tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11761348773473515002024-02-19T10:49:39.365-08:00Himalayan SnowsDON MESSERSCHMIDT's WEBSITE
Anthropologist
Himalayan Treks & Tours
Writer, Editor, & Creative Nonfiction (CNF) BloggerDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-11193925205612420402019-05-27T10:20:00.000-07:002019-05-27T10:20:11.052-07:00AN ELEGY ATOP EVEREST, by Don Messerschmidt<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB51uJvk0EtA6O7HGBgjIHUD_VLXZVGpEl8874eGab8I7S8j5ni7bRIKZ8cMYx6k7bz7t0xJsvBevND-zwO_kOlttiWohqoZQKOIOzPElhoX7Sdu-0R9JDRE00dRYGJFataLqef4ZlCo/s1600/WEST+RIDGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB51uJvk0EtA6O7HGBgjIHUD_VLXZVGpEl8874eGab8I7S8j5ni7bRIKZ8cMYx6k7bz7t0xJsvBevND-zwO_kOlttiWohqoZQKOIOzPElhoX7Sdu-0R9JDRE00dRYGJFataLqef4ZlCo/s400/WEST+RIDGE.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>The West Ridge: Cover to Tom Hornbein's <br /><i>Everest: The West Ridge</i>, 1964</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 280.5pt; margin-left: 292pt; margin-top: 2.3pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 192.3pt; z-index: -251641856;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/dmess/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
did the first few summiteers say when they reached the top of Mount Everest?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We barely know, for on the first three
successful attempts between 1953 and 1963, the focus was more on getting mountaineers
up there and back, alive, than fussing over what to speak for posterity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Brits were first, in 1953, followed
by the Swiss in 1956, and the Americans in 1963. Here’s what the Brits and the
Americans said and did on top of it all. They appear to have received the bulk
of the press coverage back then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long after Sir Edmund Hillary and
Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Everest, Hillary described how elated,
surprised, and satisfied he was with the achievement. They reached the top, close
together, at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 29, 1953. Though a lot has been written
about those few high moments of long-lasting fame, we have no hint of what
Hillary actually said while standing at the highest point on earth. In his
autobiographical <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">View from the Summit, </i>he
describes how tired they were, moving slowly upward, seeking “<i>rather anxiously
for signs of the summit.</i>” And then, he saw the barren plateau of Tibet in the
distance, and directly in front of him: The Summit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Afterward, when word of their success
flashed around the world, the international press groused loudly about Hillary claiming
the lead during the few last steps to the top. In his book, however, Hillary carefully
side-steps the fuss. As they approached the snowy dome, he writes, </span><span style="font-family: "sitka text";">“</span><i style="font-family: "sitka text";">We drew
closer together as Tenzing brought in the slack on the rope. I continued
cutting a line of steps upwards. Next moment I had moved onto a flattish
exposed area of snow with nothing but space in every direction. Tenzing quickly
joined me and we looked around in wonder. To our immense satisfaction, we
realized we had reached the top of the world!</i><span style="font-family: "sitka text";">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 161.25pt; margin-left: 216.75pt; margin-top: 6pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 215.6pt; z-index: -251653120;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/dmess/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg">
<w:wrap type="through">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then,
“</span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In typical Anglo-Saxon fashion,” he says,
“<i>I stretched out my arm for a handshake, but this was not enough for Tenzing
who threw his arms around my shoulders in a mighty hug... With a feeling of
mild <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">surprise</span> I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">realised</span> that Tenzing was perhaps more excited at our success than
I was.</i></span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJGi32g6lEejDaBtEaLMRQ9BwW-aVn-JC_VGFi2kpHneQAfAA7wDfWXEhXrr03ZOwDnN45asQ3Dfd4WMzXa4FkFZpSl30aM4nTeffBKwLIR3H0J6uI67bDjQnvoeL_oVGIzzN89bed4/s1600/Hillary+%2526+Tenzing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJGi32g6lEejDaBtEaLMRQ9BwW-aVn-JC_VGFi2kpHneQAfAA7wDfWXEhXrr03ZOwDnN45asQ3Dfd4WMzXa4FkFZpSl30aM4nTeffBKwLIR3H0J6uI67bDjQnvoeL_oVGIzzN89bed4/s320/Hillary+%2526+Tenzing.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
Tenzing felt and what he said on top is written his autobiography <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tiger of the Snows</i>. Tenzing did
something remarkable, shouting out in triumph and thankfulness at the top: “<i><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Thuji chey, Chomolungma</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-no-proof: yes;">” — I am grateful, Goddess
Mother of the World! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In that
moment atop the holy of holies, at 29,029 ft., Tenzing Norgay was the highest and
happiest Sherpa in the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During
their 15 minutes on top, Hillary photographed Tenzing holding an ice axe with a
small Union Jack and the flags of Nepal, India, and the United Nations tied to
it. But, alas, he forgot the obligatory photo of himself at the summit. No
selfies. </span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More than anything else uttered that
day on mountain, however, it is what Hillary said to George Lowe, the first
expedition member he met after coming down from the summit, that will
doubtlessly be remembered the longest—“<i>Well, George, we knocked the bastard
off!</i>”</span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The 1963 American Mount Everest
Expedition <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 1963, six members of the AMEE became
the third set of climbers to reach the peak, and now the search for words spoken
on top takes on a whole new dimension. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Wednesday, May 1, Jim Whitaker and
Nawang Gombu topped out at 1 p.m., after ascending the same Southeast Ridge route
the Brits had pioneered and the Swiss had followed. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Americans on Everest</i>, the official account, author James Ramsey
Ullman describes the scene: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jim, in the lead, stopped and waited for Nawang Gombu Sherpa to come up to him. ‘You first,’ he said. ‘No, you,’ said Gombu. Then, the </span><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">dome</span></i><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> being wide enough, they walked side by side to its top. Beyond, everything fell away. And they were there.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jim recalls
slapping Gombu on the back, that they hugged each other, and how so “<i>very, very
cold</i>” it was that their fingers and toes were numb. With the temperature hovering
around minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit they didn’t tarry, but soon turned and
started back down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three weeks later to the day, four more
Americans summitted, in pairs. Barry Bishop and Lute Jerstad ascended the same Southeast
Ridge route, while Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld pioneered the challenging West
Ridge. In his book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everest: The West
Ridge </i>(1964), Hornbein writes that during a brief noontime chat by radio
with Base Camp, Willi described the West Ridge as (abbreviated here): <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>a real bearcat! ... too damned tough to try to go back ...
too dangerous ... absolutely no rappel points ... nothing to secure a rope to.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Talking into the mike while clinging
precariously to the rock face, he looked down and up and concluded: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>it’s up and over for us today ... we’re headed for the
summit.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The West Ridge ascent made
mountaineering history. It had never before been attempted, and never successfully
repeated. And—leave it to the Americans!—everything said in radio chit-chat that
day was recorded for posterity!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both teams hoped to meet
up on top at midday to celebrate their achievement together, but it didn’t
happen. Instead, according to the summit chronology tersely encapsulated by Hornbein:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>May 22: Barry Bishop and Lute Jerstad
reach summit of Everest via South Col route at 3:30 p.m. Willi Unsoeld and Tom
Hornbein arrive three hours later up the West Ridge, then descend toward South
Col. The two parties unite after dark and spend night out at 28,000 feet.</i></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Barry and Lute found no sign of
the others on top, they started wearily back down toward the South Col. When
Tom and Willi topped out around 6:30 p.m.—dangerously late for anyone on
Everest—they found only fresh boot prints on the summit mound and the tattered,
wind-whipped flag Jim Whitaker had put there on May 1st. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_11" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 165.2pt; margin-left: 315pt; margin-top: 20.05pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 111.75pt; z-index: -251643904;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/dmess/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was midnight before the two teams
finally met up. Because it was too precarious to stumble on in the dark with
dead flashlights, the four men huddled together in the snow at 28,000 feet and with
few words survived what was hailed as the highest bivouac in mountaineering
history, at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmx_mPb641bFDgQ3hZLCO0Wz3x8JbNgYtKPvHpggC66QzEVQl9VNsXvhRG_x7z2Wfvw1DmAR9xsraNeRvnpapPLmK2zzfmDlWFArpYI9GjWEjQ6tz6NP1SjuLIWZ-LR4mGhBuOo0MBEA/s1600/Hornbein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="149" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmx_mPb641bFDgQ3hZLCO0Wz3x8JbNgYtKPvHpggC66QzEVQl9VNsXvhRG_x7z2Wfvw1DmAR9xsraNeRvnpapPLmK2zzfmDlWFArpYI9GjWEjQ6tz6NP1SjuLIWZ-LR4mGhBuOo0MBEA/s200/Hornbein.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reflecting back on their top-most
moments, Hornbein writes: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 2.25in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>We
felt the lonely beauty of the evening, the immense roaring silence of the wind,
the tenuousness of our tie to all below. There was a hint of fear, not for our
lives, but of a vast unknown which pressed in upon us ...</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As oxygen-starved and exhausted as they
were, however, no words could have been spoken as candidly in the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All day long, support team members down
at Advanced Base were scanning the summit through binoculars, and they kept the
walkie-talkie radio on for any action from above. About 5:30 p.m. they caught a
glimpse of Lute and Barry, but they neither saw nor heard from Willi and Tom. It
wasn’t until late, around 7 o’clock, </span><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 166.55pt; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 1.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 117.55pt; z-index: -251645952;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/dmess/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">while Maynard Miller (one of the
expedition scientists) was listening, that quite suddenly—"<i>electrifyingly</i>”—he
later told Ullman for the record: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>the radio came alive with Willi Unsoeld’s voice. He and Tom
had just come off the summit, he said. They were a few feet below it. They were
about to descend the Southeast Ridge.</i> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jV_wBhJicLDaGIiHw79TWR56_fgB8EtuQuHVSFt8jFr-x0PdpyfV99rliIcWLlcqNdSXqXKhEZF3JthBlEdCLu3bTGdkMXEwJSZka5c3YvsP1qKMmZGcnvvDSf7d-0G77KpT9e63FHQ/s1600/Unsoeld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jV_wBhJicLDaGIiHw79TWR56_fgB8EtuQuHVSFt8jFr-x0PdpyfV99rliIcWLlcqNdSXqXKhEZF3JthBlEdCLu3bTGdkMXEwJSZka5c3YvsP1qKMmZGcnvvDSf7d-0G77KpT9e63FHQ/s200/Unsoeld.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; text-align: left;">Willi’s words faded in and out of the
static and howling wind then drifted back―</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "sitka text";"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text";"><i>Faintly,
very faintly. And it seemed to the incredulous Maynard that what he was hearing
