Then, I realized it was just a real Corn Husk doll. Bummer!
Namaste from the Roof of the World,
Mike
Friday, March 23, 2018
Excitement And Disappointment
I saw this sign and got excited. Oh boy, Nebraska Cornhusker stuff!
Then, I realized it was just a real Corn Husk doll. Bummer!
Namaste from the Roof of the World,
Mike
Then, I realized it was just a real Corn Husk doll. Bummer!
Namaste from the Roof of the World,
Mike
Don't You Just Hate It When . . .
We have plenty of feral dogs lying around. Sometimes, they even lie in the road.
But, don't you just hate it when you are going to your favorite ATM and a cow is blocking the way? Arrrrgh! Maybe tomorrow . . .
Only in Nepal (and, maybe, India.)
Namaste from the roof of the world,
Mike
But, don't you just hate it when you are going to your favorite ATM and a cow is blocking the way? Arrrrgh! Maybe tomorrow . . .
Only in Nepal (and, maybe, India.)
Namaste from the roof of the world,
Mike
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Nepal is #1
"According to the 2018 Environment Performance Index, Nepal's air quality has become the worst in the world, ranked at the bottom of 180 countries!"
This has mostly to do with the Kathmandu Valley where I live. I live in Patan, which is next to Kathmandu. There are 3 cities in this valley. Patan is close, but not as bad as Kathmandu.
Now that I live here I understand some things about the Bible that I didn't before.
One thing is the concept of washing of the feet. In my mind it was about humility. But, if you wear sandals in an area like here, it is no different than washing your hands before you eat - you wash your feet when you come home.
In Thailand, they wear sandals a lot because it is so hot. But, it is not so dirty (in Bangkok) like it is here. Here, in Nepal, it is very dirty. However, now, everyone wears shoes. So, people take their shoes off when they come inside. You will already have a layer of dust on your shoes like if you didn't dust your living room for 3 months.
Many stores here are open air. Many others keep their doors propped open for air. All merchandise is dirty. You buy a bag of oatmeal, the cashier rings it up, then the bagger wipes off the thick layer of dust and puts it in your bag. And so on . . . Add to that fact that expiration dates are meaningless here, you have to carefully check each packaged item before you buy it. Add the yearly monsoons and you also have can goods with rust on them.
Another interesting aspect is the idea of idols made of stone. I never thought much about it. There is God and then everything else. Thailand is Buddhist and they have a zillion Buddha statues. I didn't think much about them. They are just sitting there happily. Nepal is a Hindu country. They have a zillion Gods and it seems like each God has a zillion ways they look. The common denominator is that they are all freaking scary. We have one in the lobby that looks like it was designed to induce nightmares.
Oh well, life goes on. Since I have returned from Thailand, I still haven't turned on my TV or looked at a sports, gaming, or news internet site. So, I am getting a lot done. My next problem in my game of whack-a-mole for distraction and procrastination is Youtube. So, I have decided to just say no internet unless I am looking up something for Bible Study, Finance, or personal life needs.
It is interesting watching myself convert from USA concepts/measurements to non-USA. I am just now starting to think in Centigrade as opposed to Fahrenheit. It is going to be 23 degrees in a couple of days - Whoo-hoo! (22 degrees C = 72 degrees F)
Namaste From The Top Of The World
Mike
This has mostly to do with the Kathmandu Valley where I live. I live in Patan, which is next to Kathmandu. There are 3 cities in this valley. Patan is close, but not as bad as Kathmandu.
Now that I live here I understand some things about the Bible that I didn't before.
One thing is the concept of washing of the feet. In my mind it was about humility. But, if you wear sandals in an area like here, it is no different than washing your hands before you eat - you wash your feet when you come home.
In Thailand, they wear sandals a lot because it is so hot. But, it is not so dirty (in Bangkok) like it is here. Here, in Nepal, it is very dirty. However, now, everyone wears shoes. So, people take their shoes off when they come inside. You will already have a layer of dust on your shoes like if you didn't dust your living room for 3 months.
