Palace, in fact is difficult to control. I had tickets to enter the Bard posts, alone in the narrow streets around, go to go to find yourself and let out the door. Only the entered and greeted the guard that I was the one and the one-China tours, already bought tickets for unity.

Do not know if this is not good, is not of (migrate these residents would require a large amount of fees), at least this way with China are totally different, charming scenery.

History and reality completely fused together, you don't know what is past, what is now. Perhaps, there is no difference.

The small village of customs

Personal thought, to experience exotic cultures, should leave the big cities, go to remote places.

There's a more genuine, more taste horrible. We just had the pleasure of went on a guided tour of that went to three small villages, this is not a general tour of General project. We are early in the morning, afternoon and sunset to the three villages, see Nepal's ordinary people a day from morning to night life.

1 month of sunrise to Nepal to 6 am to 7 points, we got to the first village, it was not lit, the entire village seems to be still sleeping in a quiet, but have seen little light from the window in the shoot out.

We are walking, occasionally see people getting up early, light, or in the wash, or in the breakfast. A young man in the kaoquan, want to be prepared later sold to Mart looks.

Gradually, the sun rises up, the village has also started to wake up.

The rough streets need more and more, buy food for selling vegetables, and small urban scene. Marts are not large, the supply is not too rich, just a few samples of daily vegetable, meat only, also is to meet the daily needs of the village. To draw water, but rarely in China. Since water cannot supply to households, living in urban areas of Nepal who rose early in the morning the first thing to hit the water. Water is the previous day lateCollective water tower on stored in, or in the water came by. People lined up to play the water edge, harmonious and chat. More Nepal people in prayer, and a variety of small temples and bodhisattva full of small villages, everywhere. Pious Nepal person per pass a Buddha, we stopped to pray.

A wide variety of animals, walk in the village, in addition to the person, and your peers have a duck, dog, cattle ...

Tourist guides say Nepal village is open Zoo.

I do not know the institution in the Nepal's day is what to do, when we in the afternoon hours in to another village, people had to sit around in twos and threes in the Sun.

Men sitting around, women in chats about the mundane, surrounded by a group of Montreal romping around children. Such a scenario the cycle and the recurrence of Nepal during the day.

Nepal's countryside and the rural areas of China there is not much difference, are large areas of agricultural land and assembled in a detached house in residential area.

But since most of Nepal is located in mountainous areas, agricultural fields is opened in the terraces on the hillside, the House at the highest point, the terrace is picturesque, charming scenery. Nepal rural House and almost in the city (since the city did not feature), are flat-topped, second and third tier. We arrived in winter, is a busy time of year, but you can still see the dots are no harvesting of farmland, like emeralds as set in the hillside, very beautiful.

Photographic mission to come to the small village brought angry.

Women and children to nature is the main object photographed, they should be so satisfied, they face can be seen and they enjoy the feeling of being shot. Even in the side of the man, also come along for the ride, when the audience. When holding the camera playback out just photographs to look at the "model", they are in high spirits, laughing. Small "models" are given in our candy is nothing niunie, openly received over a mouth in his mouth. Until when he left, the band had only thought of so many devices, but I didn't remember with a "Polaroid", the kind of immediate imaging camera. If you can leave some photos to the children, than to give them candy more meaningful, will allow them to be more long-term happiness.

Nepal who also has a hobby that stand in the upstairs window, see happening downstairs.

People who have nothing to do, all the streets are full of curiosity. Their facial expression, although they did not participate in, but they share the joy of the downstairs. Big cities in China, this kind of scene in 20 years ago, also from time to time, you can see, it may be because people are living Tower, probably because everyone is too busy, or it may favor fade, in short, apart from the floor outside Fireworks, big cities people are hard to catch a glimpse of the downstairs.

The village and before sunset, because people want to prepare dinner.

Then the water, to wash the dishes, more people still in the Sun (although the Sun had already come down), or chat ... I think next they should go home, ate dinner, and then went to bed (small village TV is not universal).

The small village of Nepal's life is peaceful, monotone, cycle.

Language and text

Nepal's official language is the language of Nepal, cannot understand, cannot be evaluated.