from up there was poetry....</i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: -4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Willi was reciting the last lines of
‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by the American poet Robert Frost: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">'</span>...I have promises to keep, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And miles to go before we sleep, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And miles to go before we sleep.'<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Sitka Text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: sitka text;">“</span><i style="font-family: "sitka text";">Ever the gentleman, even at 29,000
feet,</i><span style="font-family: sitka text;">” writes Ullman, Willi had changed Frost’s original “</span><i style="font-family: "sitka text";">I sleep</i><span style="font-family: sitka text;">” to “</span><i style="font-family: "sitka text";">we
sleep</i><span style="font-family: sitka text;">,” to include Tom; and those “</span><i style="font-family: "sitka text";">promises to keep</i><span style="font-family: sitka text;">” were to his wife Jolene,
that Everest would be his last “</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">big mountain</span></i><span style="font-family: sitka text;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frost’s ‘<i><b>Stopping by Woods</b></i>...’ has been
described as “o<i>ne of America’s most revered and recited poems,</i>” known for its
“<i>moody pondering of mortality</i>.” Like an elegy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘<b>Stopping by Woods on a Snowy
Evening</b>’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.3pt; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whose
woods these are I think I know.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
house is in the village, though; <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
will not see me stopping here<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
watch his woods fill up with snow.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
little horse must think it queer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
stop without a farmhouse near<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuvOtMj9uFMrZDgZ7BDiSQPr2T1Wf8AmlLqj6srJ-m7p9_HjmHIZujhl-pCLirvq6SxgqTj0Zg0jF9f5u0NBIXH0Ff4FTu2Uz8gnCnRLQfyBRLJfLKRtjCIdYoj5ktPBiDQUTCTibijg/s1600/Frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="355" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuvOtMj9uFMrZDgZ7BDiSQPr2T1Wf8AmlLqj6srJ-m7p9_HjmHIZujhl-pCLirvq6SxgqTj0Zg0jF9f5u0NBIXH0Ff4FTu2Uz8gnCnRLQfyBRLJfLKRtjCIdYoj5ktPBiDQUTCTibijg/s200/Frost.jpg" width="200" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Between
the woods and frozen lake<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 108.5pt; left: 0; margin-left: 253.5pt; margin-top: 12.5pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 122.25pt; z-index: -251648000;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/dmess/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.png">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkest evening of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
gives his harness bells a shake<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
ask if there is some mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
only other sound's the sweep<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
easy wind and downy flake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
woods are lovely, dark and deep,</span></i><span style="font-family: "centaur" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
I have promises to keep,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
miles to go before I sleep,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
miles to go before I sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.3pt; margin-top: 4.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Robert Frost, 1923)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometime
later, when Willi lectured about climbing the West Ridge, a member of one
audience suggested either Willi or Tom could just as well have quoted the last
three lines of another Frost poem, ‘<i><b>The Road Not Taken</b></i>’: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text";"><i>'...Two
roads diverged in a wood, and I, <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>I
took the one less traveled by, <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "sitka text";"><i>And
that has made all the difference.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">_______________________________________</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 4.5pt; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF2CC; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -41.85pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent4; mso-background-themetint: 51;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>ECS
Nepal magazine</i> (Kathmandu). <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">print & online</span>: </span></b><a href="http://ecs.com.np/features/an-elegy-atop-everest"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">ecs.com.np/features/an-elegy-atop-everest</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFF2CC; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -41.85pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent4; mso-background-themetint: 51;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Features</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: "wingdings"; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">³</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Issue 210</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 242, 204); font-family: "wingdings"; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">³</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: #fff2cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <span class="ecs-tags--published-date">May, 2019</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; line-height: normal; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Chomolungma</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">, ‘Goddess Mother of the World’, is the Sherpa and Tibetan
name for Mount Everest (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Sagarmatha </b></i>in
Nepali). To date, over 4,000 people have reached the top, but few have
done it with the same spirit and style as their earlier predecessors. Books
quoted in this story are Edmund Hillary’s <i><b>View from the Summit</b> </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(1999), Tenzing Norgay’s <i><b>Tiger of the
Snows </b></i>(1955, written in collaboration with James Ramsey Ullman), Tom
Hornbein’s <i><b>Everest: The West Ridge</b> </i>(1964), and James Ramsey Ullman’s <i><b>Americans
on Everest</b> </i>(1964). It was </span>Steve Hendrix who called Frost’s poem a
“<i>moody pondering of mortality</i>” in a January 1, 2019, article in The Washington
Post, entitled ‘<b>Robert Frost Wrote This Masterpiece</b>...’ The two poems quoted
here are Frost’s most popular―all the way to Everest! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-19298115279982122652019-05-18T08:21:00.000-07:002019-05-18T08:21:18.801-07:00<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">BIG DOGS OF TIBET & THE HIMALAYAS</span></b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> - the book - is now available to avid dog fans, and others... many others, worldwide. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">An autographed copy is now priced at $30 + shipping. Interested in a copy? Send me a message (by Email or Facebook ~ </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/don.messerschmidt.5?fref=ts">http://on.fb.me/1fPZccY</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">), with your address, and I'll tell you the total cost. Numbers are limited (for the autographed copy), so buy it now to be sure you get one. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWlk9Dt4kmNJlCrinKuA3AA82oJtUoJGkVgeNc7slb1pP0p9JTMTdMTRMYu6sZO7emgIIWT3RpVzbYNbfTywdxuP1E9l18agO5rT7C9t0z3dmbHjhNg75HTskQbd4Gq3Pld6y0N61Lc/s1600/Bog+Dogs+Book+Cover-best.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWlk9Dt4kmNJlCrinKuA3AA82oJtUoJGkVgeNc7slb1pP0p9JTMTdMTRMYu6sZO7emgIIWT3RpVzbYNbfTywdxuP1E9l18agO5rT7C9t0z3dmbHjhNg75HTskQbd4Gq3Pld6y0N61Lc/s320/Bog+Dogs+Book+Cover-best.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh7D5hvaBB9SKkQTQjGovzn1MhHTNpzbRoSWAbWF14XTWHH_VrF8vDWrS6S_CVixkqOIDzHmMYYr1BcAyq8Y-eMsNhFHGoV8PSAa1y-GfGZ5fCw8NhMaMZajdPBJ8Zn98-VBn98tJleM/s1600/Maxwell+Medallion.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh7D5hvaBB9SKkQTQjGovzn1MhHTNpzbRoSWAbWF14XTWHH_VrF8vDWrS6S_CVixkqOIDzHmMYYr1BcAyq8Y-eMsNhFHGoV8PSAa1y-GfGZ5fCw8NhMaMZajdPBJ8Zn98-VBn98tJleM/s400/Maxwell+Medallion.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7GQuSrNT8VDSHRyY4pXZNxvfVr0_6rLKMJSD6xLhIYYjUVawXuSv-xiJA5vFhkK53KWBpffm7cNIPjluqBXIDa87ctg0UPpfVRLYtjz4LNTmjIaJjFNH6p7bhEg26exw6m-IoWft-g/s1600/Don+%2526+Kalu+%2528Ch.+Saipal+Baron%2529+at+Delhi+Dog+Show+1984.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7GQuSrNT8VDSHRyY4pXZNxvfVr0_6rLKMJSD6xLhIYYjUVawXuSv-xiJA5vFhkK53KWBpffm7cNIPjluqBXIDa87ctg0UPpfVRLYtjz4LNTmjIaJjFNH6p7bhEg26exw6m-IoWft-g/s320/Don+%2526+Kalu+%2528Ch.+Saipal+Baron%2529+at+Delhi+Dog+Show+1984.jpg" width="213" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWlk9Dt4kmNJlCrinKuA3AA82oJtUoJGkVgeNc7slb1pP0p9JTMTdMTRMYu6sZO7emgIIWT3RpVzbYNbfTywdxuP1E9l18agO5rT7C9t0z3dmbHjhNg75HTskQbd4Gq3Pld6y0N61Lc/s1600/Bog+Dogs+Book+Cover-best.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkWlk9Dt4kmNJlCrinKuA3AA82oJtUoJGkVgeNc7slb1pP0p9JTMTdMTRMYu6sZO7emgIIWT3RpVzbYNbfTywdxuP1E9l18agO5rT7C9t0z3dmbHjhNg75HTskQbd4Gq3Pld6y0N61Lc/s1600/Bog+Dogs+Book+Cover-best.jpg" imageanchor="1">T</a>he photo at the right was taken on the day 'Kalu' became an international champion dog: 'Ch. Saipal Baron. New Delhi Dog Show, 1984. The photo was taken by the journalist S. Theodore Baskaran, and appeared (surprise to me!) in his 'Book of Indian Dogs' (New Delhi: Aleph, 2017 -- available on Amazon in hardback or for Kindle). </span></span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-47209618930565164472019-02-01T11:42:00.001-08:002021-07-21T10:56:01.562-07:00<br />
<h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></h2>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-79355440963923026382019-01-31T16:19:00.002-08:002019-01-31T16:19:54.534-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPW6mT52rZ4Zc2VJTVUlYvpCKXXCL3iJ59Q1NJiw6aWaIoFuvBqTa6xFc5ZQtf0hZG9s28teYhvCtwyRjQ7IXdnqC61nMzE5R3OacFErIpDpBivv8YATHRAb77S9T4jG_ScdF_EWvZjw/s1600/Spiny+Babbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="758" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPW6mT52rZ4Zc2VJTVUlYvpCKXXCL3iJ59Q1NJiw6aWaIoFuvBqTa6xFc5ZQtf0hZG9s28teYhvCtwyRjQ7IXdnqC61nMzE5R3OacFErIpDpBivv8YATHRAb77S9T4jG_ScdF_EWvZjw/s320/Spiny+Babbler.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiny Babbler of Nepal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A BABBLE OF BIRDS!</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">by <a href="http://ecs.com.np/author/don-messerschmidt">Don Messerschmidt</a> in </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ECS Nepal magazine, Kathmandu, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">'<a href="http://ecs.com.np/spilled-ink" title="View all articles on Spilled Ink">Spilled
Ink</a>' <a href="http://ecs.com.np/issue/table-of-contents/215">Issue 205</a>, December 2018. </span></b></div>
<h4 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></h4>
<h4 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span>Birds from different species recognize each other and cooperate. Researchers show for the first time how birds from two different species recognize individuals and cooperate for mutual benefit.<span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span></i></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I read the lead above, on
Sciencedaily.com, I was puzzled. Isn’t “for the first time” an over-statement?
As an amateur but avid bird-watcher, occasional bird-writer, and a bird-book
collector, I know that birds do very well at recognizing and cooperating
between species. Most bird books on Nepal say so, dating back many years. A
“first time” doesn’t apply to what’s already documented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Bird Speak</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Birds communicate in chirps, tweets and
twitters, cries and shrieks, hoots and caws, clucks and crows. And they sing
melodiously, especially to attract mates. Bird vocalization may express fear,
alarm, or pure pleasure. A few species are noted for duet calls; that’s when a
male bird sounds off immediately followed by his mate’s call, so soon that it
seems like one voice speaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not all bird sounds are vocal. While
reading up on the subject, I learned new words, like ‘sonate’―the act of
producing non-vocal sounds intentionally modulated by ‘non-syringeal
structures' such as wings, tails and other feathers, as well as beaks and feet.
Next time you see a Great Hornbill flying through the Chitwan forest, listen to
its wings; such a sound as you might expect from a prehistoric paradactyl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Babblers are one of the largest bird
families in Nepal, with diverse, species-specific voices ranging from the <i>‘poo-koo-poth’ </i>and <i>‘whert-whert-zzzzzz’
</i>of Slaty-Headed Babblers; the ‘<i>which-which-whichi-ri-ri-ri...</i>’ of
Common Babblers; the ‘<i>tit tit’ </i>or ‘<i>chit chit’ </i>of
Red-Capped Babblers; the ‘<i>cheer’ </i>of Striated Babbler; and the <i>‘beat-you,
he’ll-beat-you’</i> of Spotted Babbler, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The exotic and elusive Spiny Babbler (<i>Turdoides
nipalensis</i>), endemic to Nepal, Is an especially good mimic with a variety
of squeaks, chuckles, and chirps. Its common call is a long, descending <i>‘tee-tar—tee-ter-tar—tee-tar’</i>,
preceded and concluded with a <i>‘preep—pip-pip-pip’</i>. Its alarm call
is a <i>‘churrrrrr.’ </i>Other Babbler alarms sound like <i>‘pee-a-wee </i>‘of
Black-Chinned Babblers and <i>‘pic-pic-pic’ </i>of Red-Capped Babblers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why and how birds vocalize to
communicate and cooperate in the bush is what the researchers featured in the
Science Daily article have studied. They describe a type of Australian wren
that not only recognizes individual birds from its own species but uses
vocalization to form long-term partnerships with other species, both to help
defend shared space and forage as a group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Nepal such a discovery is old news.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHY3tqiHLPMWwRjUo81a_DJMS_RGgdipMz6P6K3d6v18p-FcbWGYDMwJ-35UUq0wGkKPJDm2N9Zjm0aqXkslLU33J-HiUib0qU2U26Wz-sy4HeJmD6I5dqjzWmxkTUKmyI_x0U-0LoQo/s1600/SPINY+BABBLER+BOOK+COVER.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="845" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHY3tqiHLPMWwRjUo81a_DJMS_RGgdipMz6P6K3d6v18p-FcbWGYDMwJ-35UUq0wGkKPJDm2N9Zjm0aqXkslLU33J-HiUib0qU2U26Wz-sy4HeJmD6I5dqjzWmxkTUKmyI_x0U-0LoQo/s200/SPINY+BABBLER+BOOK+COVER.tif" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Mixed Hunting Parties</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first heard of mixed hunting parties
in ‘<i>Search for the Spiny Babbler: Bird Hunting in Nepal</i>’ (1953) by S.
Dillon Ripley, a world-renowned ornithologist. Ripley describes them as –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“groups of birds commonly found in forest and scrub
Environments, roving in cooperative bands of mixed species, Profiting from each
other’s foraging behaviors. Salim Ali, India’s Most famous ornithologist, once
described a scene of ‘Babblers rummaging amongst the fallen leaves for insect
food [who] disturb a moth which is presently swooped upon and captured in
mid-air by a drongo...’and of a “woodpecker scuttling up a tree-trunk in search
of beetle gallenes [that] stampedes numerous winged Insects... promptly set
upon by a vigilant flycatcher or warbler’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <i>‘Birds of Nepal’</i> (1976),
Fleming, Fleming and Bangdel add Laughing Thrushes, Yuhinas and warblers to
various babbler species in such parties. And Salim Ali, in <i>‘Indian Hill
Birds’</i> (1949), describes flocks of six or more Quaker Babblers (also known
as Nepal Babblers),</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“invariably to be found among the mixed hunting parties of
small Insectivorous birds that rove the forest. The birds hop from sprig to
sprig, often clinging upside down, sideways or back to ground to peer into the
angles of the leaf-stalks and various nooks and crannies for lurking
insects...The clear, whistling, quavering song of four notes... is constantly
uttered as the birds move about... The scattered members of a flock keep in
touch with one another by a harsh, rather subdued ‘<i>chur-r, chur-r’.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <i>‘The Book of Indian Birds’ </i>(12th
ed., 1996), also by Salim Ali, Jungle Babblers are described hopping
about in flocks or ‘sisterhoods,’ rummaging on the ground together, chattering
and squeaking, “which sometimes develops into Loud discordant wrangling.” This
group behavior, Ali says, goes beyond foraging, for they are also known to band
together to ward off attacks by owls, hawks or cats. It’s called “mobbing” in
bird lore, combining their voices to repel predators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Search Fulfilled</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Dillon Ripley searched for the Spiny
Babbler in Nepal in 1947 (by special permission of the (then) Rana Prime
Minister), he found one in a mixed hunting party while birding in low shrubs
and heavy grass–</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Halfway down the slope and near a large bush, I heard a
series of Low chuckles and ‘querr’ noises. I stopped short. There must be a flock of laughing thrushes or babblers about, the sort of birds That go around
in small family parties, constantly talking to each other. After waiting
carefully, stock-still for several moments, I saw a group of birds hopping
about ... They were dark and bulky-Looking, as big as a thrush, and they
flicked and flirted their tails as they hopped about, in the characteristic
manner of the noisy nervous babblers or laughing thrushes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After collecting one as a scientific
specimen, he described it as –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“A brownish bird the size of an American robin or an
English Blackbird. The throat and upper breast were white, the rest streaked
brown. The feathers of the upper side, particularly the forehead and crown, had
stiff wiry shafts as did those of the throat. As this bird lay in my palm, I
could think of no species of Laughing thrush known to me which it remotely
resembled...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It was not really until the next day that I began to
ponder seriously over my new bird... Holding my prize and thinking about it, I
began to turn over all the Indian species in my mind. What could this bird be?
In the field a problem like this was not an easy one when books were not ready to
hand, when there were several hundreds of species to choose from. Finally, the
stiff wiry shafts of the feathers gave the bird away... it could only be the
Spiny Babbler... a species that had defied scientists for years. None had seen
collected for one hundred and six years, since 1843 and 1844...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8MfgClfDZ8wG75rsi3C9NQYgVM_I-dTn_CKUxTHM38a6Z8NQQ2sx14CPNb6lvVWIV27l7Pvoy7PjGS2s7kTj7ToHEFP8rKQJEQT14hAPQIBEca3g0E3T7QfaGrwzceHs1mYcc8NouUQ/s1600/SPINY+BABBLER+POSTAGE+STAMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="415" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8MfgClfDZ8wG75rsi3C9NQYgVM_I-dTn_CKUxTHM38a6Z8NQQ2sx14CPNb6lvVWIV27l7Pvoy7PjGS2s7kTj7ToHEFP8rKQJEQT14hAPQIBEca3g0E3T7QfaGrwzceHs1mYcc8NouUQ/s200/SPINY+BABBLER+POSTAGE+STAMP.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite their rarity in Dillon Ripley’s
day, Spiny Babblers are fairly common in Nepal, though hard to spot. You may hear them babbling in cut over scrub brush and tangled thickets where they move about singly or in small scattered parties. Look for a grayish-brown bird with white on face and chin, streaked and pale below, and the tell-tale 'spiny' feathers, stiff and wiry, around the throat.</span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-7223108337716757892019-01-29T13:06:00.001-08:002021-07-21T10:57:15.946-07:00<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-52410431001713960472019-01-04T14:42:00.002-08:002019-01-31T10:21:31.049-08:00The Library Book, by Susan Orlean<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What </span><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">a great book!</span><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I read it cover to
cover in two sittings. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Simply
superb...!</i></span> </span></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #bf3c01; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Read on, then go to
your library and check it out. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">About The Book</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://d3myrwj42s63no.cloudfront.net/180/978/147/674/018/8/9781476740188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="
THE LIBRARY BOOK by Susan Orlean" border="0" class="img-responsive" data-isbn="978-1-4767-4018-8" itemprop="image" src="https://d3myrwj42s63no.cloudfront.net/180/978/147/674/018/8/9781476740188.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE
BOOK CLUB PICK</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<b><span style="background: yellow;">A <i>WASHINGTON POST</i> TOP 10 BOOK OF THE
YEAR </span></b>* <b>A</b> <b><i>NEW YORK TIMES </i>BESTSELLER and <i><span style="background: yellow;">NEW YORK TIMES </span></i><span style="background: yellow;">NOTABLE BOOK OF 2018</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>“A constant pleasure to read…<span style="background: yellow;">Everybody who
loves books should check out <i>The Library Book</i></span>.” —<i>The</i> <i>Washington
Post</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>“<span style="background: yellow;">CAPTIVATING…DELIGHTFUL.</span>” —<i>Christian
Science Monitor</i> * “<span style="background: yellow;">EXQUISITELY WRITTEN,
CONSISTENTLY ENTERTAINING.</span>” —<i>The New York Times</i> * “<span style="background: yellow;">MESMERIZING…RIVETING</span>.” —<i>Booklist </i>(starred
review)</b><br />
<br />
<b>A dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—and an investigation into
one of its greatest mysteries—from the bestselling author hailed as a “national
treasure” by <i>The</i> <i>Washington Post</i>.</b><br />
<br />
On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles
Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been
cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one
fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye,
Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more
than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred
thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended
on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did
someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?<br />
<br />
Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the
fire, award-winning <i>New Yorker </i>reporter and <i>New York Times </i>bestselling
author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that
manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has
never been done before.<br />
<br />
In <i>The Library Book</i>, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath
to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves
into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from
their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their
current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of
the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and
attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in
libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long
suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.<br />
<br />
Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from
libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was
named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still
dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath
known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing
information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer
who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to
the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their
institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.<br />
<br />
Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep
research, <i>The Library Book </i>is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through
the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than
just books—and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul
of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps
especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">========================================================================</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial black" , sans-serif;">Why I Write</span></u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Susan
Orleans points out in <b><i>The Library Book</i></b> (NY: Simon &
Schuster, 2018, p.93) that she wrote this book <b><u>to preserve memories</u></b> of her childhood visits to libraries.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;">“<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I convinced myself that committing them to
a page meant the memory was saved, somehow, from the corrosive effect of time,”
she says.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The idea of being forgotten is terrifying.
I fear not just that I, personally, will be forgotten, but that we are all
doomed to being forgotten―that the sum of life is ultimately nothing; that we
experience joy and disappointment and aches and delights and loss, make our
little mark on the world, and then we vanish, and the mark is erased, and it is
as if we never existed. If you gaze into that bleakness even for a moment, the
sum of life becomes null and void, because if nothing lasts, nothing matters.
It means that everything we experience unfolds without a pattern, and life is
just a wild, random, baffling occurrence, a scattering of notes with no melody.