Many stores here are open air. Many others keep their doors propped open for air. All merchandise is dirty. You buy a bag of oatmeal, the cashier rings it up, then the bagger wipes off the thick layer of dust and puts it in your bag. And so on . . . Add to that fact that expiration dates are meaningless here, you have to carefully check each packaged item before you buy it. Add the yearly monsoons and you also have can goods with rust on them.
Another interesting aspect is the idea of idols made of stone. I never thought much about it. There is God and then everything else. Thailand is Buddhist and they have a zillion Buddha statues. I didn't think much about them. They are just sitting there happily. Nepal is a Hindu country. They have a zillion Gods and it seems like each God has a zillion ways they look. The common denominator is that they are all freaking scary. We have one in the lobby that looks like it was designed to induce nightmares.
Oh well, life goes on. Since I have returned from Thailand, I still haven't turned on my TV or looked at a sports, gaming, or news internet site. So, I am getting a lot done. My next problem in my game of whack-a-mole for distraction and procrastination is Youtube. So, I have decided to just say no internet unless I am looking up something for Bible Study, Finance, or personal life needs.
It is interesting watching myself convert from USA concepts/measurements to non-USA. I am just now starting to think in Centigrade as opposed to Fahrenheit. It is going to be 23 degrees in a couple of days - Whoo-hoo! (22 degrees C = 72 degrees F)
Namaste From The Top Of The World
Mike
Monday, January 15, 2018
Walking And Talking
I subscribe to a site that sends me a quote from C. S. Lewis every day. Yesterday's was a good one:
"Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world."
I guess this would also pertain to earphones, although, I think jogging is in a different category than walking. There, earphones would be appropriate, if desired.
"Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world."
I guess this would also pertain to earphones, although, I think jogging is in a different category than walking. There, earphones would be appropriate, if desired.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Well, I am back on The Roof Of The World as of Jan. 11th. I am now 8-squared years old.
My first week in Thailand was a lot of fun. I visited a lot of old haunts and did a whole lot of walking. Going from a mile high to sea level really gives you some energy.
Unfortunately, then I got sick - twice. That is amazing since I didn't get sick at all the 5 months I was there before. Upon reflection, I remember, at the hotel, seeing them pour a pot of water into the coffee urn with which we make our instant coffee, tea, and cups of ramen noodles. I think they were pouring tap water into it instead of using bottled water. Arrrgh, it ruined my whole second week. I ended up doing no shopping.
The second time happened 5 hours before I was to leave for the airport. I got frantic figuring I would have to miss my flight and stay in Bangkok a couple more days. But, I took 8 Imodium in the next 3 hours and felt safe by 7 am and went ahead to the airport. Everything turned out alright.
Namaste from The Roof Of The World
My first week in Thailand was a lot of fun. I visited a lot of old haunts and did a whole lot of walking. Going from a mile high to sea level really gives you some energy.
Unfortunately, then I got sick - twice. That is amazing since I didn't get sick at all the 5 months I was there before. Upon reflection, I remember, at the hotel, seeing them pour a pot of water into the coffee urn with which we make our instant coffee, tea, and cups of ramen noodles. I think they were pouring tap water into it instead of using bottled water. Arrrgh, it ruined my whole second week. I ended up doing no shopping.
The second time happened 5 hours before I was to leave for the airport. I got frantic figuring I would have to miss my flight and stay in Bangkok a couple more days. But, I took 8 Imodium in the next 3 hours and felt safe by 7 am and went ahead to the airport. Everything turned out alright.
Namaste from The Roof Of The World
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Money, Money
I was reading a post of "10 things I wish I knew before I went to Thailand." One of these was to have lots of small bills. I definitely learned this the first time I was in Thailand and it is the same in Nepal. Both have a highly cash economy and many people are poor enough whereby giving them a 1000 rupee note ($10.00) or a 1000 Baht note ($32.00) can cause hardship or even problems.
