A Virtual Tour of a Nepalese Village

Basthalabesi is far from modernization, but we have few regrets because we have nature.

"Internet is the window to world." The saying has more meaning in my life while I am in far from family and friends. In the course of employment I am abroad for three years, but with the help of the Internet I am getting updates instantly from my friends and family.


Yesterday I got an opportunity to have an online chat with my brother. He is a teacher in a government secondary school in Thulopakhar-Sindhupalchok, a quite remote but beautiful hilly region of Nepal. It takes about three hours bus travel from my village. Mostly on weekends he visits home.

Yesterday he shared some photos of my village which he had snapped recently. It was really interesting to communicate by sharing photos. I felt as it I was making my own visit of my village. I recalled my past days which I had there.
Mostly I recall my daily activities at bedtime. While recalling that; this story idea arose in my mind. As Ohmy News International has a global readership; many people might be interested to know about another part of the world, so the story of my village could be an interesting story for many viewers. I am taking you on a short virtual tour of my village, Basthalabesi.

Village homes


Basthalabesi is small village situated at the base of the mountain and river called Jhu Khola which ends in Sunkoshi, a famous river of Nepal. It is located in Kharelthok VDC, Kavrepalanchok district, Bagmati zone. It is almost a small valley. It is 55 kilometers east of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Bus is the only means to travel. It takes about three hours bus travel from Kathmandu. It is linked by a local road, Araniko Highway, with the capital.

Growing crops and preparing for next season


About four decades ago there were no houses. People used to live in the upper hillside only due to the threat of malaria. But there ware some cattle ranches and farms. People used to come in the morning to work at the farm and feed cattle, and moved back in the evening. Later, after control of malaria was established, they moved down there.

houses at the base of a hill; looks like a resort.

Recently there was rain, so it looks like a very neat and clear environment, but the river is flooded so it does not looks better due to muddy water. The view of farms and trees looks very nice, as if just polished up. The main activity of villagers is farming. Due to the recent rain, there is a busy schedule of work. It is the time to plants seeds. Now many farmers grow different seasonal and off-seasonal vegetables, which are more beneficial in a financial way than rice or corn. But farmers say there still is a difficulty of market and transportation.

Maturing corn


Most of the houses are built in the traditional system and pagoda style. They are made of mud and stone with roofs of mud tile, but nowadays many people use tin. Some of the new construction is made in the modern style also, with brick and cement with concrete roof.

Ongoing construction

With wonderful greeneries and peaceful environment, the village looks like a really beautiful piece of natural Nepal. However with the lack of infrastructure and development, life is still difficult there

Beside the wonderful scene of greeneries and jungle there is a threat of wild animals also. Often some wild animals like tiger, jackals and leopards appear. Many time wild animals had attacked the domestic animals and humans too. There is not such a big jungle where they can stay permanently. It seems they come through the jungle of the riverside from Tarai; the western region of Nepal
My brother informed me that just a few weeks ago a tiger killed two goats of one villager nearby my home. Villagers trace the movement of tiger by its footprint or smell. He adds nowadays he often hears the roar of a tiger at evening or midnight.

Basthalabesi is still quite far from modern infrastructure and development. Due to the problems of the country with political instability and internal conflict, many development processes are postponed. With peace, some development programs are slowly crawling along. The local road is still graveled only, which is linked with Araniko Highway. It is nine kilometers from the village.

It still lacks electricity. Some villagers are using solar systems for light and to operate radio or television. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is planning to supply electricity. It might take two or three more months to provide electricity.

In the sector of communication, CDMA telephone has been made quite easier, but with the lack of electricity it is not easy extended. Villagers who have solar systems or other alternatives like battery can operate CDMA phone there.

There are is one government primary, one secondary school and one private primary school. The secondary school is quite far from the village. It takes more than one hour by foot and not less than half an hour to primary school too. So many villagers send their children to Kathmandu for study. There is no higher secondary school or college.

Most of the students moved to Kathmandu for higher study. In the course of study or after study most of the youths are engaged in some job or their own business in Kathmandu. So they don’t move back to village. Unemployed youths also tried to move into the main cities or abroad because there are no opportunities of job and infrastructures for business or industries. And those who earn a good degree or achieve better financial position settle in big cities and don’t want to go back. As a result there is a very low ratio of young and energetic peoples in the village. This tradition has made a negative impact in the development of the village.