But if something you learn or observe or imagine can be set down and saved, and
if you can see your life reflected in previous lives, and can imagine it
reflected in subsequent ones, you can begin to discover order and harmony. You
know that you are a part of a larger story that has shape and purpose―a
tangible, familiar past and a constantly refreshed future. We are all whispering
in a tin can on a string, but we are heard, so we whisper the message into the
next tin can and the next string. Writing a book, just like building is
library, is an act of sheer defiance. It is a declaration that you believe in
the persistence of memory. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“In Senegal, the polite expression for
saying someone died is to say his or her library has burned. When I first heard
the phrase. I didn’t understand it, but over time I came to realize it was
perfect. Our minds and souls contain volumes inscribed by our experiences and
emotions; each individual’s consciousness is a collection of memories we’ve
catalogued and stores inside us, a private library of a life lived. It is
something that no one else can entirely share, one that burns down and disappears
when we die. But if you can take something from that internal collection and
share it―with one person or with the larger world, on the page or in a story
recited―it takes on a life of its own.</span>”#</span></span></div>
<br />
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-33945419325899377912018-12-06T11:44:00.000-08:002018-12-06T11:44:30.877-08:00Lo Manthang: Cycling to the Lost Kingdom on the Other Side of the Himalayas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kE4PAuRx7ozdIFqtfugfftoZ9hoBFOeWiWfmriT0bjX_WeM-29X5IeTN8DBZvVHp17JNsBDfv5jA0xUWm5Qb5LFA7vat89fzHj24nWXHAYzM6pw_fVRiGqpkPB3qoV1VP2r2Dju2kH0/s1600/3+bikers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kE4PAuRx7ozdIFqtfugfftoZ9hoBFOeWiWfmriT0bjX_WeM-29X5IeTN8DBZvVHp17JNsBDfv5jA0xUWm5Qb5LFA7vat89fzHj24nWXHAYzM6pw_fVRiGqpkPB3qoV1VP2r2Dju2kH0/s320/3+bikers.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; line-height: 15.4556px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What a wild place to go biking!</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; line-height: 15.4556px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The blocky white peak (top left) is Dhaulagiri, the world's 7th highest. </span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15.4556px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 15.4556px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">(Lo Manthang in northern Nepal is also known Mustang to outsiders.)</span></span></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a good story. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The author, Ravi Man Singh of Kathmandu, starts it here in Part-1 with a challenge from Walt Disney: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">"<i><b>If you can dream it, you can do it!</b></i>" </span></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i>At the age of 66, my mountain biking trip to Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang, </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">not only made me realise my dream and rise to the daunting </span></em><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">challenges put </span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">up </span></em><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">by the punishing and unforgiving terrain, but also curiously helped me </span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">rediscover </span></em><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">my own </span></em><em><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">strength and grit.</span></em></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i style="font-weight: bold;">Believed to be a mystical
Shangri-La</i>, the 500-year old capital of Mustang, “the
Kingdom of Lo”–Lo Manthang–was off limits to the foreigners until 1992. Today,
the tiny enclave hidden within the folds of rolling mountains on the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Plateau-of-Tibet" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Tibetan plateau</span></a> has become a destination of a
lifetime for foreign tourists and Nepalese alike. ... "</span></div>
<div style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Read on, for the adventure is interesting with stunning photographs... </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You can access the story online at </span><b style="color: #0000ee; font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 12.6667px;"><u>http://english.onlinekhabar.com/lo-manthang-cycling-to-the-lost-kingdom-on-the-other-side-of-the-himalayas.html</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrr0isp5KaM8DDukv6dkziX3Wj5FkF6ksRzznhWKBu8rTvHxAZO0zaQoBoolFk7ASnGZxRBc2CvkJ_AcFz1SmY46CwtDSAalFM6SJ8JcGHlzoBq_p3HVhdX-M2GxqMtXH9muMFGUd3qc/s1600/kagbeni.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrr0isp5KaM8DDukv6dkziX3Wj5FkF6ksRzznhWKBu8rTvHxAZO0zaQoBoolFk7ASnGZxRBc2CvkJ_AcFz1SmY46CwtDSAalFM6SJ8JcGHlzoBq_p3HVhdX-M2GxqMtXH9muMFGUd3qc/s640/kagbeni.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 12.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-40316746631276416082018-12-05T14:54:00.000-08:002018-12-05T14:54:02.487-08:00Yeti: The Ecology of a Mystery by Daniel C. Taylor<h2>
<span style="color: blue;">YETI: The Ecology of a Mystery, by Daniel C. Taylor</span></h2>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nDL2LqIRkBUW5gBkCGrMAXkg4rYr05x1QIQtOfppg3Ehn31iIyYG-dvQQsNqfcCOGKQXwHi_4VOBIPdSm_2Zh5EY_JianZJWhpOkpErQxz7T-QNfS-ouPMVqFE7I-uc0LLJOQjzViwk/s1600/yeti+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nDL2LqIRkBUW5gBkCGrMAXkg4rYr05x1QIQtOfppg3Ehn31iIyYG-dvQQsNqfcCOGKQXwHi_4VOBIPdSm_2Zh5EY_JianZJWhpOkpErQxz7T-QNfS-ouPMVqFE7I-uc0LLJOQjzViwk/s320/yeti+book+cover.jpg" width="204" /></a><b style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;">In the mid-1950s, when Daniel Taylor was a schoolboy growing up in the Himalayas of North India</span>, he was assigned to write a paper on any subject of his choice. “At first,” he says, “I thought I’d do tigers―tigers were the ultimate quarry for Taylor boys―but I decided to write about Yetis.” That choice, that paper, was his first step in what became a lifelong quest to discover the truth about the mysterious critters. His quest has taken him on many trails and, ultimately, to writing his insightful memoir, <em>Yeti: The Ecology of a Mystery</em>.</b></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
</h3>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“The Yeti is
more than just a footprint,” he says. How much more, both really and
physically, and metaphysically, is what this natural science study is all
about. The mystery of the yeti began during a 1920s British Himalayan
expedition with the photograph of what appeared to be the footprint of a large
hominid-like creature. Combine that photo and others taken over the years with
myths, legends, and startling true-life stories of encounters with yetis told by
Himalayan folk, such as the Sherpas of the Mount Everest region, and you’ll
understand why he calls it a mystery. Taylor’s breakthrough discovery of
yeti-reality came after years of careful search and research. The book
sometimes reads like a detective novel, chasing clues. Is it some heretofore
unknown creature, maybe prehistoric, hiding out wild in the Himalayas? Or, does
it have a more rational explanation?</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">In <em>Yeti</em>, Taylor guides
us on a series of exploratory treks to find out. His revelations are strengthened
by his lifelong work in nature conservation and education, and many years
tramping across north India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And what does he tell someone
else who wants find the Yeti, or any other strange beast, rare bird, puzzling
plant form, or another unexplained phenomenon? His advice is like Kipling’s:
“Do it! Go for it. Find it.” Go out “with a packsack on your back, and an open
mind.”</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And
what are Taylor’s conclusions after more than a half century of research? To
find out, I recommend you read the book, no matter if you hope to trek the
mountain forests and snowfields to see for yourself, or if you prefer reading
it at home by the fire as an arm-chair explorer. But be prepared, for it is
such an alluring saga that once you start you may not be able to put it down
’til the book is finished, the mystery is solved, and you have learned
something remarkable about both the beast and the man.</span></h3>
<div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 6pt 0in 4pt;">
<b><i style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Originally posted on Portland Book Review at www.portlandbookreview.com/2-18/11/yeti.</i></b></div>
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Publisher:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Oxford University Press / Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Kindle / Purchase: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yeti-Ecology-Daniel-C-Taylor/dp/0199469385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1543189343&linkCode=ll1&tag=portbookrev09-20&linkId=7eb388968c71316ee5481cac9b88d830" target="_blank">Amazo</a></span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yeti-Ecology-Daniel-C-Taylor/dp/0199469385/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1543189343&linkCode=ll1&tag=portbookrev09-20&linkId=7eb388968c71316ee5481cac9b88d830" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">n</a></b></span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-36997398556447189842018-08-21T10:31:00.000-07:002018-08-21T10:39:14.300-07:00Plogging For Plastic Wastes, by Hemang Dixit <div class="cf mw8 mt2 mt4-ns mb2 ph2 center black-90" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 2rem auto 0.5rem; max-width: 64rem; padding-left: 0.5rem; padding-right: 0.5rem;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.5rem 0px;">
</div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsjOkxZjtDBtc_0_D4aXLPKrqBCceLH9qHcuqPZS5SH0l88zENsBkZyvxEF_IWtaYEwRNbs6llZP3guAY6jS7dxPPYrKb4rogHdztXzFkMQ8JPtIeZ2L4yJw-UVrKhw832XF0OX7AntE/s1600/Plastic_wastes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsjOkxZjtDBtc_0_D4aXLPKrqBCceLH9qHcuqPZS5SH0l88zENsBkZyvxEF_IWtaYEwRNbs6llZP3guAY6jS7dxPPYrKb4rogHdztXzFkMQ8JPtIeZ2L4yJw-UVrKhw832XF0OX7AntE/s320/Plastic_wastes.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
</h3>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Question: </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">With this sort of awareness of the bane of plastics in tiny Nepal (below) and in Europe, what are we in the USA and the rest of the world doing to address the plastic pollution crisis?</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Don't leave it up to government; it's everyone's responsibility.</span></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IT'S TIME TO CLEAN UP & GET ON WITH BIO-DEGRADABLES! </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">~</span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.9); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: right;">DM/Himalayan Snows</span></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.9); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: right;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.5rem 0px;">
</div>
<h3 style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In
Europe there is awareness about recycling of plastics</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></h3>
<h2 style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Guardian reported
recently that the figure of recycling of plastic in Norway was as high as 95%.
Norway recycles each used plastic bottle twelve times. Germany claims to do a
lot of recycling too and claims that its efforts are more successful than that
of the Scandinavians</span></h2>
<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Swedes were perhaps the first</i></b> to burn their trash and use the
energy obtained for heating purposes in a major town. This is an ongoing
project which is being copied in other parts of the world. In Sweden they have
gone further and adopted a novel idea to deal with plastic waste. The
originators of this activity which is being copied in many countries of Europe
with enthusiasm are the Swedes. Basic idea is from the Swedish word ‘ploke’
which means to collect. One starts by putting on running shoes, picks up a
container, even a plastic bag in one’s hand and jogs around the park or city
streets / lanes, stooping periodically to pick up garbage which has been strewn
around by ‘Litterbugs’ of the community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Going
around parks with their pet dogs and collecting the ‘poo’ in plastic bags and
throwing it in the bin does not solve the problem of the plastic bag which is
not biogradeable. Styrocene cups for coffee are also major offenders. What are
required are cups made of paper which are biodegradeable or even of plastic
which decompose quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In
Europe there is awareness about recycling of plastics. The Guardian reported
recently that the figure of recycling of plastic in Norway was as high as 95%.
