66:33/4/5 Nepal: A Bull in a china shop, well, a vegetarian restaurant and some odd photographs from unpublished hikes.

  Today, we deal with a very delicate topic because of the religious issues pertaining to cows in Hindu countries and to an extent, Buddhist regions, too. Anyone who has read our text and seen photographs will understand there's almost not a day that passes, except for the sabbath, in which we don't visit a temple. This is not for religious reasons but rather, such temples are built upon mountain peaks and form part of our hiking challenges and regimen. (It is usually a delight to reach them.) It is also not our intention to understand and explain that eating meat from cows is frowned upon by many Hindus. 

  However, with many Westerners and others visiting the country of Nepal (India would be an even greater example), there is a growing demand for beef. We understand while the locals are not involved in restaurants where a beef steak can be ordered (and eaten), or even purchased as a take-out, it appears that the Russians and Eastern Europeans have beefed up the restaurants. Jen says we ought to stay on the right side of the Russians which could prove awkward along many of the very narrow cliff edges. 

  We are frequently stopped in the streets because we apparently look like westerners and asked, "Where's the beef?" It can be annoying but as Jen is oft to say, "You don't want to have a beef with strangers, do you Jeffrey?" Heck, I don't even want a beef with you, my darling, would be my retort, should I voice it. 

  We also found out that 'Uber-eats' is prohibited in Nepal. However, we have learned that there is an 'underground' organization operating surreptitiously, for obvious reasons, called 'Uber-meats'. It's almost an oxymoron in a country that is the world's most mountainous. Why Jen would mention 'moron' under her breath puzzles me but... 

  Anyway, today things came to a head when we were checking out a menu of what we thought was a vegetarian restaurant. I was studying it quite seriously because I'm fussy of what I eat and am a reasonably strict vegetarian. I noticed a fellow hovering about me, and he sort of mentioned that they have some real specials that are 'less vegetarian than you'd expect'. Before I could think of something intelligent to say, (occurs frequently), Jen gave me the eye. 

  Lo and behold, a cow entered the restaurant. I kid you not. Not a goat, but a cow or maybe a bull. I had not had an opportunity to examine it closely as I was caught unaware. In fact, I was stunned. Live beef in a vegetarian restaurant? You can't make this stuff up. The manager seemed to take it in his stride. Of course, Jen and I don't expect you to believe us but hopefully, once you view the photograph below you might.

  

  Out of curiosity, I asked the manager whether he could provide a form of menu. He beckoned me to follow him into the back while Jen remained fixated on the cow which was gazing at the candy counter. A cow with a sweet tooth, it was amazing. I suppose after a life of grass and ...grass, who could blame it. 

  "Be on guard," I whispered to Jen and then headed after the manager. 

  Long story short, he showed me a type of menu, which seemed to be coded. He quickly explained how it should be read, which I considered pretty smart. Meat was only served at certain times and days. Time was critical because it influenced what a person could eat. Meat was not kept in freezers as it was imperative that regular inspections not result in discovery of illicit food. 

  Typically, people would arrive and select a 'cut of meat' after looking at, not a menu, but the animal. It was important to understand the gender of the animal, too. For instance, if you were a person that liked to chew on the hind teat, you had to be there when the animal was a female, obviously. They had also developed the system to such a degree that they were able to get drinks from the animal, too. Naturally, should you want a 'Bloody Mary', then it had to be a cow on duty/offer so to speak. Should the animal offering of the day be a bull, then those requiring alcohol would be disappointed. Nevertheless, you could order the 'Red Bull' despite the colors of the bulls being black and brown.  

  While a very popular choice was the side of beef, easily pointed out by a customer, the more hidden parts require the use of the menu to explore the animal's anatomy in detail. I believe it gets much more complicated once delving deeper, but I decided to depart before I threw up. When he told me about the fizzy drink both genders provide, I really thought he was taking the 'pee' out of me, but it turns out it was from the animals. 

  He also mentioned that logically, those in a hurry to eat, should be prepared to order raw to underdone cuts. For diners of a more patient nature, the long wait could be eased by the offer of a horn to chew upon, I suppose, as an hor(n)s d'oeuvre. 

  When I asked whether they took precautions in case of a surprise visit by a food-inspector, he retorted, "We always keep at least an eye out of the animal for such purpose." 

  At that stage, not only did I dash out, grab Jen by her 'juicy' rump, but decided to halt a second or two, and offer thanks for being a vegetarian.

Lesson learned: "When it comes to reading about meat, written by a vegetarian, always have with you 'a pinch (grain) of salt'." 

I thought we were trying to get away from California.
People have asked where does that bull come from?
On a slow day, we often play hide-and-seek...lot of fun.
Are you going to move the truck out of Jen's way or am I going to lift you and the truck and...?
Check!
On Sarangkot trail, "I talk to the trees but..."

We have to convince Ellie, our granddaughter who is a superb dancer, to accompany us back to Pokhara. We found this 5-star modern dance studio.
Such enthusiasm on the way to school. Are they normal?
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey