Back to the Future: Buddha Boy and Girl

Nepal: A very brief recent history
H was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal in the mid 1980s. When she left, she thought Nepal would never change. Yet the first revolution happened just two years later -- in 1990. The Maoists began their resistance in the mid 1990s. In 2001 the Royal family was massacred by the crown prince, who died soon after the attack (though not before he was crowned king). The Peace Corps pulled out in 2004. In February 2005, the King had shut down all communications to the outside world in a crackdown. Two years ago a peace treaty was signed with the Maoists. In April, 2008, in a historic election, the Maoists got majority representation in Parliament, and, soon after, carried through on their promise to abolish the monarchy.

Return to Nepal
In September of 2007, H went on a business trip to Nepal. It was the first time she had been there in 20 years. H and her colleague were lucky to be able squeeze in some touring in between meetings. To see her photos, please click the following link: H's Biz Trip.

In December 2007, H had another work trip to Nepal and invited W to tag along. After the work portion of the trip (during which H worked and W planned for their next adventure) H & W had a two week vacation: a five day trek and a few days in Chitwan.

But first! Kathmandu
During the week we spent a week in Kathmandu, we visited some unique sites in central Kathmandu and nearby Bhaktapur. AND, we met and caught up with two contacts of H whom she had not seen in 20 years!