Norway recycles each used plastic bottle twelve times. Germany claims to do a
lot of recycling too and claims that its efforts are more successful than that
of the Scandinavians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This
is not possible in Nepal. Kathmandu Nagarpalika is said to have a plan for
management of wastes in co-operation with different municipalities in the
valley. The road to the overused dumping site at Sisdole cannot be used during
the monsoon season so our wastes pile up all over the town. Long term solution
was said to be at Banchare Danda together with the construction of a plant to
convert the wastes into compost. Reality is that during this monsoon period the
wastes of Kathmandu have not been removed. The hope is that private parties
will do this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However
on 1st Asar 2075 (15 July 2018) a stretch of 100 meters of Anupam Tole of
Pokhara Municipality of Gandaki Pradesh became the first Municipality of Nepal
to asphalt a road with plastic garbage. The wastes were first converted to
pellets, mixed with bitumen, spread on the road and finally compressed to make
a metalled surface. This section of the road was inaugurated by mayor Man
Bahadur KC. Congratulations to all the pioneers of Gandaki for their
initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It
is interesting to note that this technology of using plastic wastes by
converting into pellets and then for building roads has been introduced in
India. About 15 kilometres of metalled such road was made in Jamshedpur, the
steel city of India. Roads built in this fashion last must longer than those
constructed in regular fashion. It is cheaper too as the amount of bitumen
required is reduced by almost 10%.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">An
article in the daily Star newspaper of Bangladesh states that about 15
kilometres of road has been built in Jamshedpur, the steel city of India. As
from 2015 the Government of India has made it mandatory to utilise plastic
wastes for making roads. Currently as many as 11 states in India have utilised
this technology to build as much as 100,000 kilometres of metalled roads in the
country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Apparently
plastic use has increased greatly since 2005 and is becoming a problem. To
counter it the Bangladesh government is implementing its 3R policy (reduce,
reuse and recycle) in two major cities of Dhaka and Chittagong where it is a
major problem. The use of plastic, it is felt will make the metalled roads more
durable and longer lasting than the existing process. Ghana, in West Africa is
building roads out of plastic bags too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We
in Nepal, taking the examples of India and Bangladesh and in line with the
initiative of Pokhara should set up medium sized plastic pellets manufacturing
units in some selected sites in Nepal for recycling plastic wastes. Our
newspapers have reported that a number of our highways and newly constructed
roads need urgent repair to lessen the daily accidents that occur. Using these
plastic pellets for the building of our roads will solve two major problems
that we Nepalis have been contending with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Later
information about plastics that was posted in Facebook is that so far about 6.3
billion tons of plastic have been produced. Of this 12% have been burnt, 9//5
have been recycled. The estimate is that there is currently 4.9 billion tons of
plastic remaining in the world. However, plastic is also a necessity for modern
day living. For example the keeping quality of much what we eat is preserved
for longer periods and does not have to be thrown away if not consumed. It is
used for making modern day clothing but plastic has become the bane of modern
living. Plastic is a basic component for the development of the information
technology which modern living cannot do without. The debit aspect of all this
is that because of it erratic disposal, much of it finally ends up in the
oceans and leads to the death of fishes, turtles and even birds which thinking
that it is eatable end up by being suffocated or clogged up by this
indigestible material. The present plastic wastes, if heaped at one site will
create a mountain that is bigger than the 8848 metres high Mt. Everest of our
land and reach up to the skies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-weight: 400; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sweden now has a shortage of
plastic wastes and has to import these for utilisation to heat cities during
winter months. Another piece of news is that the Japanese have found in their
garbage dumps an enzyme that digests plastic and are developing it further. Is
this the saviour of humankind?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.901960784313726); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(Spotlight magazine, Kathmandu, Aug. 17 2018)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>SEE MORE - FACTS & FIGURES, at: www.thecivilengineer.org/news-center/latest-news/item/1498-the-plastic-pollution-problem-in-charts</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-77774683501723207682018-08-09T07:52:00.000-07:002018-08-09T14:22:55.008-07:00Crossing the Dark Waters: Reflections on Jang Bahadur's Trip to Europe in 1850<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“They came, they were seen, and forthwith they
conquered. To look at the lustre of their retinue, to count the diamonds which
sparkled on their brown skins, to mark the gemmed turbans, the jeweled aigrets,
the white bird of Paradise plumes―who would not have been forgiven for
believing that the whole party might be an incarnation from the ‘Arabian
Nights’... Coming in this guise, lavishing diamonds and gold, enshrined in a
halo of oriental mystery, the Nepal Embassy became at once the talk of the
town.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (F<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">rom
a London newspaper, July 24 1850</span>)</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">n 1850, almost </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">four years into his reign as the most powerful man in Nepal</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">, Jang Bahadur Rana set out
on the first Nepalese mission to Europe, where he visited England and France.
The Prime Minister, along with his two youngest brothers Jagat Shamsher and
Dhir Shamsher Rana, plus an entourage of officials and a covey of servants and
personal attendants, arrived in Southampton on May 14, 1850, after a month-long
sea voyage from Calcutta. It was Jang Bahadur’s first time traveling away from
the subcontinent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVZ5gFvxT2T6m-r7MFNOa5xxVtq2eN5jG9T2E3lYCJoTDbbc6WYub4Kii4rNU835MPJhq7lqVZx7AIwVRrqOi9HcY-Tbajt-34ca3VdHxWUrxSGOjWujoXJosqHEpGW4I9ldJQLceG8Y/s1600/d+bros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVZ5gFvxT2T6m-r7MFNOa5xxVtq2eN5jG9T2E3lYCJoTDbbc6WYub4Kii4rNU835MPJhq7lqVZx7AIwVRrqOi9HcY-Tbajt-34ca3VdHxWUrxSGOjWujoXJosqHEpGW4I9ldJQLceG8Y/s400/d+bros.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Accounts
of the momentous trip are told in several memoirs and history books, and in the
English and French press of the time. What dazzled many Europeans was the
splendor of the premier’s attire. But there was more to the trip than how he
looked. In Europe they, he and his entourage were hosted by important
officials, visited numerous places of historic, economic and military
significance, participated in many state-sponsored events, and enjoyed some of
the pleasures of Victorian London and Napoleonic Paris on their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">What
tends to have been forgotten over time are the complications members of the
Nepalese party confronted while attempting to sustain their caste status as conscientious
Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Maintaining
Caste</span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">These
days we give little thought to Hindus traveling abroad, but in the mid-19th
century leaving home on the Indian subcontinent and crossing the ocean―the
‘dark waters’―to foreign lands was a frightening prospect. Attention to the
long-established rules for maintaining caste purity was taken seriously and
often achieved with great difficulty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The fear
of losing caste and the rules for observing caste values are grounded in the ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Dharma Shastras’, </span></i>ancient laws that have guided
Hindu religious life for more than two thousand years. The <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Shastras </span></i>clearly banned crossing the ocean (‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">samudra-yana’</span></i>) to visit foreign lands. Why? Because, as
religious scholars have pointed out,it was nearly impossible to observe the
obligatory personal worship three times a day, and other requirements while
traveling on a ship at sea. Restrictions regarding food, drink, and
commensality were especially challenging. The risk of traveling afar in the
company of non-Hindus was to live in a state of perpetual pollution from the
sin of ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">mleccha samparka’,</span></i> politely defined as ‘mixing
with foreigners’ though ‘barbarians’ is a more accurate definition of ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">mleccha’</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">For Hindu
travelers to avoid or counteract the consequences of impurity and to rid
themselves of guilt, an especially odious and lengthy routine of penance was
prescribed. In its strictest form, lasting up to three years, the penitent was
allowed to eat only a little food as infrequently as every fourth mealtime, to
pass each day standing and each night sitting, and to bathe morning, noon, and
night. Upon return to India, a bath in the holy Ganges was considered essential
to regaining caste purity. (On their return from Europe in early 1851, Jang
Bahadur and his companions did just that during a stop in Benares.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqNqx39-k_tZD1Lti3hj-ZKEzTEJJC989ayJ2-77xgT5NuPENVFmhUe31j9t8wzi6a9Cd5WbQFdYLvCYzNm8LCABj0K7hrhie0-ww7IchhkZqmFtokSLrMqp0BSc8mzcZABR1MOTiRBQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqNqx39-k_tZD1Lti3hj-ZKEzTEJJC989ayJ2-77xgT5NuPENVFmhUe31j9t8wzi6a9Cd5WbQFdYLvCYzNm8LCABj0K7hrhie0-ww7IchhkZqmFtokSLrMqp0BSc8mzcZABR1MOTiRBQ/s320/2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The
concerns that Jang Bahadur, his two brothers and the other travelers in his
party expressed about observing caste restrictions, especially while eating,
are described, for example, in the memoir of their official minder, Orfeur
Cavenagh. The British had assigned Captain Cavenagh as “Political Charge of a
Mission from the Court of Kathmandhoo to Her Most Gracious Majesty” in London.
In that capacity, he accompanied and guided Jang Bahadur and his brothers on a
daily basis, sometimes interpreting for them (though they also had an official
interpreter) and had every opportunity to observe how they behaved. Their
efforts to maintain caste purity are also mentioned by other authors,
historians, and curious European journalists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"></span></b></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Unknown Rules</span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">As an
‘old India hand’ and Hindi speaker, Capt.Cavenagh was well aware of Hindu
customs. He did all he could to assure that the party had adequate
accommodations, with bathing, cooking, and eating facilities that met their
needs. He also mentions several occasions when their European hosts breached local
convention and ‘broke the rules’ to accommodate some of the strange customs of
their honored guests. Perceval Landon writes that their British hosts, who were
largely ignorant of their guests’ needs and tastes, were especially “anxious
not to transgress the unknown rules of caste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJDCgpspeXr7xFrLy5R3DcBQM1WXPus8CAPAe0kiM3T8rPKaDapxvX81dvMknr3PVBoeAqvsZzqrOnjhZRLIlhqQfnw-W1YnJehXM6LrIxFhtyO0h_MH65xUCoP6yB6VwXVB-oFFTBh8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="137" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJDCgpspeXr7xFrLy5R3DcBQM1WXPus8CAPAe0kiM3T8rPKaDapxvX81dvMknr3PVBoeAqvsZzqrOnjhZRLIlhqQfnw-W1YnJehXM6LrIxFhtyO0h_MH65xUCoP6yB6VwXVB-oFFTBh8/s320/3.jpg" width="215" /></a><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">For their
part, the Nepalese did their best to avoid breaking the most fundamental
customs regarding ritual pollution. Padma Jang Rana, a son of Jang Bahadur
writing from his father’s personal journal, describes life aboard ship on the
first leg of their sea journey out of Calcutta as having been “arranged in a
thoroughly orthodox Hindu style” –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“The Europeans [he writes] wondered at the
Minister’s seclusion during mealtime, and the scrupulous care he always showed
in keeping himself and his things aloof from the touch of any non-Hindu. So
rigid was he in the observance of the customs of his country, and the
principles of his caste, that he... never tasted anything but fruits while on
board the steamer, and even then, not before placing a thick screen in 'front of
him, to save himself from being stared at.</span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">This is a unique feature of the Hindu character,
for while Europeans feel no delicacy in taking meals in public, Hindus,
especially of the higher grades, ...always take their meals in privacy.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Padma
Jang Rana points out that to Jang Bahadur the ship’s “common deck implied
abominable contact with objectionable people.” Thus, during the first few days
of the long voyage, until arrangements were worked out for the Nepalese
servants to prepare meals onboard, all food for Jang Bahadur and the others was
both cooked and eaten ashore. This Hindu character trait appeared
“unintelligible to Europeans to whom our universal ‘chowka system’ is a
constant puzzle.” The rule was that cooked food carried away from the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘chowka’ </span></i>(the cooking place) was considered unclean,
hence unfit for caste-conscious Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Hide the Cows<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Two
examples of the care the Nepalese travelers took regarding food and drink show
how Hindu custom sometimes bumped uncomfortably up against European convention.