In addition, the national also retained this minority language. English in Nepal is not very popular, even in the tourist attractions of hawkers, peddlers of their English was strong in the donation of the local accent. Our local tour guide is a new tile beauty, he can speak the language of Nepal, New Zealand-Lai (said to be the world's most difficult language), fluent in Chinese and English, in Nepal is very rare.

Nepal is "using a line with a small tadpole", like the Tibetan language, but apparently not.

Nepal seem not very cold for Arabic numerals, with license plate numbers are available on the Nepal-man, but still do not understand. Nepal numbers 1 to 9 of like Arabic, so often make a fool of yourself, because people are always less money-Nepal rupees on the front of the text of the label used in Nepal, the reverse is the Arabic numerals, so if you accidentally without both sides, will produce 100 rupees when 900 rupees.

People in Nepal

Although located between Tibet and India, but overall Nepal people prefer India Aryans, its aquiline nose, dark eyes, the woman generally beautiful, distinctive, kids are likable.

(In Nepal in few days, several times had an local children. They are poor, very dirty, but the eyes was kind and friendly. Give them a piece of sugar, they will return to a charming smile and let the heart health. ) In the street by chance can see looks like Chinese, also close to the Tibetan people face.

Less than 30 million people in Nepal is divided into more than 30 people, mostly had not heard of the name.

Now remember, only the new tile beauty (Newars), they are the dominant population basin Kathmandu; and Sherpas (Sherpas), a descendant of the Tibetan people to plateau adaptability is famous all over the world, "a synonym of mountaineering and hiking. Go to the plateau or mountaineering, be sure to bring one or two Sherpas as wizards and porters. Nepal in Pro to leave on the day before, the organizers arranged we went to a restaurant meal Nepal Nepal (my fork, but not like traditional Nepal human hand), there is a dance performance after Nepal. A young woman dressed in all kinds of national costume shuttle between the guests. In the evening they traded a total of eight apparel, shows eight different peoples, but performers still so few bits, but can't figure out their down bottom is which tribe.

Nepal's income level, a graduate of the month

The average wage in 10,000 Nepal rupees, approximately 1,200 Yuan. As our guide, have a University in China, after graduation to Nepal, one of the best units in Nepal Telecom Engineer-, his salary was only 20,000 rupees.

Of course, correspondingly, Nepal's price is not high.

A cup of tea, in the village as long as 5 rupees, approximately 6 cents. (Of course, in the tourist attractions and hotels is different, a cup of tea with milk can be sold to 50 rupees or even 100 rupees. ) In Kathmandu a Villa need 800 000 to 1,000 million rupees, not ordinary people can afford. In total, the entire Kathmandu, also saw several villas on the market and underdevelopment.

Television coverage and richness of the television program, or as a measure of a country or a city economy and culture developed level of flags.

While in Nepal, even in Kathmandu, this level is not high. Street no GOME, suning such major home appliance stores (one can imagine that it is not a common household appliances), some of the most simple TV, refrigerator and air conditioning stacked in 20, 30 square metres of "specialty store" in sales (down are China and Japan brand goods). I asked local to accompany the answer is TV in Kathmandu is fairly common, but air conditioning is a luxury. In the evening back to the hotel, turn on the TV, to my surprise, the hotel provides television channel has over 40, do not know most people can receive so many signals. But fine, I'm disappointed that most TV shows are direct broadcast India, rare few Nepal local television stations, play is imported films, plus the Nepal dubbing or subtitles.

Nepal traditional habit with a piece of baotou, they called it "Sally" wool scarf, the entire head wrapped, just stay out of the eyes and nose, men and women alike.

Compared to Muslim women leaving only two eyes, Nepal who apparently is opening up a lot. Even so, this tradition among young people has long lost its market. Riding a motorcycle in formation of young people would not think of baotou, young and beautiful woman that header "wrap" their beauty. "Sally" baotou this traditional costume, Nepal has become increasingly rare.

For Nepal, our line of outsiders of the most impressive, but they look unique is their idleness.

A man apart from the Sun and chat, you don't see they do any other thing; a woman but also from time to time with the baby, and you want to do three meals a day; Nepal of preschoolers (if not too small) is "frozen" and let them go crazy on the outside.

Objectively speaking, because Nepal is agricultural country, but we went at winter, the farm is not busy.

