Kathmandu

October 21,

The handwover tablecloths line the table as the others go to get some breakfast. My mind has grown somewhat disoriented. I look down at my flood-ridden pants and try to take in what happened.

Last night was our first night in Nepal. After 20 hours of flying, I was sensing Nepal like one dreams under the influence of hallucenogens. While taking in some traditional Nepalese food at a local restaurant, we hear some rain, followed by louder rain, followed by resounding thunder. The manager looks disparagingly confused that a monsoon would hit so late into the year after the proverbial dry season has started.

We took slight note of the events, paid our bill, and went on our way back to the Guesthouse. As we turned the corner, continued walking just a little bit more, and then all of us began to look in disbelief. There was three feet of water trapped on each street any any direction we looked. Rick looks at us, thinks for a second, and says to roll up the pants. We wade through the streets block by block andI imagine how the Katrina victims must have felt. I felt like that we fell victim to the ten plagues. Rick takes no delay in photographing our wading as looks of fright encompass Traveling Lisa's face. Motorcycles and rickshaws line attempt to plow through the murky water as they were ships. We reach back to our guest house stinky, tired and dark. The flickering lights finally took a break for the night, as all the power was out in Nepal. We are staying in the Kathmandu Peace Guest House. Peace at last, at least until tomorrow.