For their own convenience aboard ship, the Nepalese brought cows that they
alone milked (but, being considered sacred, never slaughtered for food).
Shortly after boarding the P. & O. line’s steamship <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Ripon </span></i>in Alexandria, Egypt, for crossing the
Mediterranean Sea, Jang Bahadur came to Capt. Cavenagh “sadly distressed” to
learn that other cows on board were killed to provide meat on the European
menu. So affronted were the Nepalese at this, Jang Bahadur is said to have told
Cavenagh if there was no way of stopping “this most objectionable practice...,
he would immediately quit that ship and engage another.” Cavenagh averted that
by arranging with the purser to carefully conceal the time and place of cow
slaughter, a plan to which Jang Bahadur uncomfortably agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Once that
was settled, the Nepalese set up housekeeping on the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘Ripon’</span></i> for
the remainder of the journey. An article in the London press describing shipboard
accommodations, mentions that given “their strict notions” regarding religion,
diet, bathing, and dread of contaminating the food, cooking vessels, and
utensils –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: x-small;">“they were compelled to engage the whole of the forecabins and saloons of the Ripon, in which they fitted up cooking apparatus, which was constructed out of a large square box made of planks and paddle-floats, filled with mud and sand. The fuel they used was charcoal. Their principal food on board was poultry, kids [goat], eggs, rice and vegetables. They took in themselves at each port they touched at, what water they used.”</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi349rIoB75mV6-7wnn6Q7c49PSyWAwX1E7cAUSihp6lkgm30GmxhDFqKDfUFk-SRwpwAt4CtdQ8wmnbea4JPF-OLI8dn7mjSpBFzcuMDz6HP4jBOL_IfDgSd7ffA-RCOW0mTvkDmL1T7Q/s1600/Ripon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="700" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi349rIoB75mV6-7wnn6Q7c49PSyWAwX1E7cAUSihp6lkgm30GmxhDFqKDfUFk-SRwpwAt4CtdQ8wmnbea4JPF-OLI8dn7mjSpBFzcuMDz6HP4jBOL_IfDgSd7ffA-RCOW0mTvkDmL1T7Q/s640/Ripon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Paddle Steamer Ripon at the Port of Southampton, England</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">D</span><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">ock their Tails<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Another
problem arose when it was found that the sheep brought on board the <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘Ripon’ </span></i>for the Nepalese to butcher and eat were of the
European long-tailed variety, which they told Cavenagh they were forbidden to
eat. To the ship’s authorities this seemed easy to make right. So, as Cavenagh
tells it, out of sight and probably with a bit of jollity on the part of the
crew, –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“an
animal with an apparently orthodox tail was duly made over to the Nepalese
party for execution. The appointed executioner was not disposed to become too
inquisitive as to the origin of the shortness of the tail of the fine fat sheep
destined to become the dinner of himself and his fellows. Unfortunately,
however, amongst the members of the Minister’s suite was an old Kazi under a
vow not to indulge in animal food for a certain period; under no circumstances,
therefore, could he partake of the repast. This old gentleman, who was of
rather a crabbed disposition, insisted upon being allowed to examine the sheep
to satisfy himself that his brethren acted in accordance with their religious
tenets. The result of his minute scrutiny established... that the animal they
were about to sacrifice had originally been born with a long tail.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Capt.
Cavenagh was of the opinion that the companions of the “old Kazi,” Karbir
Khatri, were prepared to ignore the docked tail and get on with cooking up a
nice mutton curry. But out of respect, apparently, for the concerns of the
elder gentleman they outwardly expressed great astonishment at the revelation.
Or, as Cavenagh put it, with a touch of irony –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Inwardly,
I fancy, many were the curses against their friend’s officiousness. However,
the requirements of religion must be obeyed. Monsieur le Mouton [with the
docked tail] was at once released and bundled up stairs to join his companions
and to become food for heterodox Christians instead of orthodox Hindus; whilst
the suite for the rest of the voyage were obliged to content themselves with
rice and flour and such like comestibles.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">After
arriving in London, Cavenagh assumed Karbir Khatri must have been barred from
examining what went on in the kitchen, for nothing more was heard about
short-tailed sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Cut the Carpet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The
Nepalese party’s concern for keeping rigid standards of separation from the
Europeans went well beyond what they ate, to the point of rearranging the
furnishings. One London journalist described the lengths to which they went to
avoid contaminating situations –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“In the
matter of eating and drinking, the Nepaulese gentle-men continue to keep rigidly
to their rules of faith and custom. As regards animal food, they eat mutton and
goat’s-flesh .... cooked after their own fashion by their own retainers. Fruit
is the only refreshment, as my readers may be aware, of which the Nepaulese
will partake in the dwelling of Giaour [meaning ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">gaur</span></i>’, ‘an infidel’
in Persian]; and in consuming even it, the most curiously rigid system of
isolation appears to be requisite.</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"At a
recent féte, at which all artistic and aristocratic London were present, the
Nepaulese, before they sat down to their collation of peaches, nectarines, and
so forth, were not only ensconced in a closed room with trusty sentinels at the
door, but the carpet of the apartment in which they sat, and which was of the
same piece as that which covered the floor of the adjoining chamber, was, at
their request, severed at the threshold, and rolled back on either side, so as
to destroy the idea of any immediate connexion or communication between
themselves and the neighboring infidels.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wuHJM4IkgLBy746SmemVhAF33nPMTpXW7cZX5SDWl4aaBLU9Auw8fNNhT-VFB69Wdm9D6ZkqA7biha1BC5tZIpzg2kEiuTkPVtidpNPCL4hKMQQW07UiU9vPt1UbcLHjinwVBCXjBLE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wuHJM4IkgLBy746SmemVhAF33nPMTpXW7cZX5SDWl4aaBLU9Auw8fNNhT-VFB69Wdm9D6ZkqA7biha1BC5tZIpzg2kEiuTkPVtidpNPCL4hKMQQW07UiU9vPt1UbcLHjinwVBCXjBLE/s320/1.jpg" width="209" /></a><b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Don’t Drink the Water<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">What to
drink, and to drink from, were also problematic. The Nepalese were guests
at numerous receptions and parties in England, at which they took no drink and
ate nothing more than some raw fruit. In those days, as historian John Whelpton
explains, Hindus of “pure caste” would not accept water from “impure” sources,
which included <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘iyuropiyen’ </span></i>(Euro-peans) or '<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">kristan’ </span></i>(Christians<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">)</span></i>. Impur-ity could be
transmitted through water from <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘mlechhas’ </span></i>but not
by touch. Thus, while Jang Bahadur and members of his party could shake hands
with their European hosts, they would not accept a glass of water from them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Their
behavior confounded no less than Queen Victoria herself. When Her Majesty met
Jang Bahadur during an event at the Palace, she expressed the hope that he
would make a tour through the United Kingdom beyond London before leaving the
realm. Then, as Cavenagh tells it –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“His Excellency, in reply, stated that he was
extremely anxious to do so, but, unfortunately, his religion offered an
insuperable bar to his travelling as much as he could wish, as difficulties
were experienced with respect to his securing suitable cooking utensils. Her
Majesty, appearing somewhat surprised at this answer, I at once explained the
peculiarities of the Hindoo faith, more especially as regards their being
prohibited from making use of cooking-pots that had been rendered unclean by
the touch of one of another creed or of inferior caste.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jang
Bahadur and his brothers eventually toured a bit more of England and some of
Scotland where, along the way, they encountered a drinking water problem at a
railway station. According to a rather high-sounding newspaper account, what
happened at Castle Station went something like this–<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“His highness being thirsty the interpreter
inquired for some water, and, in the emergency, one of the [railway station]
porters hastily procured it in one of the men’s coffee cans. This not being
accepted, and the porter supposing the vessel was too plebeian for his highness
to use, a clean tumbler, containing the pure element, was tendered, but also
solemnly rejected. In this dilemma his Highness, or Magnificence, as the
splendor of his costume would warrant his being styled, caught sight of the
stand-pipe and hose by which the engines are supplied with water, and supposing
it to be a spring, endeavoured to find where he could dip in his own
drinking-cup, and procure water unpolluted by contact with any vessel in
Christian use. The whole party curiously examined the water-pipe, but of course
could make nothing of it, and returned to the train with his Highness’s want
unsatisfied.”</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mixing
socially with European <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘mlechha</i>s’ abroad
was, at times, clearly onerous.</span></div>
</blockquote>
⎼⎼<br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;">By Don Messerschmidt, <b>ECS Nepal magazine</b> (Kathmandu), August 2018. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;">http://ecs.com.np/features/crossing-the-dark-waters-reflections-on-jang-bahadurs-trip-to-europe-in-1850</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Sources</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">: ● Orfeur Cavenagh,<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘<b>Reminiscences of an Indian
Official’</b></span></i><b> </b>(1884); ● Padma Jang Bahadur Rana,<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘<b>Life of Maharaja Sir Jung Bahadur’</b></span></i> (1909); ● John
Whelpton, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘<b>Jang Bahadur in Europe: The First Nepalese
Mission to the West’</b></span></i><b> </b>(1983); ● Percival Landon, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘<b>Nepal</b>’</span></i> (1928); ● Purushottam S.J.B. Rana,<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">‘<b>Jung Bahadur Rana: The Story of His Rise and Glory</b>’</span></i> (1998);and
● contemporaneous European newspaper accounts quoted in Whelpton’s book. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-12360309738811739262018-08-08T17:27:00.000-07:002018-08-09T14:58:14.201-07:00A Friend of the Broom: The First Nepali to Visit England<h2>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">t’s been said that Prime Minister Jang Bahadur, in 1850, was the
first Nepali to visit England.</span></span><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">One early account goes so far as to say that he
was “The first Asian to visit England.” Another describes him as “the first
Hindoo of so high a caste who has ever been presented to the Queen.”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The latter claim is probably correct, but Jang Bahadur was by no
means the first Nepali, first Hindu, nor “first Asian” to visit England. He was,
however, the first head of state from Nepal to do so, in 1850. (The second was
his nephew, Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher, in 1908.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first Nepali known to have lived in England was from Bhaktapur.