But if in China, as long as it is slightly more developed areas, even if the farm is not busy, we all have busy doing something else, at least for household, their lives better. While in Nepal have not.

In rural areas and the old city, very rare to man, is said to have to go out to work.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara of suburbs, most wealthy people are few mercenaries family, they are able to cover up the most beautiful house in the village. In GE da wow-Swiss village, we see a very Western style of villas (detached houses in rural areas is the Villa), it is said that their son was serving in the army of the United Kingdom.

Only our land accompanied the tour is a special case.

He has a full-time job, but once the China Mission, he would leave when the tour guide, earn extra money. In China, this phenomenon might be subject to the approval of the leadership, but at least his diligence, he knew that through their own efforts to improve living conditions. I joked with companions, if each of Nepal as our tour guides that Nepal has never been so poor, you also need to rely on foreign relief of Nepal.

I'm in Kathmandu and old palace square in front of the stands, also met a beautiful girl, to sell a wide variety of souvenirs, I.

Her English surprisingly good (at least better than other people who are good in Nepal), also very well-spoken, is an independent smart small businessman. In her repeated lobbying, had no intention of I bought two small things, of course I was severely also the price. Only at this point, the girls before they turned to her father, said a pass phrase, Nepal sought her father for the final price. When I left, I let the girls back to school tomorrow, she "sincere" and promised to say I bought her things, money, must go back to school tomorrow. But do not know is true.

In addition to guided tours, sale of souvenirs of girls and other hard working people, I sunshine only for other and chat in Nepal were not well disposed, only sympathy.

From the moment of begged, I also gave them money, but just in mercy. While those in the tourist attractions and bluffing in the so-called "issue", only know that pose, let the camera, and then collect the money. (They also remember the special carefully, a wave of sentries sound, they will have to press the shutter a person receive money – of course, if you don't give, or purport to give, they would not. ) Due to the characteristics of religious belief, an ascetic is a sign of Hindu country Nepal, Nepal many books introduction to issue on the cover page or illustrations. In remote areas of the mendicant monk may still keep their traditional "hard work", but I can see, a change in the quality of freaks.

While idle, Nepal were very kind and friendly.

Walking in the street, you can hear the sound of the Nama Stay greetings, see sincere smile. Never seen someone shouted invectives Nepal, have not met the robbery and other serious incidents, even no petty theft. Today's Nepal but from time to time there are massive procession, accompanied by the burning of tires, and hit a car, but these are venting their discontent with the Government; the new coalition Government (Including "Maoists") is a dispute, but these are political by each other. Nepal and Nepal, but between those who really live in harmony with the ground. They are so complacent with the world.

Nepal to China are particularly friendly, they appreciate Chinese, because the provision of assistance to them, help them repair, Jianshui factory.

I'm in Kathmandu a Chinese restaurant, a Chinese boy, is sent to help build power plants of Nepal. Walking in the street, people will take the initiative forward and asked you is not the Chinese, the confirmation will speak through you do not understand, but the effect is how good. As Chinese tourists, we get affordable is Abad Kong old palace ticket discounts, Western tourists pay 750 rupees, but with a Chinese passport, only 75 rupees.

The education system in Nepal and China, primary schools, secondary schools, universities, until about 22-year-old graduate work around.

In de post's square, a young man who is English and I were chatting, he said he was prepared to go to New Zealand a Bachelor's degree. I wonder why is New Zealand, he explained that the climate and Nepal. It is said that the nobility of kids are going to Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom to study. In recent years, the Chinese education is also increasing.

In Nepal, but every morning can be seen wearing the uniforms of the students, it makes me feel happy.

Religious

I think, Nepal's idle, peaceful, kind and friendly, and they generally related to religion.

80% of Nepal's belief in Hinduism (in Nepal have more serious caste system, but fine than India), 10% more people engaged Buddhism and other religions also include Islam. Nepal's India Catholics allegedly and Buddhists can live in harmony, not like in India, to spend the ruckus. This is something we feel, because in Nepal, although people have conflicts (mainly political aspects), but have not seen is due to religion. Hindu temples and Buddhist temples than Pro, their bustling, bustling complement each other.

Hindu believe in reincarnation, advocating everything supernatural, so for animals, biology, and every household in the gate of the stone are very awesome.

