The next significant expedition was more than exciting, stimulating and driving for my inner "crafty" self. There are some pretty phenomenal people doing development work that is actually making changes. I met with Chitra, who is a pretty no fuss kind of fellow who gives each ounce of his energy to what's right, and what's going to change. As I found out at a later date he's also dedicating himself to a phenomenal amount of projects. I cannot feel humbled my his time given to me, I am just a needle in the haystack, and it will take me a long time to work out exactly how and what he does! 

The first feat for this lot of research was the "dolphin Inn" located in a town called Beni. Here, we had the pleasure of some brutal wresting at high volume with our dinner that's still poisoning my stomach. We had strange men peeking around the corner, and more dogs taking a liking to our legs. 

The "hill" from Beni was a quick increase to a 1400m elevation! This village is a bundle of energy and devlopment. They have a great internet connection for the school, they are new to the trekking routes, and also have a significant amount of CRAFT going on!!!! PLUS- some climate change monitoring, some of the only in the country. So I feel good to be here. 

The first project is the Hand made paper, which at present, is at at a loss. This project, funds the local school, and is necessary to turn around pretty quickly! It is also a valuable source of employment for the women in the community and is welcomed by the all men and women, as they see the positive repurcussions such.

These are all perfect ingredients for a productive project- so THIS is where I aim to be in a month or two once I source all other materials and tackle my yoga mats.... We have; enthusiasm, a community project to invest in, basic materials, sustainable supplies of loktha and a market! 

In the mean time, while I wait for it to warm up a little, I am heading back to Narti- the beautiful girls I worked with in Jan... At this stage, my research is progressive, but not worthy of ducumentation. I am fortunate though to have stumbled across herbal dye makers, and some other enthusiastic folk... now all I need is to find someone with a gilertene, and be willing to hike a mountain with it!!!! 

With peace and productivity! Here ends almost the end of 2009.

Why do I want to do this? Why do I bother trundling to remote places to be bitten by dogs or overwhelmed by the stench of 25000 slaughtered, rotting animals, for the sake of culture and religion?

(This article will give you a brief outlook on this- a tame edition that is!)

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/24/nepal.animal.sacrifice/index.html

My first major handicraft investigation led me to Janakpur in the South of Nepal. Unfortunately via some pretty horrific festivals..... but my experience in one center know as; "Janakpur Womens Development Center" 

http://www.sunavworld.com/jwdc.html

in particular was refreshing after the shock of the personal challenges that came with the animal slaughter festival. These women feed off each others dedication and creative energies. They have an immense sense of unity that is so evident in the passion for making such an environment peaceful and easy to be in. Me being an outsider, felt as ease in this place, like our common language was their work, and being female. Which, to be entirely absorbed in, is an incredibly beautiful, warm experience. 

In terms of my involvement here, I would be excited to help them export, but not able to work in this particular area due to some of these personal barriers. 

I find myself so vulnerable to the energies of these crafty places, but then can be in the middle of Kathmandu city, head down, blind to the poverty around me. I guess this shows where I am, or should be placed. I can't do a thing about the Kathmandu streets I guess, so why waste my energy on contaminating my sensors? I can feel peace on having my filters on, as there is a lot of beauty to be seen... you've just got to be strong in being ruthless with what you absorb.