As a young man, Motilal Singh fought and was captured in the Anglo-Nepal War of
1814-16. He spoke English and impressed his British captors, one of whom
encouraged him to migrate to England. Once there, however, and down on his
luck, he joined the poor London street people including cripples, children, and
other foreigners to eke out a meager living as a crossing sweeper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipchy30w3yxYFedXXMKLtI6qV-QhFK5oyxe31dpuPp_IHMKJRacezLZQMR8URawXhVZOEfka5Ze75uXOsebBuetroc3Dc3ZVuL5tnR4dtuJ0jzH_jt0uFtXBudr4s6rKZKCcS7l6LzY-I/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="234" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipchy30w3yxYFedXXMKLtI6qV-QhFK5oyxe31dpuPp_IHMKJRacezLZQMR8URawXhVZOEfka5Ze75uXOsebBuetroc3Dc3ZVuL5tnR4dtuJ0jzH_jt0uFtXBudr4s6rKZKCcS7l6LzY-I/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="231" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-indent: 0.25in;">A crossing sweeper’s job was to brush away muck, mud, and manure
at city street crossings to keep pathways open for ladies in long dresses and
gentlemen in fine apparel, for which he was given a gratuity.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before automobiles, the streets of Victorian London and other
cities were often crowded with horse-drawn carriages. It was said that in
London alone, close to 100,000 horses passed along the unpaved city streets
each day. You can imagine all the odiferous horse buns that had to be swept
away to clear a path for those well-dressed ladies and gents to pass unsullied.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day Motilal’s crossing sweeper career came to a sudden but
happy end. According to a June 1850 London newspaper account –<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">"Every one who has passed through St. Paul’s Church-yard to
Cheapside on a rainy day, when birch brooms are very much in requisition, must
have noticed the well-known Hindoo crossing-sweeper, who has for years past
regularly stationed himself at the northeast angle of the Cathedral. A day or
two ago he was at his post as usual, when the attention of the Nepaulese Ambassador
[Jang Bahadur Rana], who was passing at the time, was attracted towards him.
His Excellency ordered the carriage to stop, and entered into conversation with
him [in Nepali], the result of which was that he threw his broom with desperate
eagerness over the railing....</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"He now appears every morning arrayed in a new and superb Hindoo
costume and is not too proud to recognise his old acquaintances and friends of
the broom."</span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">After that, ‘Mutty Lall Sing’ (as he was known to the English) was
often seen with the Nepalese mission visiting many places as an informal
interpreter and companion. He is said to have accompanied the Nepalese
entourage to France and is thought to have returned to Nepal with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is no mention, however, of Motilal in the published accounts
of Jang Bahadur’s historic European tour. His story appears only in a few
short, obscure accounts in English newspapers of the time. The snippet above is
from ‘Vicissitude of Fortune’, in London’s ‘<em><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">Indian News’ </span></em>of June 17,
1850. It was reprinted among excerpts from the European Press appended to John
Whelpton’s <em><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">‘Jang Bahadur in Europe’ </span></em>(1983).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">More recently, the Nepalese researcher Krishna Adhikari, while
investigating Nepalese migration to England, found yet another story about
Motilal in ‘<em><span style="border: none 1.0pt; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;">The Economist</span></em>’ of June 1, 1850. It forms the basis of
Adhikari’s own short study entitled ‘A Nepali in Victorian England: Motilal–Soldier,
Crossing Sweeper, Chronicler,’ published by London’s Migration Museum at
www.migrationmuseum.org.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Better to be a lowly Friend of the Broom than a down-and-out
Nepali beggar on the filthy streets of Victorian London. Better yet to be
discovered and compassionately befriended by Jang Bahadur and his brothers,
dressed up in Nepalese finery, and cheerfully toss your broom aside for a new
life.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">By Don Messerschmidt. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; text-indent: 0.25in;">Reprinted from <i>ECS Nepal</i> magazine (Kathmandu), Aug. 2018. </span></span></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-weight: 400;">http://ecs.com.np/spilled-ink/a-friend-of-the-broom-the-first-nepali-to-visit-england</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-weight: 400;"><u>Illustration</u>: One-Legged Crossing-Sweeper (artist unknown)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-78447358447554509932018-07-24T09:49:00.003-07:002018-08-09T14:24:49.727-07:00Crossing Nepal's Risky 'Parris' of Old <br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZeToTnAFdXSTGUXG-1jBY-85oyiehwAme6ScwDuU8zFbLDMvhpeoVf4nzIyjlgvb2uX70WwGF643XbD48rdwGa6hqYyti5RzwQEJR8OZpEpKtdGm0RpgualLbjRmlCPtGVUy05CeABE/s1600/A+long+bamboo+%2527parri%2527+on+the+Buddhi+Gandaki+River+in+1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZeToTnAFdXSTGUXG-1jBY-85oyiehwAme6ScwDuU8zFbLDMvhpeoVf4nzIyjlgvb2uX70WwGF643XbD48rdwGa6hqYyti5RzwQEJR8OZpEpKtdGm0RpgualLbjRmlCPtGVUy05CeABE/s640/A+long+bamboo+%2527parri%2527+on+the+Buddhi+Gandaki+River+in+1954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ever
cross a ‘parri’? Here’s your chance, vicariously</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve had fun recently
perusing mountaineering books dating back over half a century looking for
dangerous river walks. Wow, what travelers in Nepal’s outback went up, across,
around, over, and through in the early days of trekking. Some of them wore hob-nailed
boots and carried clumsy wood-frame-and-canvas backpacks. But that was nothing
compared to the obstacles they faced, often scared and befuddled, on trails
through roaring river gorges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-top: 4.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Consider what climbers on the 1954 British Expedition to Baudha Himal
faced w</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">hile trekking along the Buddhi Gandaki River. It was there, well below
the peak, that they encountered a particularly spectacular bamboo ‘parri’
across a cliff face. Their account describes traversing one spectacular stretch
“Where the rock walls of the gorge fall vertically” blocking passage. Then,
either “the track goes under water and one wades downstream; or it climbs a
thousand feet to avoid the obstacle; or it is built out on catwalks of
dilapidated bamboo on the walls themselves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-top: 4.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">They describe
these “incredibly gimcrack” catwalks, or gangways―known locally ‘parris’―as
fearful to traverse. “Miscellaneous bits of wood and bamboo splinters formed
the hammock-like ‘pathway’, tied together with rotting pieces of twine,” we
read in ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The Moated Mountain’ </span></i>(1955). One of the Brits
noticed “with more than a little trepidation” that the knots used to bind the
‘parris’ were granny knots, a derisive term for reef-knots (or square-knots)
tied the wrong way, making them exceptionally insecure. But then they noticed
that “the material forming the footing was probably as likely to give away as
the knots.” In either case, “Directly beneath these shattered contraptions the
grey glacier-torrent swirled along, ... mercilessly swift. If a man once fell
into its smooth cold grasp there would be no hope whatever of saving him.”</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where the
parri was absent, the traveler faced the bare cliff and either waded “up to his
neck” in the river or would “claw his way desperately along the hanging rock,”
or performed an acrobatic “fly-crawl along an outward-sloping ledge overhanging
the torrent.”</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In short,
bamboo parris were treacherous. But, so were those made of wooden planks.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In 1950,
H.W. ‘Bill’ Tilman and party crossed a particularly dangerous plank ‘parri’,
deep down in the Marsyangdi River gorge on the Manang trail. Today’s modern
travelers have the option of going up and down this route by bus, jeep or
motorcycle, or by walking, either on the road or by an alternate route opened
by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). But in 1950 there were no
such options, nor were there in the 1960s when I first trekked this way.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In his
classic ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Nepal Himalaya</span></i>’ (1952), Tilman describes the Marsyangdi
River parris as wooden galleries “seldom wider than a single plank ... reached
by a stone staircase or up-ended logs with footholds cut in them. When the
river was low many of these cat-walks could be avoided by a little
boulder-hopping in the riverbed. In the rains the traveler has no choice. He
must then mind his step, for the planks are greasy with rain or with spray from
the surging river.”</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes
they had particularly frail handrails, “better left alone or at the most
touched rather than grasped. The track, slimy, slippery and half overgrown
after months of rain, presented the unwary with many opportunities for
misadventure. One had to shuffle very quietly over the narrow planks of the
‘parris’ which were greasy enough to warrant the strewing of a little sand for
those misguided enough to wear rubber-soled boots.”</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be
grateful today that most of Nepal’s wild river crossings have safe modern steel
bridges. In my mind’s eye, however, I see myself in something like an old
vaudeville filmstrip close to slipping off one of those gimcrack gangways into
the roaring river.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: rgb(255 , 242 , 204); font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;">Originally published as <i>'Crossing the
Risky 'Parris' of Old'</i> in <i>ECS Nepal magazine</i> (Kathmandu),
July
2018, http://ecs.com.np/spilled-ink/crossing-the-risky-parris-of-old. <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Photo from ‘<i>The Moated Mountain</i>’ by Showell Styles (1955).</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-14838658868368670162018-06-08T13:14:00.005-07:002018-08-09T14:27:17.313-07:00<div class="z_i1uqqa4v9 g_i1uqqdcoi clearfix" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: -1px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="clearfix u_i1uqqa34m" style="margin-bottom: -6px; zoom: 1;">
<div class="clearfix _42ef" style="overflow: hidden; zoom: 1;">
<div class="p_i1uqqa34p" style="padding-bottom: 6px;">
<div class="_6a _5u5j" style="display: inline-block; width: 444px;">