Every morning, Nepal will to adjacent small temple worship. But this kind of small temples everywhere (especially in rural areas), sometimes just a shed from the top of the idol (don't know what is venerated), also attracted people pious zuoyi Nepal. The brief ceremony (simply zuoyi, bow or the pilgrimage, they called to worship), Nepal who fiddles statue in front of the bronze Bell (Bell), this melodious Bell (Bell) in Nepal after another in the early morning light. There is also the Temple of red paint at eyebrows above (like on television often see people of India, pretty nice), said that God already King. Don't know why, in temporary pigments from the previous day's Nepal restaurant, was dancing girl points a little cool, back to the hotel is also not easy to wash off, a little lipstick.

Hindu devotees believe in Kathmandu on a "living Goddess" we live in an old Palace next to Kathmandu Temple of women.

Visitors can enter the Temple of goddess of women, will also be within the prescribed time from her second floor room stuck to the blessing of receiving it. But you can't take pictures, not India Christians cannot face to face with the statue of liberty on the floor. That day we walked into the female temple after a few minutes, "living Goddess" showed up – just a 10-year-old child, the child's face and stylized smile, but did not speak a Word; no more than 10 seconds, it appears to be a mother or caregiver looks of people pulling back. See local Hindu believers from the narrow staircase, a few minutes and expressionless and down – this is the little girl's life, every day receive different Hindu devotees, and dozens of times to go to stuck out those people who had nothing to do with yourself (rather than being these curious visitors watched), until she is no longer as adults, "living Goddess" role. I don't know what "living Goddess" seen peers outside of satirical play, hear the laughter, is how to feel. Perhaps, Nepal who need a "live" spiritual sustenance.

Nepal who for religious devotion, is integrated into their blood that has been passed on.

In General, for religious beliefs, is often compared to the elderly, the young religious, are already highly diluted or not believers. However, Nepal, whether men, women and children, as long as it is not too "but", religion has become a part of their lives. Especially the morning worship, is a required course. Even young people every day fast (do not know where to go), in front of each small temple, also must be stopped, for editors, knocking down the clock. The day saw a young man, fashionable dress, riding on motorcycles whirled, suddenly in front of a statue, GA however only a bow, the bow point point Rouge, and then knocked out Bell, then sped away. You can turn this into a series of actions to understand "perfunctory", but it can be said to be integrated into the life of "specification moves", because the young people in Nepal, life should be this way.

Nepal trip the most shocking scene occurs in Passo tirumalai Temple.

Passo tirumalai Temple is Kathmandu's most famous Hindu temples, the non-Hindu believers is not allowed. Passo tirumalai Temple of backdoor is on a 10 m see wide river, the locals call it the "small" Ganges. Organizers arranged us to the other side of the River, visit Nepal human cremation! in the cabin, before you go, the enthusiasm for photography enthusiasts, but also ask "will not be burned today (the dead)". To accompany said, as long as you have the dead the day in Kathmandu, cremation, because, according to Hindu tradition, the death of the person must be confirmed on the day of the cremation of the dead. Afterwards we had alsoSolutions that, if a terminally ill person is diagnosed cannot be cured, even a few days before his death in Pro is up to the Passo tirumalai Temple, waiting for cremation.

Along the Passo tirumalai Temple backdoor little Ganges, a line of platform, some small ten, is the place where the wood and the body.

The river there is a bridge, a bridge to the North is the Royal family and nobility, cremation; to the South of the bridge, is available to the General people and families. According to the Hindu, the world of water, gas, wood, fire, soil is composed of five elements, and cremation is just a collection of the five elements, fully embodies the Hindu reincarnation, died due to the spirit of all things.

That day we were lucky to have a noble Lady died.

And at the edge of the ordinary family, Lords of the ceremony more formal, passing, salute, flowers, circling, groom, ignition (must have the eldest son of ignition) ... Full program a lot; to say goodbye to family and friends of Hospice also obviously more, there is no Chinese wail, but everyone's grief or overflow from the first table.

In this scene, very quiet, only hear crackling fireplace burning cracking sound.

And the strong smell bad (actually it is the smell of wood burnt) is to this scene added a solemn atmosphere. Each heart to fear, to cast between life and death, just out of living breathing, camera and video camera records with only a 10 meters of the River in this scene.

