Up early, packed and leaving Kathmandu before shops were open. An early morning race followed us out of the city with runners dodging around cars and across the street. On our way to Besi Shahar we passed many small towns and smaller villages. It is harvest time and people are out in their fields with hand-held scythes cutting down their rice fields. They then wrap bundles together and hand-thresh to separate the rice. The last step is fanning the rice to remove remaining pieces of chaff. Water buffalo are hooked in tandem to plow. Some small tractors are evident, but most of the rice patties are too small to use large machines. We stopped for tea. Oh the chia tea is sublime! Arrived in Besi Shana and the hotel were not available…back to younger backpacking days in the other available hotel with a dark shared bathroom. Kids are loving lassi’s (yogurt and fruit mixed drink) and mo mo’s (veggie or meat filled noodle).

We continue to see many school children in uniforms in almost every town. If our guide Tendi is to be believed the average age in Nepal is in the low 20’s and from what we see it appears true. The average life expectancy is 61 years. We explored the back streets of Basie Shalal this afternoon and everyone was very friendly but the six of us were a real attraction. Tylin made the comment how it made her a bit uncomfortable with everyone looking at us. How do you think a Nepalease would feel walking downtown Evergreen? Probably a little different too! We kept smiling and were met uniformly with smiles in return. Everyone is friendly and we exchange back and forth Namaste frequently. Jesse frequently greets people on both sides of the street with a loud and clear “NAMASTE” that cannot be ignored easily. We sat on our balcony and watched the children walking home from school merrily shouting “Namaste” to them all. A nice way to end the day. Namaste to our friends and family at home.