Masked dances of Nepal

At the heart of many Nepalese festivals are ritual dances: without the performance of those dances there is no festival. Historically dances in Nepal as well as festivals themselves were patronized by kings. Only the king could decide to introduce a new dance-drama or a new festival. Special masks are worn during such ritual dances. These masks are made of perishable materials such as papier mache, wood plastered with clay and linen, and are painted in lively colours. The masked dances tell intricate stories about the gods as well as great heroes.

Tranquility of Namobuddha

I am not a Buddhist but when I get tired of busyness and noise of Kathmandu I like to go to one of Buddhist sites, for a dose of peace and tranquility. And Namobuddha is one of my favourite such places. It is an hour drive from the capital and is quite a popular pilgrimage spot. According to the legend Buddha, in one of his previous incarnations, sacrificed his body in order to feed a starving tigress and her cubs and it happened just there, at Namobuddha.

Admiring the Himalayas from Kakani

It can happen with you only in Nepal I believe: you drive the winding road zigzagging among the green hills. The views are spectacular, the air is refreshing and cool. Then one more turn and bum! they are there, the snowy peaks of the Himalayan range. Where were they hiding just a moment ago? You knew they were somewhere out there and still, when you see them before your eyes, you are stunned. By the suddenness of it, by their closeness, by their beauty, by their grandeur. That's what happened with me on the way to Kakani. This place is known as one of the best viewing points to see the Himalayas. But as it turns out the peaks come into perfect view even before you reach your destination.

Let's go to "Alice"

Buckwheat Momo (dumplings)

Namaste!

Last Saturday I had dinner at a new for me place, Alice restaurant. It looked rather cozy, with a mini-pond at the entrance, large children play area and comfortable cushioned sofas. They had quite an impressive menu featuring Nepali, Chinese, Japanese and Continental dishes some of which you would hardly find anywhere else in Kathmandu like cabbage, green and buckwheat momo, bacon wrapped grilled prawns or squid in chilly oyster sauce. We ordered mixed Nepali/Chinese snacks and Continental main courses. I really enjoyed all the Asian snacks but was quite disappointed with the main courses: Lamb Casserole in Spicy Red Wine and Chicken a-la Orange Mustard. The lamb was rather chewy and the orange sauce was too much acidic. There was one more negative point that I need to mention: in spite of the ban on smoking in public places there were people freely smoking at the restaurant and I didn't like it.

Nepal Army band

These guys were  performing during Planet Nepal event. I liked the music they played and I liked their uniform. The sound of those bagpipes is amazing.

Visit to Nagdaha, the Serpent Lake

Namaste!

Though I've been living in Nepal for many years I found out about Nagdaha just a few days ago. So today was my first visit to the place and I really enjoyed it. Nice weather, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings...everything that one needs to have a good day. Besides, boating was also available. Before boarding life vests were provided for everybody.

Russian classic "The Seagull" on the Nepalese stage

Namaste!

Yesterday I enjoyed a real theatrical performance here in Kathmandu. The One World Theatre presented The Seagull, a famous play by the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. Such kind of entertainment is rare in Nepal, plus I was double curious: the Russian classic is staged by an American director and played by Nepali actors in English language. 

One World Theatre is an English language theatre company in Kathmandu, dedicated to presenting intercultural and social justice productions. This form of performing art is new to Nepal and so not quite popular here. I admire the enthusiasm and devotion of the actors who just do what they love to do and try to instill a love of theatre in Nepali people.

I liked the actors play. One of the main characters was portrayed by Kavita Srinivasan. Look at her expressions during different scenes of the play

Tattoo Convention: the artists and the tattoos

Namaste!

This is my third post dedicated to the 4th International Tattoo Convention.  I see tattooing as a form of art, I enjoy looking at different designs that people inked on their bodies. I know many people are still prejudiced against the tattooed persons, they associate them with criminals and violence. Historically tattooing was indeed done by criminals, sex workers or sailors. But it is not like this any more. Though some guys did look a bit tough there was not the slightest hint of rudeness in their behaviour. All were polite, smiley, friendly. Nobody objected to being  photographed.
In today's post a few photographs of the tattoo artists and of  the different tattoos that I spotted at the event.

Tattoo convention: head and face tattoos

Namaste!

