I tried hard not to make photos while living in Nepal. An attempt at detraining from constant technology. For the most part I succeeded. Almost too much. Even now I have little desire to use a computer. Preparing for a new phase of life.
The photos below are the result of not suppressing the urge to reach for my phone. So many missing moments. So many moments edited out with my mind and not a device. These are the photos that I have…
I see humans but no humanity, Jhamsikel Road, Lalitpur.
Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu. Most beautiful and serene when monks light butter lamps at night.
One of many days spent playing at Phora Durbar, Kathmandu.
Lush grounds of the Summit Hotel, Lalitpur.
Meeting coworkers for the first time, Lincoln School, Ravi Bhavan.
First day of school, Swiss House.
Dakshinkali with Simon.
Jagadish of Film Foundry makes prints by painting an emulsion on handmade Himalayan lokta paper, which is naturally archival for hundreds of years.
Popup concert at Swiss House.
Iris organized the event, which coincided with her birthday. Pictured singing with friend Ratul Pradhan.
Pit Stop, Lalitpur.
A very common occurrence. Passing through Benighat on the Prithvi Highway returning from first trip to Chitwan for the Grade 9 Service Nepal recce. Ended up stuck in traffic for 11+ hours (instead of 4) due to broken down freight trucks blocking traffic on the narrow highway to Kathmandu. Important lesson: always leave for your destination very early in the morning.
Jessica secured a patio furniture set from Satso Deal, a Kathmandu local Amazon-like online store (free 3-30 day shipping).
Oktoberfest in Kathmandu.
Favorite pastime.
Walking around Ekantakuna.
We tried so hard, many times, but it never flew.
Dinner with the Bankses at local hangout, Piano B. Recently converted into Nelpa Restaurant under new ownership.
Campus life.
Lincoln School hosts the 2019 SAISA Swimming Tournament. Leading Lincoln School’s first live broadcasting crew.
Staff Tihar party.
On the Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail.
Krishna Poon’s family decorates with us for Tihar.
View from Sapana Village Lodge, Chitwan.
On our way to LOD (Lord of the Drinks) after the staff Christmas party in Thamel.
Filming for a music video at Swayambhunath in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and Decca/Universal Music Group. Students support making resolutions with communities around the world calling for urgent action on the climate crisis.
Astrek climbing wall with Kelly and Simon, Thamel.
COVID-19 reaches Nepal. Noticed Kathmandu Post front page lying on a stool while playing darts with Kiran at Phora Durbar.
Swiss House pharmacy.
Max for Zen, Lalitpur.
Serving as team photographer for the 2020 SAISA Track and Field Tournament at American International School Chennai.
My host’s driver took me to his local spot when not at home. This was after taking me for local coffee near the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and then for mutton soup.
These aunties are home cooks serving what seemed like a dozen dishes – most I had never tried – all delicious. Basically pull up and have as much as you like. This is how it should be.
Kim challenging old friend Ram to a duel during a staff hike in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Returning from a weekend walk to Labim Mall. Kiran’s favorites: macarons, fruit ice cream bars, and KFC.
Playing with Amelia. Kate bought Kiran a mechanical bird toy. Shortly after it fluttered onto a neighboring roof never to be seen again.
Tulsi Ram at the gate. Heading for the bus on the first day of the new school year.
“Yestrday I was play-ing sockr and I had fun.”
Developing and printing for the first time at Film Foundry; photos from Rato Machhendranath Jatra. On that day I happened to visit Jagadish and he invited me along with his crew to witness the famous event. One of a few times I went to deliberately photograph while in Nepal.
Homemade aila from the tiny restaurant serving khaja in Bungmati the day of the Rato Machhendranath Jatra procession. I returned some days later to get some based on Jagadish’s recommendation.
The manufacturing of aila carries a special importance for the women of a household, and they pride themselves in their liquor. They put the most effort and time into making aila for special celebrations, so the finest of these liquors are homemade. Aila is a strong drink: a thrilling and smooth grain alcohol. Different grains produce different flavors: rice aila is rich and smooth, kodo or millet is stronger and more fiery. Source.
View of the foothills from Swiss House at night. The ridge line pictured was my favorite one to explore.
Reading Garfield after lights out beginning a new favorite nighttime activity.
Spelled “dreaming” by consulting The BFG remembering that we left off on the Dream-Catcher chapter.
First time running with the Himalayan Hash House Harriers, “the highest hash in the world,” in Tokha.
With Balaban…
…getting lost.
Glitter Gang 2020, Nagarkot.
At Swayambhunath overlooking Kathmandu during Tihar.
A burnt field, likely to prompt fresh grass growth for cattle, encountered trekking through Khokana.
Suspension bridge crossing the Bagmati River toward the Champa Devi Trail near the Chandragiri Hills.
Champa Devi Temple.
With Zoe in Khokana…
…on our way to the local peak.
Watching the pups grow up.
Hash Run 2237. South end of Nag Daha
(Serpent Pond), Dhapakhel. Valentine’s day special: Love in the Time of Corona.
Hash Run 2239. Narayan, organizer of this hash, hurries to put out a fire in Godavari Forest. Battling a fierce fire season in Nepal.
Trekking through Langtang. Overlooking the village of Kyanjin at 14,000 feet from Lower Kyanjin Ri.
Umbrella Street, Patihani Village, Chitwan.
From the muddy banks of the East Rapti River near Kasara Resort.
Final days.
