Monthly Archives: December 2013

The Holy Child is an Elephant Ganesh,  the beloved son, suckled at Parvati’s breast,  suffered death and by a miracle (so it came to pass) was gloriously  resurrected. In this story there is no stable, star, shepherds, nor magi but … Continue reading →

The Mist Hangs Like a Soiled Dhoti   Bina  yells, Annie sister!  Tea! The Nepali god of winter shudders. The sun is hiding behind  a hill.  Feet, in anticipation of grit, a sprinkling of rat shit, the toe-staining, withered marigold … Continue reading →

Photographing Pashupatinath Their feet are laved with holy water. They receive from mourners’ cupped hands a last drink from the sacred river. They lie, wrapped in white and saffron, under Indra’s blue heaven. Gods, priests and loved ones cluster round … Continue reading →

Three days ago I returned to a life of luxury  after a two months stay in Nepal.  Luxury is   mattress, sheets and pillows, a bath, hot water,  as much food  as I want, when I want it, a flush toilet, … Continue reading →