Shivapuri Village

(The 7000m mountain ranges in the background...the fog is still in the valley so we are presented with a clear view...of course, with coffee.)

I spent only an hour and a half in a jeep to get to Shivapuri; 45 minutes of that spent going 5km/hr maneuvering around the jagged rocks and 'potholes'. At one point, we might as well been climbing straight up a rock face...no dirt on this section. We arrived just before sunset at an altitude of 2000m, give or take 100m.

We (Rabindra, Aman and I) had a quick orientation to the 'village' which sits in the middle of 25 Acres of land then surrounded by jungle to the East and South, a cliff to the North and another village 2km West. In essence, the 'village' I'm referring to is an Eco Lodge. The buildings are a unique fusion of tradition construction and modern design...so beautiful. It was so nice to be surrounded by only the sounds of birds and the occasional human voice. The human voices are the village people who live among the guests in the village and work the day to keep it like home...their home.

Up before sunrise, at the sight of first light, we walked out to the natural terrace and had a lucky day with the sight of 4 mountain ranges, the famous '7000'ers. Like my flight into the Kathmandu valley, the mountains were floating above the clouds - a rich peace.

After breakfast over the valley, we went for a steep hike down to the local farming village then back up the steep hill. I was so taken by the beauty of this place that I had to take the afternoon to just write and read and think. This is the place Rabindra and I are wanting for a part of the school program. This is the place everyone should experience once before they move into the next life. Although, the two huge (by Canadian standard) spiders that accompanied me in my bathroom do not need to stay. The spider's have now been creeping into my dreams and I'm not too sure what that's all about...seriously.

After watching how a gourmet meal is made over open fire, dinner, and a peaceful sleep, I spent the next morning with the cook on a medicinal plant walk around the jungle. Odd enough, we found 12 plants just kicking on the side of the rugged road and that was enough for me. I am compiling a booklet for the owner as part of my proposal for him to keep this place the way it is.

Now, back in Kathmandu I am now staying with Rabindra's family, all 12 members - I've now been accepted as the 13th. They are taking such good care of me and I feel so at home - my room is big enough for a small seating area (on the floor), my bed, my table, and a place for me to stretch and 'meditate'. Our next adventure, is Chitewan Jungle, southern Nepal where I will be visiting on the school projects and trekking around.