Apart from Hinduism, Buddhism in Nepal is also very popular.

Prince Gautama is Nepal. Nepal is very near from Tibet, the Tibetan Buddhism. The four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal has temples, Suva Yang monastery is one of the most famous one. Because many monkey Shuttle, Suva Yang monastery is also known as the monkey Temple, located in an earth station in Kathmandu. There, you can watch the panorama and the distant Kathmandu Himalayan mountain range.

Suva Yang monastery of the highest top of the pagoda, is a country with a three eyes on every Buddha, from the four directions to monitor the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Buddha nose is a huge question mark. This model becomes Nepal except an ascetic, another landmark images.

Stupa of the base is a circle of prayer, in all directions to the Buddhists, according to the direction of clockwise, over and over to him.

And China, the Chinese believers (in part), I think the most out of the immediate utility, or as Choi, or as a blessing, or for Christmas, or even to numerous.

I can understand, but really do not know Nepal's conviction is for what. Perhaps for the afterlife (like real mendicant monk), is probably not for everything. They are in this pious atmosphere, idle and peacefully live a day, day after day.

Residence

Nepal homes, whether in urban or rural, seem almost from the outside – the vast majority is flattened, two to three floors, the second layer above have surrounded the building of a balcony.

In rural areas should be a household in the city will have several shared accommodation. The most admirable is the roof of the families are one and the entire building, large balcony. Although many balconies are no fences, Nepal or above, cool clothes, eat or (most common) is the Sun. If in Pokhara closer to those from the snow, you can sit in honey and big balcony, bath with the Sun, towards the towering snow-capped mountains, have a cup of tea with milk of Nepal. Unfortunately, photographic mission "line perturbation in a hurry", do not have access to this room feast.

There is no chance to go home and visit to understand their inner lives.

Just in the GE da wow-Swiss village, in a family downstairs into a half-day. The master did not invite, language barrier, that inconvenience a hard Red House door. See the first floor is a large organization, as the kitchen, dining room and utility room upstairs to the bedroom. The furniture is very simple, just as there is no electrical appliances. City living conditions should be better. Prior to its departure, go to the restaurant is located in Nepal, it is said that the building is 100 years of history. Mud-brick structure, the stairs in the center of the whole House, the rooms are distributed around the staircase. Each room is not big, also has suites, the door is arched openings, no door.

The travel-related

Accommodation may be tourists to a foreign country most concerned about.

Nepal several major cities in the hotel are very good, and the street of messy than just day difference and don't. Although not seen too many international brands, while those from Nepal who own (to own luxury hotels in Nepal is most people's trust, we live in Kathmandu hotel is the Royal opened) and management of the hotel are also good. The building is not high, old elevator, but the room has a comfortable bed and a standard toilet. In Pokhara we live in a hotel, with a huge Garden, golf driving range and putting green. In Nepal standard five-star hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, this international city, even if not a five stars, but never less than four star, you can safely live.

In Pokhara and other tourist attractions nearby, there are a large number of small hotels, from the outside look very neat and clean, large hotel is much cheaper.

Nepal's food is not afraid to flattered, cauliflower, tomatoes as Nepal's major food, and some meat cooked together, plus some Curry, make the half stem not dilute, mixed with rice and is tasteless.

(Accompanied by Chongqing friends have the foresight to bring a big box of assorted spice, hot pickled mustard tuber, rely on them before the next meal. ) Traditional Nepal people eat hand must use the right hand. I really do not know their wet food to how to grab it. Even without his fingers, our line of 11 individuals, there are two serious ladu.

Nepal's water quality is assured that various introduction

Nepal's book and the leader is not advised us to drink the local water. Photographic mission to this also specially prepared on the wagon of bottled water. Tea is a very respected me, Nepal's first milk boil, and then placed into tea (black tea) heating (but not boiling), and then filter out the tea, sugar, a cup of strong tea is passed. Milk tea is more common and more delicious drink in the hotel, you do not have to buy a cup of the entrance.

If you are familiar with the Kathmandu or local friends, you can let them take you to a Chinese restaurant.

In Kathmandu can eat very authentic (more than authentic Sichuan) Sichuan cuisine. But away from Kathmandu, you do not have the taste buds.

