Just Suppose or Juxtapose

If you read Rick’s blog from last week you’ll remember that he mentioned our trip to visit schools in Rautahat. Well, because of a teacher protest against new legislation tens of thousands of teachers made their way to Kathmandu so public schools were closed causing us to postpone our trip. We were disappointed but maybe it won’t be in the upper 90’s with 80% humidity when we reschedule.

As the weeks have passed I have noticed and photographed many contrasting things, coming to think of these juxtapositions as typical Nepal. Most of these photos are of clothing but it applies to everything. Beautiful flowers growing by the garbage pile, the discolored, crumbling wall surrounding a home faced with gorgeous tile work, a yummy bakery shop with piles of junk under the stairway leading to the entrance, just to name a few.

Walking around the neighborhood and along the busier streets to get to the store or the park we see people dressed in a wide variety of outfits. The combinations and differences are fascinating.

They range from interesting combinations of prints to totally coordinated kurta outfits.

Black plaid “pajamas” (that is the name for the pants worn with kurtas and tunics) are common as are the more color coordinated native Nepalese attire.

Here we have a little family dressed fancy and some women dressed in their finery on their way to celebrate teej at Pashupati. And yet another trio walking along the footpath (sidewalk) on an average morning.

A trio of men showing the wide range in clothing found here.

A few fun fotos for you to compare and contrast.

I find the colorful combinations charming. That they wear scarves even when sweeping the gutters or buying a bit of produce is so fun.

We live next door to Blooming Kids International Pre-school. Our building is the taller one in the background. From our side of the school we have a nice view of the tree sized marijuana plant next to the playground! Seems a little incongruous to us.

A change of focus but still part of our daily outings…Baby monkeys getting a ride on their mama’s back is just so entertaining. One morning after attempting to get some good photos at the park I was surprised that upon leaving I saw the human equivalent. The sight made me chuckle.