The Nepalese caste system is alive & active even if it doesn’t officially exist Today there is still a very active caste system in Nepal. Primarily associated with India, caste systems in one form or another are evident the world over. The difference with Nepal is that the ideals behind the caste system were made illegal in… Continue reading more »

Maha Shivaratri in Nepal Shivaratri is an annual Hindu festival popular in both India and Nepal. Of all the many festivals in Nepal this is probably my favorite for many reasons. The primary being that there not too many tourists around as it’s usually held in the second or third months of the year which is the… Continue reading more »

Nepal’s Holi festival takes place every year If you live in a country that has a Hindu population, or enjoy looking at websites that publish lots of photos you might have seen Holi hit the headlines recently. The 2012 Holi festival look place over the past week including in Nepal where it’s a national holiday.… Continue reading more »

Sunshine brings life to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square Durbar Square exploded into a brilliant warm red beacon of life as the sun finally spread its warmth and light over the surrounding buildings. The air is still cold and unless you are lucky to be standing in the sun’s rays it’s like waiting for a giant swivel… Continue reading more »

Dawn in Kathmandu still contains the linger of a different night The air is still filled with the night fires that burned throughout the old city. Heat, food and light are scarce during the dark hours of this ancient capital. Smoke still hangs thick in the entrapment of Kathmandu valley. With clenched teeth I throw… Continue reading more »

An incredible few hours with some illegal immigrants at Sandakan Market In my last few days in Sandakan I planned a short trip back to the modern market building to see the fishing port outside. It’s a small area, and the three-story beige buildings third floor gives a great view of both the Mosque in… Continue reading more »

Getting told off by a backpacker … After seeing my article Sandakan the next big tourist destination, I got a mouthful from a backpacker in Sandakan. Again, apparently “there is nothing to do here” As readers here know, my journey looks beyond popular tourist attractions. Yes, a visit to Speilok or Labuk bay I will take, they’re… Continue reading more »