Nepal's traffic is very poor – transport, taxis are trim.

Fortunately, our photographic Mission Pack a 30 seat of "old rush" not only manned, also has the ability to put our equipment and baggage, or they just don't know how to overcome this in Nepal for eight days. Worse, Nepal often traffic jam, time is not easy to control. In addition to/from Kathmandu and Pokhara and surrounding tourist attractions are not far from the hotel to every one of spots, drive a car for half an hour you can reach in General. (From Kathmandu to go there with another concept Desperadoes, the ideal place for trekking, you need to drive for two hours. ）

As long as not in the rainy season (every year from April to September), Nepal's climate is very pleasant, that is, the difference a little sooner or later, you need to be aware of.

In January, the temperature before sunrise in 1 degree, we are going out wearing down jacket, hat, gloves; at midday ten degrees, wear a shirt. The weather is generally fine, sometimes there is mist in the morning and back in (Kathmandu Valley especially), but to 10 points or so also it up. If you go to the photography, 11, 12 months are the best.

Nepal has its own currency – rupee appreciation of the Renminbi, thanks to the constant, and as we learn of the Nepal and continued, the Renminbi exchange rate and Nepal rupees from our just in time of 1: 7.90; to the left is already successful bargaining to group 1: 8.60.

Nepal there are 200 million mobile users should be able to use GSM, but often signal is not good.

This in those exceptional circumstances, very worried. Fortunately, at the same time, same place, a cell phone has a signal, there's no (all with China Mobile), you can borrow from each other. If you use fixed telephony is more trouble, because the language barrier, do not know how to dial-up.

Two different general experience

In Nepal two things, give me the opportunity to Nepal showed further understanding.

The first is from Kathmandu, Pokhara returns way car road to half that found in front of a traffic jam, a wide range of vehicles as a dragon.

Originally only two-lane roads, because those who do not observe traffic rules are more is packed. Nepal's coach, is sitting on the roof, then some down activities at shengu, or sit on the roof, bustling.

Get off at our local tour guide and find out what really happened.

No 10 minutes, he came back, said to be in front of 1 km, a car hit a child. A child has been taken to hospital, but the children of families stopped the car, in compensation for medical expenses for bargaining. They can regardless of the subsequent one battalion marched back to Kathmandu.

Our guides are experienced, said such a thing is not the first time.

Their bargaining power to at least several hours; they talk about the end price after transport to dredge and a few hours. Fortunately, our parking place, a famous Temple, there are a restaurant, we can rest, also have food to eat, have a drink of water. So we asked the next walk 1 km. This break is from noon until the sun goes down. Finally, returning to Kathmandu Pokhara just 200 km, we set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. arrive Kathmandu hotel.

Those of us from Chinese tourists is not understood.

Traffic accident in China also occur from time to time, but will never cause a traffic jam for up to 6, high 7 hours. Throughout the process, not to see the police, the police car, no road management departments (perhaps they simply no Highway administrations). Don't know what the Government of Nepal to their people do what to write.

Another time, in our temporary leave Nepal.

That day we came to Kathmandu airport, after customs came to the airport lounge to wait for the original should be 10 a.m. many aircraft taking off back to Chengdu (through Lhasa), but all the way up to 12 point, has not notified the plane took off, and no delay in notification. This can make us anxious, language and not, local airport ground staff also said it's not clear exactly what was happening. Until 1 p.m., a message appeared in many inquiries were confirmed after: due to the lack of flight standards in Lhasa weather, the plane cannot take off. Airlines decided to flights delayed day! worse, just before we leave the hotel to the airport shortly after the people of Nepal, Kathmandu protest against Government increasing the price of gasoline and natural gas, and held a rally, all traffic standstill! we'll go back to the hotel is also not possible!

Another hard wait, but this time do not know what is waiting.

Kathmandu airport conditions generally, walking and there is no place for the rest of the hotel, hotel and restaurant. A flight over 100 people, crowded in not big VIP lounge – the only advantage is to know a lot of friends, Brazil, Japan, Chinese tourists are from all over the country: Xinjiang, Tibet, Beijing, Shanghai, there are.

Finally, at about 6, notifications can be back to the hotel.