Note: This article is also available on
Ohmy News International

Blue Sky With Crazy Clouds

Light blue sky with crazy clouds
Dancing flowers with murmuring winds
Thrilling wave of wonderful river
Let's go and find the real picture
Canvas of earth and color of nature

Birds invite me with trembling wings
And wind whispers with soft voice
"Let's dance and sing we altogether
The song of nature and its creature"

River ask me with moving waves
"Where are you going with crazy heart?
I am the source of cool and fresh
See! The joy of colorful fish"

Green ground ask me with thrilling grass
"Come-on; sleep in my caring soft arms
I will carry you with wonderful dreams"

Far from cities, far from noise
Dancing birds with colorful eyes
I thank to god for their loving life
And the creation of this beautiful place

It is the place where I entertain,
The warmth of sun and showers of rain
Perfume of flowers and scene of mountain
Dance of butterflies and music of rain

Yes!
It is the gift of nature and my destination

Note: Check it also on Ohmy News International

Exploring Life on a Canvas



Painting; a combination of colors
That explores the depth of feelings
Painting; a virtual mirror of life
That reflects the picture of life

When I play with color
I couldn’t control my hand
To explore my feelings of mind
Drawing the shape of wordless feeling

I paint the joys of life
Love of heart and smile of lips
Giggle of child and peace of elder
Gurgle of river and beauty of nature

I paint the grief of life
Pain of heart and tears of eyes
Dark of night and silence of dearth
Value of life and truth of death

Painting like clouds in the sky
Pictured as imagination
Painting like foggy morning
Pictured as unclear destination

Painting relieves me
Expressing the depth of heart
Painting inspires me
Exploring the life on a canvas


Note: This poem is also available on Ohmy News International

Colors of Life




Life is a rainbow of color
Colors of joy or pleasure
Colors of grief or peace
Or a painting on canvas

Color reveals the feelings
And the nature of people

Somebody likes red or rose
Somebody likes brown or black
Somebody likes yellow
But I like green and blue
The sign of relief and peace

Some of the color I enjoy
Some of color inspires me
Some of the color relieves me
And some of the color terrifies me

I have found different colors in life
Color of pleasure and color of peace
Color of joy and color of grief

However,

Still there are some colors missing
Because life remains to be discovered.

Note: This poem is also available in Ohmy News International

Death of Dreams

I had lots of sweet dreams,
Dreams of autonomy and sovereignty
Dreams of pleasure and prosperity
Dreams of peace and satisfaction.

It is fun to dream;
Dreams used to give me hopes
And inspiration to work.
Dreams used to give me the way
To reach my destination.

People say:

Dream is a form of desire
Or an outcome of feelings;
It is just imagination.

But I think:

Dream is the sound of the heart
Or it is the willing of the mind.
Dream is a guidance of God
To achieve the ultimate peace.

I searched the world as my dream,
I searched for peace as my dream;
But the world is different from a dream;
It is the place of crowds and noise.

A battlefield of all creatures
Where I must fight to live,
Like a soldier of battle
Always alert and awake,
No rest no peace.

Note: This poem is also available on Ohmy News International.

Wanna Quit Smoking?

“Lack of knowledge means human suffering," is a truism only arguably effective in discouraging smoking. In my lifetime I've probably suggested it to hundreds of people, but most of them were already aware of it. I've seen that most smokers know their habit can cause diseases like cancer, TB, chronic cough, bronchitis, etc., or at the very least that it's injurious to health.

Three years ago I was traveling by bus, and an elderly woman occupied the adjacent seat. She lit a cigarette. From childhood I remember not liking the smell of cigarettes and found it very hard to breath, along with the headaches it caused me. So, for my own benefit as well, I tried to explain the impact of cigarettes on health. Before I'd finished my first sentence she replied, "I know the impact of cigarettes. It may be the cause of TB, cancer and other diseases, but -- what to do -- I can't give it up." Then she drew two or three deep puffs and tossed the cigarette out the window.

A month ago I asked a friend while he was smoking, "You are well aware of the impact of smoking, but even so you smoke -- why?"

"My friend! To know this mystery you have to experience it. Just take two puffs," he answered, handing me the burning cigarette. Even though he was joking, I had no answer.

It would be better to avoid smoking in the first place, but owing to faddism and curiosity people get addicted. Many youth smoke to flaunt their hipness, and when they think it's time to quit, they've gotten addicted and can't.

Many say that once the habit of smoking is formed, it's very difficult to quit and that they can miss a meal but not a cigarette.

I had read news about the relationship of smoking to different beverages in the Radhani Weekly for April 19, 2007. Referring to the Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research, the Weekly published the following:
"The research says that, depending on the beverage, the interest in smoking will vary and has shown a negative correlation with dairy items and fruit.

According to the research, 19 percent of participants reported a decreased craving after having milk or other dairy products. Likewise, 14 percent reported that after drinking water or juice or other non-caffeinated products the taste of a cigarette was adversely affected. Sixteen percent reported that after eating fruit cigarettes also tended to lose their taste.

The research also found a positive correlation of smoking with alcohol and caffeinated drinks: 44 percent reported that drinking alcohol enhanced the taste and interest in smoking, and 45 percent reported an improvement in taste after drinking tea, coffee or cola."
I got interested in this research and decided to test it, using my smoker friends' reaction to dairy and fruit items. Two friends agreed to take part by having milk and juice routinely.

Both used to smoke between 10 and 12 cigarettes daily. They began with one glass of milk in the morning, one in the evening and two glasses of juice in the afternoon. I’d advised them to have the milk or juice while smoking. For example, both used to smoke first thing in the morning with black coffee and at night after a meal. From the first day they reduced their smoking morning and night. It was interesting when they said how milk spoiled the taste of cigarettes when they smoked and drank milk at the same time. Then I advised them to have milk whenever they craved a cigarette.

