Budhanath Stupa -- part 2

One Saturday we were there was both a holy day and a full moon, a combination that brought out lots of people.

People walk clockwise around the stupa. Many spin the prayer wheels as the go..

The crowds viewed through prayer flags.

Buddhist monks playing music as people leave donations of food for the poor.

Lighting a candle.

Candles glowing in the dark.

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Kathmandu -- Budhanath Stupa

The Budhanath Stupa, or temple, area is home to a number of Tibetan refugees. It's also one of the most beautiful areas of Kathmandu, at least in my opinion.

The stupa at dusk.

These women get together every day to discuss the day's happenings.

One of the many crowded streets in Budhanath. The women are wearing the traditional Tibetan aprons.

A good place to learn to walk.

The view of a local Buddhist temple.

Grand View Trail -- day 2

We've hiked the Grand View trail two more times since I arrived, as it's the least muddy of all the trails around here. Unlike the first time, these last two times we have seen some spectacular views.

Two views of the wonderful cloud formations over the desert.

A lone statue, found on the trail. I wonder who could have made it...?

I didn't know they had wild strawberries around here.

I've always loved prickly pear cactus, especially the contrast between the green pads and purple fruit.

Hubble Trail

Yesterday we hiked the Hubble trail, which was beautiful but muddy. It was the longest hike I've done since I broke my ankle, but it was worth it!

One of the beautiful meadows along the path.

Kate, Bob and a wonderful view.

Becca

One of the largest mushrooms I've ever seen!

The bones of a calf that didn't make it.

Kathmandu, Nepal

We spent almost three weeks -- and more to the point, three weekends -- in Kathmandu. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to get outside of the city. And because it was monsoon season, we could only see the mountains a couple of times, and only for a few minutes each time. But we did get to see lots of Kathmandu.

Durbar Square is one of the oldest areas of Kathmandu, and is full of temples

These ladies were having a good time catching up. The young boy didn't seem happy to be there, though.

Some of the local constabulary.

Many people -- and families -- get around on motorcycles. Only the driver is required to wear a helmet, however.

Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling, India

We spent a weekend in Darjeeling, at the Glenburn Tea Estate. Not only was it beautiful, but we learned quite a bit about making tea!

Glenburn Tea Estate.

A tea plucker at work. Only women pick the tea leaves, because they have smaller hands.

The tea pluckers returning home.

One of the many beautiful flowers on the estate.

The view from Glenburn.

Dhaka -- part 3

Dhaka has an incredibly busy river and harbor. People take these boats from one shore to the other while heavily loaded barges and ferries go up and down the river.

A view of the river and city.

Boats ready for passengers.

A rare sight -- a solo passenger.

Bathing on a ferry boat.

Dhaka -- part 2

There's always something interesting in the streets of Dhaka.

When Dhaka residents want a telephone or TV cable, they just string new wire. Untangling the old wire is just too difficult!

This man keeps his goats in the old section of Dhaka.

A furniture dealer sets up his wares outside.

A man carrying chickens.

Bathing in the Ganges River, which is not what you would call clean.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

I spent May and June in south Asia. It wasn't the best time to be there since it was the beginning of the monsoon season. It didn't rain too much, but it was definitely hot and humid! I was in Dhaka for about three weeks. The people are great, but with 16 million people, it seems like a very difficult city to live in.

Some of the rickshaws that clog the streets of Dhaka. Estimates of the number of rickshaws range from 400,00 to 3 million.

The view through a rickshaw. Rickshaw painting is an art form in Bangladesh, as each rickshaw is brightly painted with its own designs.

A proud rickshaw driver.




Rickshaws and non-mechanized carts are used to haul just about everything in the city, from the oil drums here to the load shown below. As all these carts can only go as fast as someone can pull them, traffic moves very slowly trough the city.

Grand View trail

Today was the second time we've hiked the Grand View trail since I've been here. The first time it was overcast and muddy and it rained much of the way back. Today was very clear and beautiful. Of course it started raining again shortly after we got back home.

The view from Grand View.

We were followed for awhile by some turkey vultures.
I love the cloud formations in southern New Mexico.

Cactus will find a way to grow anywhere, even in the middle of the rocks.

A beautiful butterfly.

New Mexico hikes -- part 2

We saw a number of deer from the road. This one was kind enough to pose long enough for me to get a photo.

There were lots of fungi growing in the downed trees, probably due to the extremely wet weather we've been having. I think they're fascinating, especially because they are so tiny!

Hummingbirds in Cloudcroft.