These guys will never suffer from lack of attention. Having their heads and faces tattooed they will always catch people’s eye and will always arouse different kinds of emotions: curiosity, perplexity, wonder, hostility, perhaps even fear. What makes these guys tattoo their faces?
These days body tattoos have become acceptable and much less of a tough choice. Face tattoos, however, still leave people wondering if its owner is right in the head or not which, perhaps, is just the kind of reaction the guy wants.
Also, a tattoo on the face distracts people from the expressions on that face, it effectively creates a barrier between the eyes of the beholder and the bearer of the tattoo and helps the tattooed person "hide" their real emotions and feelings behind the "mask" of the tattoo.
And perhaps some do it for religious or spiritual reasons.

Tattoo Convention: expressions

Namaste!

These days the 4th International Nepal Tattoo Convention is being held at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. There are over 100 professional tattoo artists from 22 countries including USA, UK, France, Italy and Thailand. I have already been at one of the previous Conventions, two years ago (you can see the photos here and here). Why did I went there for the second time? Because it is fun! 

A few photographs of interesting people's expressions that I caught with my camera during the event.

Flowers of summer

Namaste!

It is officially summer here in Nepal. And what is the main feature of summer? Flowers. Wherever you go you can see them everywhere: in the neighbor's garden, at the road verge, along the alleys of the park, in women's hair. In every culture flowers symbolize beauty, youth, gentleness. In many religions flowers have spiritual significance as well.

Household items

Namaste!

This arrangement of household items looked so picturesque that I couldn't pass by without taking a photo. You can see here traditional bamboo baskets doko that are used for carrying grass, fruits, stones or even kids; a bamboo carpet, shelves and brooms. 

Traditional Nepalese bejeweled masks

Namaste!

These bejeweled traditional masks I saw at the Gems and Jewelry Show in Kathmandu on Saturday. Aren't they beauties? Turquoise, coral, garnet, lapis lazuli stones are used in their decoration.

Traditional Nepalese Buddha sculptures

Last Saturday I visited the International Fair Trade and Gems and Jewelry Show here in Kathmandu. The entrances to these event's venues were decorated with the magnificent sculptures of Buddha. 

Peacocks, crocodiles and picturesque scenery

Yesterday I spent in a nice peaceful place in Therai called Narayani resort. It is near Gaidakot town. So, what did I see there? Many things. First of all on arrival I was welcomed by a peacock who after seeing me decided to give greet me by spreading his beautiful feathers and showing them off in a dance.

Durga riding a lion

I am not sure but I think it IS Hindu goddess Durga because the figure is dressed in a sari and riding a lion. The lion represents power, will and determination. Durga riding the lion symbolizes her mastery over all these qualities. This suggests to the devotee that one has to possess all these qualities to get over the demon of ego. This lovely sculpture decorates one of the houses in Kathmandu. Have you noticed a lamp in the lion's mouth? Cool...

Ketchup-mania

Namaste!

I know people who like to eat everything with mayonnaise. But here in Nepal people seem to prefer ketchup. French fries with ketchup, fish fingers with ketchup, tandoori chicken with ketchup. Well, I can understand that. But cucumber with ketchup? Doesn't sound that yummy to me. Anyway, this guy serving fresh cucumber slices with ketchup spread all over them was quite popular in the street.

The murdered tree

Namaste!

Every morning during the last ten years I used to have my cup of coffee looking through the kitchen's window. There was a big beautiful tree in some distance from my house. At summer it was a pleasure to feast my eyes upon its green crown; at winter time when there was no leaves it was interesting to watch different birds who liked to  have a rest on its big branches. Thanks to this tree I have seen a cuckoo, a black  kite and even parrots. How many years it's taken the tree to grow that large? And now, a man with an ax came, one hour - and there is no tree anymore. I wonder why cutting down a tree is not considered a murder? The tree was alive, it had started to turn green after winter and then THE MAN came and took its life. And why? Just because some big ass didn't like it to be there anymore. Maybe it stood in his view or maybe its shade took too much light. Or maybe he plans to built just another ugly building in its place. And I will have to stare on its ugly grey concrete walls every morning. I am so upset.

Happy boys

Namaste!

Saw these boys in Basantapur. One of them came up to me and said "You have such beautiful hair". Then he asked whether I would like to take a photo of him and his friends. I did. After that, with an innocent look: "Do you happen to have any candies for us?". I didn't. But I gave them some money to buy those candies. They were so happy...Kids...they need so little to feel happy.

A sleeping rickshaw

Namaste!

The ability of men to be able to fall asleep anywhere and at any time they've got a couple of free minutes really amuses me. Look at this rickshaw, sleeping like a baby in the middle of the day, on the road full of cars and noise. Seems that uncomfortable pose doesn't bother him at all.