Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Happy New Year!

What could top playing ping-pong with a monk named Namkha from the Solu Khumbu region? Besides eating a boatload of food, that is what I did today with Babu and his family and friends to celebrate Losar. Today is the start of the Sherpa Losar festival, which is the celebration of the New Year. Depending on where you are from, Losar is celebrated at different times but usually in February/March. The big festival will be on March 2nd at Bouddhanath Stupa which will be closeby to my host family's home. Tonight, I accompanied Namkha back to where he is staying while here in Kathmandu, near Bouddhanath, and returned to the stupa with friends Lakpa and Sarmita, to witness and join the throngs of people circumambulating the stupa and lighting butter lamps as offerings. It was quite the sight to see. I wish all of you were here to see this.

My postings will be less frequent starting tomorrow as I will be moving out of the tourist district (loaded with cybercafes) - to an area with less access. I will try to update at least a couple times a week. Please continue to stay tuned - it's great to know that many of you are reading my postings that gives me great pleasure to share!

By the way, did I tell you that Namkha gave me his email address? - technology knows no boundaries!

Namaste and Tashi Delek,
Jackie

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Reading all your updates - the festivals sound cool!

Doxey

Anonymous said...

Hey, Jacks! Sounds like you're setting Nepal on it's ear. Wouldn't expect anything less from ya'! Can not WAIT to see you and your pictures when you get back.

jody

Anonymous said...

Wonderful to experiene this with you vicariously. I've been watching 6 Years and Tibet again to imagine the sights and sounds of the pix I know you are capturing. Also the special today on Afganistan's quake survivors makes me thank you are there, in Nepal, help these folks who have been left with so little and yet retain such joy in life and faith. Wonderful to witness through your eyes. Take care of your self - sounds like it's the time of your life. TS

Anonymous said...

Hi Jackie!!
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. We all appreciate your updates - I can't wait for the video! All is swell in wallingford.
Keith and Hilarie