The Goddess

Today I met with the National Democracy Foundation. I am very impressed with their work and what they have accomplished. I believe there may be opportunity to work with them, but probably not on this trip. It is difficult to offer services for only a one month period. They just completed a study to determine what services government of Nepal would like from them. The actual implementation of those services will not happen for a few months. I will be attending their National Women’s Day celebration on March 8th.

Since the meeting only took a few hours, I had the rest of the afternoon to see some sights and shop. My first stop was the Royal Palace. The tour was interesting. The inside of the palace was very old looking. The furniture was filthy and there was dust all over. The outside was worse; the grounds were left to ruin. I can only imagine how beautiful it was in the Monarchy period. Not sure what they do with the 500 Rupees to enter, but It is not on upkeep of the palace.

I fought a few store keepers to get my price and ended up with one pair of pants for 600Rupees or around $8. They are nice to wear around the hotel because they are comfortable. I did find out the location of a shopping mall and movie theater. Most movies are US and in English. Another evening event!!!

I finally saw the Goddess. She only stayed at the window a moment, but at least I got to see what she looks like. She is six years old and will probably stay the Goddess for another six years (until puberty). I cannot take pictures, so you will have to imagine what a Goddess looks like.

In the evening I went to a Documentary on the class distinction in India; although it is also present in Nepal. It was an excellent story (yes, it had subtitles). I plan on going to a couple more films. This is part of a series playing close to my hotel.

I went with Razenna and a couple of her friends. They are in their 20’s and most went to college in the USA. One gentleman is starting “Groupon” internet shopping for Nepal. Apparently it is really big in India and you can purchase the program from India. Anyone up for some entrepreneurship to start it in other countries?

Namaste