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.