Nepal, Chitwan 1 (elephant football and enthusiastic kids)

November 12, 2010

Indian bureaucracy is surely among the most inefficient and arbitrary in the world – I can already feel that very clearly here. Kathmandu is quite interesting, but not exactly the nicest place to spend days waiting. So, bags packed and off to quieter parts of Nepal – to Chitwan National Park.

Fully loaded, including my backpack, still heavy enough to be a record contender, the two of us set off for the bus station in this cycle rickshaw.

There were quite a few surprises to see out of the window during the nearly eight-hour bus ride. Germany is popular here – no doubt about it.

In the afternoon we arrived in the village of Sauraha, from where a jeep took us past small villages to our remote lodge.

We checked out the rooms…

…and marveled at the toilets. But who wants to spend their jungle stay on the loo? I headed straight out to explore the area around our “mini resort” first.

In the neighboring river, which separates the jungle from civilization, a few four-legged creatures were wallowing. On the other side of the river I could hardly believe my eyes…

Elephant football! Who knew that was a thing?! There was an elephant breeding station right nearby. To make sure the pachyderms got regular exercise, they simply played football with them. Not exactly a cheap undertaking: every now and then you heard a loud bang – whenever a Dumbo accidentally stepped _on_ a football… ;)

But the football-playing elephants weren’t the only attraction. Several school classes were here for a picnic and were extremely curious about the “white strangers”. ;)

What started with a harmless photo…

…attracted more and more children…

…and turned into a…

…wild photo session.

Nobody asked for money or food here – it was all about having fun. A truly heartwarming experience! :)

In the evening Lama, who works at our lodge (yes, that really is his name, and no, he doesn’t spit), took us to his home Tharu village and…

…we visited the local mini museum (shown here in its entirety) with its traditional utensils.

The sunsets at the edge of the jungle…

…and the atmosphere were truly unique.

Back at the lodge we said hello to our new roommates. The little black dots on the white wall are ants…

…and here – right on my backpack – a cricket is being devoured by a hungry hunting spider. The battle that came before it, all across the room, was no less fascinating.

In the evening I admired the menu in the restaurant. Just how many mistakes can you fit on one menu? Above, the front,…

…and here, the back.

In the evening Lama (on the left) kept us (Thijs, me, Oliver) supplied with home-distilled Rakshi, a drink that, according to him, keeps away all illness, grief and worries… ;)

All in all, I can say that even the first day in Chitwan was hugely enriching. Here, for the first time in several years, I experienced deep moments of pure leisure again – a happy state of unlimited creativity and the freedom of clear thinking. :) In the hectic daily grind back home, these truly important moments literally get lost. Your day is planned down to the minute and – apart from a bit of pseudo-creativity – there is no time left for your own thoughts, reflections and the conclusions they lead to.

Moral of the day: Get out into nature and let the thing between your ears run free, without distractions. It’s fun, it’s relaxing, and besides lots of new ideas it brings you, above all, quality of life. :)

Further links:

1. Chitwan National Park – Definitely one of the most beautiful places in Nepal
2. Sauraha – Tourist village on the edge of Chitwan National Park
3. Tharu – Possibly direct descendants of Buddha
4. Rakshi – Traditional, home-distilled, alcoholic drink in and around Nepal
5. Leisure – The freedom to think creatively, unpopular with some governments…