Slaughter of the Innocents

At the end of our stay in Nepal, the last country on our Asia itinerary, here comes yet another cultural-religious shock. I never doubted for a minute Asia would disappoint in shaking up our European outlooks on anything from religion to food taste, moulded nice and safe for years within our comfort zone. This wasContinue reading “Slaughter of the Innocents”

Nepali DNA

Astrologers, fortune-tellers and soothsayers – liars with a vivid imagination or individuals with psychic and paranormal skills? The science-oriented Western world perceives them as the former kind; the Oriental civilizations treat them more like doctors or weather forecasters, who have the skills and knowledge to prevent natural catastrophes and personal tragedies. I decided to findContinue reading “Nepali DNA”

Happy Himalayas

There are many books written about the Annapurna Circuit trek which focus on the local people, their traditional lifestyle and religious practices. Their authors claim the trek is a spiritual journey within yourself as the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas together with the amazing, warm-hearted people inhabiting this region reach the deep hidden feelings ofContinue reading “Happy Himalayas”

Naturally Nepal

In the early light, the rock shadows on the snow are sharp; in the tension between light and dark is the power of the universe. This stillness to which all returns, this is reality, and soul and sanity have no more meaning here than a gust of snow; such transience and insignificance are exalting, terrifying,Continue reading “Naturally Nepal”

Kathmandu Stroll

A touch base place for trekkers and climbers. Here you’ll get all your missing gear and find guides and porters for the upcoming mountain expedition. But it’s so much more than Westerner-oriented Thamel and Freak Street. It’s a city of the living goddess, Kumari; people practising a blend of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, and amazingContinue reading “Kathmandu Stroll”