63.21 Nepal: Shanti Stupa and Lord Shiva Shrine: Linking two Temples on one climb: Land, Language, Culture: Form a nation.

Another approach to our accommodation close to Shanti Stupa. Water is murky following a previous evening's rain.
The next leg of the climb to Lord Shiva's shrine.
Depending on where one stands, sometimes literally, or more commonly thought of as a point of view, one can arrive at surprising opinions of the land of the Nepalese. While one might wax lyrically or "sweatingly" of the big mountains, it’s in the villages, towns and cities that one derives the true feel (and feelings) for the culture. Of course, this does not mean that the beautiful countryside, the overwhelming stature of the mountains and other scenery doesn’t count but rather, there are many facets to that which makes a land special or to the contrary, not particularly inviting...continues below...

Jen leaves the jungle as she heads for the steep path up to the temple.
On track to begin the climb, through the gap, a particularly steep one but fulfilling.
Good progress as the Shiva Temple is now in clear view. Below is an interim commencement point, the Shanti Stupa or Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Looking back down on the lake and City of Pokhara.
Enjoyed this view particularly.
Looking to the right of the lake, part of the city...the general direction of our commencement. The wide road below is where we ride the bus when we're a little tired (lazy).
Arrived safely. Lord Shiva, together with tiger, serpent and other appurtenances, looks down upon us. (It appears that his expressions don't change much, certainly we haven't noticed during our various visits.) A tour group from India seem to take over the area on this visit, all dressed in yellow t-shirts.
For those looking for some entertainment rather than a spiritual experience, next door is an amusement park.
An up-close view of Lord Shiva.
A little night action. Actually, very early morning (1am) when we took a bathroom break only to confront this scene.
At the lower altitude of Shanti Stupa, one can also partake in rides at another small amusement park.
From across the lake on the opposite mountain, another view of Shanti Stupa.
Viewing the quiet side of the lake as well as the peak of Sarangkot across the water.  

One of us gets his karma along this hike.
In closing, an earlier view of Lord Shiva sitting on his high horse...tiger.
  In some ways, it feels that one is stepping back in time. In fact, Nepal is many years ahead of the rest of the world except for the Israelis and Jews (5784). Of course, it all depends on the commencement points. Currently, we are in the year 2081 in Nepal which probably does not augur well for typical westerners looking to the future. Mind you, there are still iPhones, computers and sliced bread, if such things are essential to a meaningful life. Apparently, iPhones are critical (fantastic inventions and technology) but not in my opinion, a benefit for societies, particularly children…and the rest of us. (That should get a rise out of many.) 

  As we head toward a vegetable store (or any destination), walking partly in the road and along the sidewalk, we notice surfaces that are damaged, uneven, partly built, pot-holed, a scene of incomplete and haphazard construction. When we arrive at the store, we greet the proprietor who is due to give birth within the month. She returns the greeting with a face lit with joy, eyes sparkling and a warmth so rare in similar situations in the western world. While we understand we are but one of her sources of income, it’s not possible to be that excited over our infrequent and modest purchases. But that’s not the point. Her attitude conveys to us a feeling that lifts our spirits and make us feel joyous. How is it that a somewhat menial task of walking to and from a store, purchasing staples that are hardly exciting, being in a shop that’s grimy, dusty, cluttered…it gets worse, carrying one’s plastic bags laden with cabbages, potatoes, onions, eggs, etc. back home is able to make one feel so uplifted? 

  In some ways, one could say what kind of idiot are you, Jeffrey? I don’t need to reply to that other than to feel that when two strangers meet, conduct business or have social interaction and at least one of them walks away feeling the world is a better place for having the experience, then we are indeed fortunate. Remember too, that a language barrier exists; much communication takes place in many forms besides sporadic words. 

  Should this be a one-off occurrence then it would be almost meaningless. However, we are pleased to mention these types of relationships occur frequently. In restaurants, cafes, places of accommodation, you name it, one feels the vibe. Admittedly, and correctly, it has to be a two-way effort or communication. But it happens and each time it does, one feels that maybe one has had a glimpse, no, has experienced how the world is supposed to function. Specifically, how humans should be treating and respecting each other. 

  Funnily, the low standards of commercial transactions, lesser hygiene protocols, the strains of less-than-ideal forms of transport, comfort, accommodation, convenience, payment transactions…all the comforts of western living standards become less important, less meaningful and not essential. Once again, we doubt all people behave in such manner. But we do believe that when people are treated with respect, such respect is returned, sometimes with interest. 

  As a further aside, it would appear that the more traditional approach to life of the older generations is not being followed by the younger populace. While this is our own opinion based upon observation (subsequently mentioned to us on a few occasions), it does not surprise us as the world appears to be developing a type of homogenous culture and behavior as technology preaches a single discipline. 

  Providing gratuities in western countries and particularly in the United States is considered obligatory, not voluntary. It differs in Nepal where it’s not expected. In restaurants, coffee shops and general stores, relationships seem to develop and one may call us emotional, but we can’t help being generous with tips and gratuities, a form of payment for the joy we derive. 

  We passed a restaurant at the beginning of a 3-day minor trek. We stopped for tea and coffee, picked up a Coke to take with us as well as a spicy packet of chips (never do the latter). The woman was so sweet and obliging that I wanted to hug her. Most importantly, her eyes and facial expressions said it all. Three days later on our return, we stopped in for a rest, to take in the view and ordered tea and coffee. She pointed to a Coke and then a packet of spicy chips. We took them both whether it was our intention or not. Jen mentioned that we should collect the Coke upon departure, so it remained cold. When we left, we noticed she pulled the Coke from the freezer rather than the fridge. She had gone the extra yard. 

  Our stay at the accommodation was enhanced by the young staff members. They were obliging and interesting and interested. We mentioned in an earlier text that we were presented with scarves and flowers on our departure. The one youngster portrayed attributes of our nephew. It was as if we were talking to a much younger Justin who had the same facial expressions and movements. Two completely different human beings and yet, many similarities. 

 On the walk back, we pass Devi's Falls (again) and Phewa Lake at the dam side. 

The flow slowed down considerably since the previous visit...less rain but not by much.

An extension of Phewa Lake arrives at the dam.

Looks to have already sped-up, probably raining across the way.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey