Safaris and Buddha

by rc

My last side trip in Nepal was a southwestern journey to Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, land of rhinos and elephants, and the birthplace of Buddha, respectively. I was accompanied by Rohit, my fearless guide and host family member.

How to both look like a local and protect yourself from pollution.

Clear and beautiful day to depart for our journey!

The drive was eventful. We first took a microbus to Kalanki, a hub station, switched onto another bus, then headed off.

This wasn’t the tourist bus station, so it was a little unkempt.

Then we hit mud slides in the mountains that thankfully only delayed us two hours.

Ambulance!

This is typical Nepali style driving:

We made it to the National Park in 7 hours. First we took Monkumori, or Big Heart, coincidentally Winnie’s Nepali namesake, on our way to see elephants.

The two baffoons

My side job

I finally learned why they call it “weed.” It’s so abundant!

We participated in a Tharu drum dance.

Then we took a boat to see crocs and birds

We climbed some trees

Parasite strangling a tree.

Rhinos roaming during our safari

Buffalo crossing the river

Then we went over to Lumbini, another 4 hr away.

Posing next to the Bodhi tree next to Buddha’s birthplace

Nepal monastery

Monks at German monastery

There were monasteries representing so many countries, from Austria, France, Germany, to Thailand, Japan and Nepal. Somehow I doubt Buddha would have wanted to see these ornate displays of worship. Nor the one-upmanship that countries play to see who can build the “best” monastery. Nonetheless the place was striking and some places were indeed quite peaceful. If I had the time I’d try to stay at the Korean monastery and use their peaceful meditation space.

It was great seeing a few more dimensions of Nepal before my departure.