In Nepal, 1 rupee = 1 cent. They do have 1 and 2 rupee coins, but few people use them. Most just round to the nearest 5 rupees, which is their smallest bill. They have bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees.
This may seem like a lot of money, but it is only about $200. From the bottom you can see 5 (red), 10 (white), 20 (red), 50 (blue), 100 (green, and 1000 (white) notes. I have no 500 rupee notes as they are not used much. The 1000 rupee notes are "the reserve" and the rest is spending cash.
Now, if I go to a big place, a restaurant, a big store, or a western coffee shop, I always break a 1000 rupee bill. That saves the smaller bills for all the tiny stores, Foodmandu, and taxi drivers.
In Thailand the situation is pretty similar. I made the mistake of converting all my Thai Baht to Nepali rupees when I arrived the first time. So, I had to start over collecting small bills when I arrived. That was one reason it was a mistake. The other reason is that foreign money is a treasure in Nepal. It is illegal to take cash out of the country. So, if you do, it is useless as no bank or currency exchange will exchange it for you. My US reserve has been decreasing. So, I plan to take back an extra $2000 - $3000 in Thai Baht to Nepal. Although not as good as US money, any foreign money is coveted by Nepalis and makes them happy and agreeable.
In Thailand they have 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht coins. Bills start at 20 and go 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht. 1 Baht = 3 cents. Again, the 500 baht is seldom used and the 1000 baht note is your cash reserve. Whenever I go to a restaurant, a big store, or a 7-11, I break a 1000 baht bill and accumulate change. The change is needed for small stores, street vendors, and taxis. A taxi ride is usually 70 to 150 baht. If you hand them a 1000 baht note, they will tell you they don't have change and thank you for the tip. Of course, you tell them you want your change. They will happily explain they don't have change and walk with you all over Thailand looking for change. They don't really expect the money. But, they enjoy wasting 30-60 minutes of your time to teach you rich westerner a lesson. So, always have change!
Namaste from the Land Of Smiles (Thailand)
In Nepal, 1 rupee = 1 cent. They do have 1 and 2 rupee coins, but few people use them. Most just round to the nearest 5 rupees, which is their smallest bill. They have bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees.
This may seem like a lot of money, but it is only about $200. From the bottom you can see 5 (red), 10 (white), 20 (red), 50 (blue), 100 (green, and 1000 (white) notes. I have no 500 rupee notes as they are not used much. The 1000 rupee notes are "the reserve" and the rest is spending cash.
Now, if I go to a big place, a restaurant, a big store, or a western coffee shop, I always break a 1000 rupee bill. That saves the smaller bills for all the tiny stores, Foodmandu, and taxi drivers.
In Thailand the situation is pretty similar. I made the mistake of converting all my Thai Baht to Nepali rupees when I arrived the first time. So, I had to start over collecting small bills when I arrived. That was one reason it was a mistake. The other reason is that foreign money is a treasure in Nepal. It is illegal to take cash out of the country. So, if you do, it is useless as no bank or currency exchange will exchange it for you. My US reserve has been decreasing. So, I plan to take back an extra $2000 - $3000 in Thai Baht to Nepal. Although not as good as US money, any foreign money is coveted by Nepalis and makes them happy and agreeable.
(20, 100, 500, 1000 Baht bills)
In Thailand they have 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht coins. Bills start at 20 and go 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht. 1 Baht = 3 cents. Again, the 500 baht is seldom used and the 1000 baht note is your cash reserve. Whenever I go to a restaurant, a big store, or a 7-11, I break a 1000 baht bill and accumulate change. The change is needed for small stores, street vendors, and taxis. A taxi ride is usually 70 to 150 baht. If you hand them a 1000 baht note, they will tell you they don't have change and thank you for the tip. Of course, you tell them you want your change. They will happily explain they don't have change and walk with you all over Thailand looking for change. They don't really expect the money. But, they enjoy wasting 30-60 minutes of your time to teach you rich westerner a lesson. So, always have change!