During this trial period one friend completely gave up smoking and the other managed a significant reduction. He used to go through 12 cigarettes a day but now smokes only occasionally while traveling. I feel sure that he, too, will quit altogether soon.

Inspired by these results, I've emailed them to other friends. Now I'm getting positive feedback from them to the effect that they are also able to reduce or quit smoking.

I would like to urge all readers: If you or any friend or relative are addicted to nicotine and sincerely want to quit, why not try out this research technique for yourself? It's easy, and whether it works or not all you can lose is a dangerous habit.

Note: This article is also available on Ohmy News International

My Weekends in Qatar

In the course of employment I am staying in Qatar since October 2004. I work at the finance department of a private company in Doha. I have found my stay very interesting due to my collaborative colleagues, my friends, and the appreciable hospitality of Qatari citizens.







Doha looks like a huge ship over Arabian Sea.

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel


Friday is the beginning of the weekend for Qatar. It is denoted as a public holiday also. I enjoy weekends by gathering with friends and traveling.

By Thursday evening, my friends and I gather and get updates about each other. We also update and share the latest news, political movements, and other incidents. We collect different magazines and newspapers from each other and study by sharing.

Every Thursday a Nepalese weekly newspaper, Rajdhani Saptahik, is published in Qatar. It is very interesting to read a Nepalese newspaper published locally. It provides local news as well as national and international news.




A view of Doha city

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel






I have a bad habit that I cannot get to sleep early on Thursday evening and awake early on Friday. Mostly my friends and I watch movies together on Thursday night and get to sleep very late. For that reason I sleep until 10 or 11 a.m. on Friday.

My friends and I prepare our lunch together. It takes around two hours. I enjoy having lunch with friends. It's like a picnic.

After having lunch, we rest while enjoying music or a movie. Meanwhile we also continue reading and sharing news or open discussion on different issues.

Some of weekends I arrange travels with my friends to different locations of Qatar. My accommodation is in Al Khor City. It is 50 kilometers from Doha. Mostly we visit Doha Cornish. It takes around 30 minutes from my house.




Doha's modernization is evident

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel


Doha Cornish is a very beautiful location of Doha. It is known as the heart of Qatar. It is in the center of Doha. There are many beautiful parks at the sea shore and enough space for gathering, sight seeing or getting rest. Different types of flowers, greeneries and skillful architecture make it a wonderful tourist destination. Some of these parks are only for families. Many people come here for sightseeing of for their morning and evening walk. Boating and water sports facilities are also available here.




People enjoying the weekend at Doha Cornish

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel


Except in some old cities, Qatar has wide and smooth roads. The speed limit is 120 kilometer per hour for light vehicles in most of the main streets and highways; however there are frequent accidents due to breach of traffic rules or uncontrolled speed. Now most of the main streets and highways are under radar surveillance for speed control.

Qatar hosted the Asian Games 2006 in Doha. During the games period it was very difficult to travel to Doha because of the heavy traffic. But now it is quite easier; however it is still difficult to get parking on Friday late afternoon.




A sweet memory of the Doha Asian Games 2006

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel








In most places, Qatar has well-managed greeneries, but they are not easy to maintain. Most of the land is desert and hard rock. Also there is very little rain. But the Qatar Municipality has made strong efforts to maintain the greeneries. They have arranged each plant with drop irrigation and high care by professional gardeners. I was informed by a gardener that previously they brought quality mud from India and Saudi Arabia. I appreciate their effort and awareness for the environment.




Wonderful greeneries in desert land

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel







We can see numerous ongoing construction around Qatar. Many towers, streets, and flyovers are going up. Construction is a booming business in Qatar. Many workers of different nationality are engaged in it.




Growing towers in Qatar

©2007 Gopal Pandey


Roaming in Doha is very interesting, but the temperature gets very high during the summer.




A beautiful scene of Doha Cornish

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel



A combination of neutrality and modernization

©2007 Ram Raj Khakurel


It will be late evening by the time I return back to my accommodation. After preparing and having dinner, I go to my bed around 12 midnight. I enjoy recalling my day while lying in bed, and go to sleep at an unknown time. Thus my each weekend ends with a memorable day. I have a saying among my friends, "Every Friday comes late and ends early."

Note: This article is also available on Ohmy News International

But Then Came Angels




















The world was ruled by power,
Demolishing the values of truth,
The rules of the jungle,
Without the values of humans.

People were ruled as slaves,
Or like cattle in a shed.
Prohibited reading and writing.
Prohibited gathering and speaking.
The world was like an open jail.

But then came angels
To establish the rules of people.
To assert human value.

They were soldiers of liberty,
Fighting against autocracy.
They were beacons of knowledge,
Exploring the value of truth.

They breached the bond of autocracy.
Raised the voice for democracy.
They didn't fear guns and boots.
They didn't worry about capture.
They didn't surrender the truth,
But instead took the sentence of death.

They lit the glow of hope.
They invented the value of life.
I salute those fighters
Who devoted themselves to others.

Note: This poem is also available on Ohmy News International