We hurried ground vehicle, hindsight is the Chinese Embassy in Nepal Embassy car, because only diplomatic vehicles through urban areas. Back to the hotel, our local guides heard circumstances also specially came to see us (the second day, and we give away, really very grateful to him). But we are not in the mood, sleep early (luggage on aircraft, nor can you wash).

The next morning, 7: 30 in the hotel collection, but found no car.

That is the airline booking travel bus due to traffic reasons, failed to arrive in the hotel; also a view into the car, the driver has not come yet. Since that time information very confused, who was also very noisy, we can only wait.

The street begins to lively.

Hotel closed the door to the courtyard, not let us go out, or it may be to prevent the impact of the crowd outside the hotel. We can only be achieved through a small hole on the front door to the outside – procession full gathered together, they were shouting slogans road, and from time to time there are the roadside burning rubber tires.

Suddenly, one of the organizers came to us and told us to go.

We were asked to line up in a long line (this is more than 100 people's long AH), the organizer's lead and hotel staff escort, drill out the side door of the hotel, and then along a small roadside trot, by what seems to escape. A corner, we ran into a massive parade, are young men, showered, shouting slogans high, in a hurry. In fact, these young people for our visitors and no malicious. There are people taking advantage of the watchword of the gap, we are not a Chinese, and then shout "Hello" in Chinese.

Go about 10 minutes to see come to meet our bus.

Original car is too large, the main road and demonstrations set up road blocks closed, open the door to the hotel, we had to walk on the bus.

Bus powered-up, I found the entire Kathmandu, in addition to our two buses, there is not even a bus vehicles! with a police car, only a few of the police, do not know what to do with.

(Heard in the work of Kathmandu will walk to work, do not know is true or false, but at least our tour guide. ) Walked, although the drivers very carefully chosen moral, we forward or barricades, and a group of demonstrators. We do not know what to do, the leader of our photographic mission suddenly have a flag, that is our flag of photography with the British asked the "friendly" Nepal (Sino-Nepal Friendship). Team jumping out of the banner, and cried with a loud voice, "Chinese, Chinese". An apparently demonstrators small head and his whisper a few sound, they should take the initiative to put roadblocks clearing away.

We are finally booked to the airport again arrived at the airport and idly delayed for several hours after we finally got on the same day at 1 pm or so taken off.

(Since Lhasa still not landing standards, we are direct flights to Chengdu from Kathmandu. You can go home, we are all in high spirits. Just bitter those originally planning to go to Tibet. ）

Now back to Kathmandu airport event of the entire process, and is not dangerous, but there are some warmth, is an unforgettable experience.

Closing remarks

After returning home, when someone asks you what Nepal, I say "half is Heaven, half are hell."

I will not recommend my Chinese friends now to go to Nepal, unless you have a tradition for various persistent devotion. Then, and so on, to see how their Government's performance. (If you want to go, you can immediately after arrival in Kathmandu and Pokhara transfer to stay a while. ）

Lonely Planet Guide in Nepal introduced book "quick tour", concluded that "in the past, Nepal politician thoroughly had failed the people of Nepal ...

This time the people of Nepal will be closely monitoring them ". Deep thought so.

In just eight days, to understand a country's political, cultural, religious and customs, is almost impossible, moreover we also spent a lot of time in photography.

Just put a little experience and feel down, which will inevitably be lost too lame. This text as a memory retention, in order to allow yourself to not forget this experience and Himalayan mountain people, but in fact, how could I possibly forget!

Itinerary

2008/1/14

Shanghai-Chengdu

2 hours 45 minutes

2008/1/15

Chengdu-Lhasa

2 hours 30 minutes

Lhasa-Kathmandu

1 hour

Pago Tan old Palace

2008/1/16

A small village

Suva Yang monastery

Passo tirumalai Temple, cremation

2008/1/17

Bard Kong old palace, pottery square

GE da wow-Swiss village

2008/1/18

Kathmandu-Pokhara

p>

Ha'afeva walk by the Lake

2008/1/19

Sabah Langke Sunrise

Ha'afeva Lake breakfast, shopping

2008/1/20

Back to Kathmandu Pokhara

2008/1/21

Old palace in Kathmandu

Shopping, city shooting

Nepal meal

2008/1/22

Flight, did not go into

2008/1/23

Kathmandu-Chengdu

3 hours 30 minutes