Namaste from the Land Of Smiles (Thailand)
Nepali Transport
Nepal is definitely a third world country. It has one International airport. The restrooms are messy. But, it is small with only 5 gates. So, it is easy to get around and the people are very nice. However, anyone that helps you expects a tip. The one runway is closed a couple of times a year due to lack of maintenance.
Nepal has no railroads. It is landlocked and at the mercy of India. So, Nepalis not only have to pay for graft of Nepali officials, but also Indian officials that can close the border due to "shortages" in India.
Intercity is by plane or bus. Nepal has 2 of the 10 most dangerous airports in the world. Bus travel is semi-reliable.
Intracity, there is both public and private transport.
Public transport starts with buses:
They are old and contribute to lots of smog. To get from the bus stop to your neighborhood, you ride a tempo.
These have a bench on each side. This one is so crowded that someone has to stand on the back step in order to ride. More than half of the tempos are like this. Buses and tempos don't have a schedule. They wait at the end of the route until they are (over)full. For the small Nepali middle class and westerners, there are taxis.
They don't use the meter. Nepalis pay 100 - 200 rupees ($1.00 - $2.00). Westerners always are charged $5.00, no matter where we want to go. So, I very seldom go anywhere.
Personal transportation starts with cars.
This is a big car by Nepali standards. It probably cost about $40,000 after the 300% tax they have on cars and motorcycles. You can get a nice tiny car for $33,000. So, average Nepalis save up for a motorcycle.
Besides walking, of course, they ride bikes, 4 wheel:
3 wheel:
And, 2 wheel:
Business take into account small streets and large taxes by having tiny vans and trucks:
People still manage to get around. Here is a family of 4 on their way somewhere. The little girl is sitting in front of dad and another child is between dad and mom.
It looks like they are dressed uo to go somewhere nice. Note that the motorcycle in front of them also has a family of 4 as both motorcycles weave in and out of traffic. Any space is fair game - in between lanes, in between cars.
Namaste from The Land Of Smiles
Nepal has no railroads. It is landlocked and at the mercy of India. So, Nepalis not only have to pay for graft of Nepali officials, but also Indian officials that can close the border due to "shortages" in India.
Intercity is by plane or bus. Nepal has 2 of the 10 most dangerous airports in the world. Bus travel is semi-reliable.
Intracity, there is both public and private transport.
Public transport starts with buses:
They are old and contribute to lots of smog. To get from the bus stop to your neighborhood, you ride a tempo.
These have a bench on each side. This one is so crowded that someone has to stand on the back step in order to ride. More than half of the tempos are like this. Buses and tempos don't have a schedule. They wait at the end of the route until they are (over)full. For the small Nepali middle class and westerners, there are taxis.
They don't use the meter. Nepalis pay 100 - 200 rupees ($1.00 - $2.00). Westerners always are charged $5.00, no matter where we want to go. So, I very seldom go anywhere.
Personal transportation starts with cars.
This is a big car by Nepali standards. It probably cost about $40,000 after the 300% tax they have on cars and motorcycles. You can get a nice tiny car for $33,000. So, average Nepalis save up for a motorcycle.
Besides walking, of course, they ride bikes, 4 wheel:
3 wheel:
And, 2 wheel:
Business take into account small streets and large taxes by having tiny vans and trucks:
People still manage to get around. Here is a family of 4 on their way somewhere. The little girl is sitting in front of dad and another child is between dad and mom.
It looks like they are dressed uo to go somewhere nice. Note that the motorcycle in front of them also has a family of 4 as both motorcycles weave in and out of traffic. Any space is fair game - in between lanes, in between cars.
Namaste from The Land Of Smiles
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