Cremation

While in Nepal, I had the privilege of observing an important Hindu rite of passage - the cremation. Upon death, Hindus are brought to this area, an area made special because of its proximity to surrounding temples. In fact, the terminally ill often hang around this place, wanting to be near the temple when they die. This is believed to bring greater blessing in their future life.

The following pictures show the process of cremation. The body is brought to this area, wrapped in white. Various rituals are performed with flowers, food, and prayers offered up to the gods. The body is placed upon a platform and burned for 3 hours in a wood-only fire. The ashes are swept into the the adjacent holy river. Boys sift through the riverbed rocks and sand, looking for gold that once functioned as jewelry or teeth. The river flows slowly but steadily, carrying away the remains of one who once lived, breathed, laughed, cried, smiled, and walked on this earth. I stand there silent, my heart heavy and my soul troubled by the darkness and sadness that permeates the invisible as the smoke does the visible.

Pushapati

While in Nepal, we visited a the biggest Hindu temple in Nepal, a place called Pusapati. This is also where freshly dead bodies are brought for cremation. I'll add pictures of the cremations later, but I thought I would start with some glimpses of this fascinating culture and people.

Mt. Everest

As we flew out of Kathmandu, Nepal in route to Bangkok, Thailand, I was able to capture this amazing view out of the airplane window. The highest snow-covered peak behind the thin, wispy clouds is Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. After watching an hour-long IMAX DVD on climbing Mt. Everest, my 64 year old mentor turned to me and said, "If only I was a little bit younger...."

Nepal Demonstrations

While in Nepal, I had the privilege of witnessing a good ol' fashioned tire-burning demonstration. They're actually not that rare in Nepal. Someone got hit and killed on the street, and since their family didn't feel like they were adequately compensated, the next day they burned some tires to close down transportation in an part of Kathmandu. All this to prove their point. If anyone tried to pass by their roadblock on motorcycle or with other vehicles, they would do all they could to stop them. After a couple hours of enjoying the billowing black smoke, the police finally took action, charged the protestors with sheilds and beatin' sticks, and the protest was over. No one got hurt, but it was quite a lot of excitement for a Kansas boy like me!

A Taste of Nepal

I recently spent a week in the South Asian country of Nepal, the most fascinating place I have been to in my life. Here a few pictures to give you a taste. I will post more over the upcoming weeks.

Only in Indonesia

Check out a rather unusual Indonesian story at the following link. I don't know what to say except, "ONLY IN INDONESIA!"

http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailtoplatest.asp?fileid=20070310140618&irec=0

Kingdom Cruiser

About one month ago I purchased a fine-running 135 cc, 1993 Honda GL Pro for slightly over $800. I must have a complex with vehicles from 1993. My Buick LeSabre in the States was also a 1993 model. But then again, it was also extremely reliable, and could fit 6 people comfortably. Luckily this motorcycle has been taken care of well and has an engine that is only a year and half old. It won't win any races, struggles slightly on steep hills, and hits potholes with great frequency (I guess that's my problem not the bike's), but gets me around, and seats two with comfort. Come to Indonesia. I'd love to give you a ride.