MY CLASSROOM

My class 1 and class 2 boys in my classroom.  More than half of class 2 attends the first class, voluntarily, as well as their own.  A couple of the cheekier ones managed to get into both photos.

The walk to school.  The road is lined with stalls selling absolutely everything a person could want.  The medical centre is a little stall sandwiched between one selling stationery and another selling sweets and cold drinks.  Inside there is a rickety bench where you sit if you need medical treatment and, although there are no white jackets or stethoscopes, the staff are quick and efficient.  The side road that leads past the temple to Vishnu http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Nepal/Kathmandu-Valley/Budhanilkantha-Temple.htm (see below) is filled with stalls selling marigold garlands and flowers beautifully arranged to be bought as offerings.  It also sells the best street snacks imaginable!  Best bought in the early morning when freshly cooked and hot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmWssLWo7J4

Twice a day, early in the morning and as it starts to get dark, people gather here to ring the bells and beat drums.  A bit like the rooftop butter lamp ceremonies I see every morning but on a much larger scale.