<div class="_6a _5u5j _6b" style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle; width: 444px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin: 0px 0px 2px; padding: 0px 22px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://external.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=AQAUL6mQ_ILreRoo&w=540&h=282&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhamrakura.com%2Fuploads%2Fnews%2Fimages%2Fleutel-school.jpg&cfs=1&upscale=1&fallback=news_d_placeholder_publisher&_nc_hash=AQAVnf98oSWPHRBD" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://external.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=AQAUL6mQ_ILreRoo&w=540&h=282&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhamrakura.com%2Fuploads%2Fnews%2Fimages%2Fleutel-school.jpg&cfs=1&upscale=1&fallback=news_d_placeholder_publisher&_nc_hash=AQAVnf98oSWPHRBD" /></a><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The ruins of </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><b>AMAR JYOTI HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL </b>in Luitel, Gorkha District Nepal<span style="font-weight: normal;">, after the </span><b>April 2015 Gorkha Earthquake</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. This school was originally built in the early 1960s by the United Mission to Nepal (UMN). An additional building was added later, courtesy of the Indian Government.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Since the Gorkha Earthquake the 400+ students of AJHS School have been suffering in cold and heat, rain or shine, under tarps and in tents and other makeshift facilities.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Promises from several agencies to rebuild the school have not come through, so </span><b>we at the all-volunteer, non-profit Gorkha Foundation</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (I'm on the Board of Advisors) </span><b>are taking up the challenge to raise the estimated $200,000 needed </b></span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">to go ahead with construction of a new facility. </b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>It is time to rebuild</u>.</span> </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">IF YOU CAN HELP -- </span></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>please do!</b> -- go online to</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Gorkhafoundation.org%2F&h=ATP8DZpzRLqd_IdLGH9LCt9XQL9Epi6ice618aCe5qsVmuneiR89-gPSR2z40igFvV7ftAba_GF5pi9pM3SAPOd-j8sVnj9MRVBAOQni7_e-_6IuJqfYFjgYS9i-V5oQhJjw8n15I374zoyjZk4" href="http://www.gorkhafoundation.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><b>www.Gorkhafoundation.org</b></a>, or contact me directly at dmesserschmidt[at]gmail[dot]com. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-37552062499222544692018-05-30T11:10:00.003-07:002018-05-30T11:18:43.727-07:00RUM DOODLE INSPIRATION<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaMClX9FZD_wzWpdOYCiwY86kq5wj3KU80gGiovUnFGFTWtaR9e0_KglrhQeJ7I9mMFY7fUDxAySSN6lcV1to9WRUmfe_2aBx5ExthGinZxSUfmD9o1xCgG-iQmcO7d-F_7lDJ9Z758Q/s1600/Rum+Doodle+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="423" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaMClX9FZD_wzWpdOYCiwY86kq5wj3KU80gGiovUnFGFTWtaR9e0_KglrhQeJ7I9mMFY7fUDxAySSN6lcV1to9WRUmfe_2aBx5ExthGinZxSUfmD9o1xCgG-iQmcO7d-F_7lDJ9Z758Q/s320/Rum+Doodle+cover.jpg" width="215" /></a>If you are familiar with the mountaineering spoof '<i><b>The Ascent of Rum Doodle</b></i>' by W.E. Bowman -- it is VERY popular! -- you may wonder what inspired the author to write it. Here's my take on that, my theory: Go to '<b>A Himalayan mystery -- solved?</b>' at <a href="http://old.himalmag.com/component/content/article/4819-a-himalayan-mystery-solved.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>http://old.himalmag.com/component/content/article/4819-a-himalayan-mystery-solved.html</b></span></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
I wrote and published the article a few years back, but it needs more circulation. And, I'd appreciate any comments in feedback (preferably to my email address; it's where I do most of my online business).<br />
<br />
Enjoy the read.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
See also the public group Facebook page:<br />
<h1 class="_19s-" id="seo_h1_tag" style="background-color: #e9ebee; color: #1d2129; flex: 1 1 0%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2245557588/?ref=group_header" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; outline: none;">The Ascent of Rum Doodle tribute page "We had Climbed the Wrong Mountain"</a></h1>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-86954039561600885222018-05-16T16:30:00.003-07:002018-05-16T16:37:34.679-07:00Peanuts... master wordsmith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtJp2a5ZO3whxgQc4uVubS6GF-LgX_ACCFKs7jnnDRhEM-FQlrL_MiWwVA-1ExwPzwAtzIE740GrjZuXGBsrNxr82k-4GoS-2w6lVSdRKE9aV4qdtW4JentdIoXDuqde32lP0e2FJA5I/s1600/IMG_20180516_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtJp2a5ZO3whxgQc4uVubS6GF-LgX_ACCFKs7jnnDRhEM-FQlrL_MiWwVA-1ExwPzwAtzIE740GrjZuXGBsrNxr82k-4GoS-2w6lVSdRKE9aV4qdtW4JentdIoXDuqde32lP0e2FJA5I/s640/IMG_20180516_0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-69563784626623138452018-05-15T13:56:00.000-07:002018-05-15T13:56:04.856-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://worldofdecay.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 48px; letter-spacing: -0.4px;">worldofdecay.blogspot.com</a></div>
<h3 class="_w2 _s7 _s8 _s9 _sa _w5 _5n _si" data-reactid="4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #555555; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Roboto Oxygen-Sans", Ubuntu, Cantarell, "“Fira Sans”", "“Droid Sans”", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "\\30D2ラギノ角ゴPro W3", "Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro", "\\30E1イリオ", Meiryo, "MS Pゴシック", Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.4px; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 class="_w2 _s7 _s8 _s9 _sa _w5 _5n _si" data-reactid="4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #555555; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", "Roboto Oxygen-Sans", Ubuntu, Cantarell, "“Fira Sans”", "“Droid Sans”", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "\\30D2ラギノ角ゴPro W3", "Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro", "\\30E1イリオ", Meiryo, "MS Pゴシック", Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.4px; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Andy Morang's blog, 'World of Decay,'</span><span style="font-size: small;"> presents a fascinating panoply of photos, many in black&white, of urban decay in the American South, and elsewhere.... </span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Andy's blog is not all on urban decay, however, for he has recently posted a number of photos with commentary from <b>the Nepal Himalayas</b> taken on a trip I led in October-November 2017. Search "Nepal" on his blog to see vibrant ancient Himalayan culture alive and well, eminently fascinating and photogenic, in the modern world. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
For an introduction to <b>film photography using a Leica camera </b>search "Leica" on his blog. He's proficient in both film and digital imagery, But there is something to be said about <b>the artistic aspects of film photography</b>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: purple; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Film Photography is </i>(not)<i style="font-weight: bold;"> dead; Long Live Film Photography!</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Andy can be reached at </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #131414; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.02px;">kodachromeguy at bellsouth.net</b></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #131414; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.02px;"><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo5S2MjQ5CTb3pWKRbHovwpj3wy5xaJe2KREuEBL_RtIdhYNzfWuz2I9gzVdH2aKmcaUudRmy_0tXatLhIBahc881dPGuaMtPnRe0zERZlLzgdXJPpFYNAqBojjiBU0PTPrDA5_Ilz-Y/s1600/_DSF3603_TomTomsVWMuseum_EMillCreekDr1809_Moab_160410_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo5S2MjQ5CTb3pWKRbHovwpj3wy5xaJe2KREuEBL_RtIdhYNzfWuz2I9gzVdH2aKmcaUudRmy_0tXatLhIBahc881dPGuaMtPnRe0zERZlLzgdXJPpFYNAqBojjiBU0PTPrDA5_Ilz-Y/s1600/_DSF3603_TomTomsVWMuseum_EMillCreekDr1809_Moab_160410_resize.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Combi at an old Volkswagon dump.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWmFNbQzjMpkTHpYE7L6cWRte7Mtl5NRWPwa3S1FQ_usm8JHTdaxxDsvlA_rBV71OYV-bm-SoPlBtI2Bh_WUlZHwvi_s2eBR8v4v1UcXPDr_PD0Q7VUiqPlQeXvNaCOUIzZNkooNyXZA/s1600/N135a_Fair_ChepeKhola_20171031_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="400" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWmFNbQzjMpkTHpYE7L6cWRte7Mtl5NRWPwa3S1FQ_usm8JHTdaxxDsvlA_rBV71OYV-bm-SoPlBtI2Bh_WUlZHwvi_s2eBR8v4v1UcXPDr_PD0Q7VUiqPlQeXvNaCOUIzZNkooNyXZA/s640/N135a_Fair_ChepeKhola_20171031_resize.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd at a riverside country fair in Nepal, with a long suspension bridge overhead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f5SJMaIZNS2tscyQqH5PtLbQDtHuCH4CeCJDXFVQix5b6LKOAk5yFDwPpWjV8o9k9Pu3Yykmu4C91TV7EP13Y9A3woDH8fRRyUQsO8cSSNEKDVKEkBb70M6YwB-LTm2MkIEPqHN946A/s1600/DSCF0027_resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f5SJMaIZNS2tscyQqH5PtLbQDtHuCH4CeCJDXFVQix5b6LKOAk5yFDwPpWjV8o9k9Pu3Yykmu4C91TV7EP13Y9A3woDH8fRRyUQsO8cSSNEKDVKEkBb70M6YwB-LTm2MkIEPqHN946A/s320/DSCF0027_resize.JPG" width="320" /></a>Mannequins in Kathmandu.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-74359296914922623392018-05-15T12:57:00.000-07:002018-05-15T12:57:36.420-07:00It is time to read an Asian American writer: JHUMPA LAHIRI<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a data-skimlinks-tracking="3752385" href="https://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/jhumpalahiri/" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #0f65ef; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jhumpa Lahiri</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 17px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">is the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the short story collection</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222;">Interpreter of Maladies</i><span style="color: #222222;">, as well as the collection</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><i style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222;">Unaccustomed Earth</i><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">and two novels.</span></span><br />
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMC7mL8jhawSOzVS8cRjVZ87w7vOKORypKAdp9ExFu5uI7bFgcFAI8paiTmPtwGtVJBLJeSbjs1G4rPBkhGrnyTbmkuCLbupft31Nnxqcv9MTOedz6z55jyscRMUhEfsrG8LlN1mwyfw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMC7mL8jhawSOzVS8cRjVZ87w7vOKORypKAdp9ExFu5uI7bFgcFAI8paiTmPtwGtVJBLJeSbjs1G4rPBkhGrnyTbmkuCLbupft31Nnxqcv9MTOedz6z55jyscRMUhEfsrG8LlN1mwyfw/s1600/download.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600;">Why you should read her:</span> Informed by her own experience as an immigrant, Jhumpa Lahiri's work addresses the anxieties and struggles of Indian-American immigrants and the deeply felt cultural gaps they encounter in a country very different from their homeland.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Blurb bprrowed from <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/essential-asian-american-writers-you-need-to-be-reading">www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/essential-asian-american-writers-you-need-to-be-reading</a>)</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Among Lahiri's many books are: </span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">* </span><i style="color: #222222;"><b>The Lowland</b>, </i><span style="color: #222222;"><i>* <b>Namesake</b>, </i></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*</i> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Interpreter of Maladies </b>and</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * </i><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Unaccustomed Earth</b>. </i></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">See more titles at </span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/jhumpalahrii/">www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/jhumpalahrii/</a>. </span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-top: 0.5rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">All her books are listed on her Amazon Author's Page at: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jhumpa-Lahiri/e/B001H6GTG0">www.amazon.com/Jhumpa-Lahiri/e/B001H6GTG0</a><span style="color: #222222;">. </span></span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-15565838378459564912018-05-15T12:15:00.000-07:002018-05-15T12:15:37.627-07:00Writer Tom Wolfe Dies at 88<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BvdcAj70RDN2mZG5wtoSV-3T3rPUS43dR_jpPYAm6dVV5CVj-hoFfzGhuj6wUtGTYCza8btjoCxfwZcYNyIuyDwncVFBcttswEPAFhfawYmIVTvwMq9nBX_UWLplqyB_ulAOAw6cPxU/s1600/tom+wolfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1480" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BvdcAj70RDN2mZG5wtoSV-3T3rPUS43dR_jpPYAm6dVV5CVj-hoFfzGhuj6wUtGTYCza8btjoCxfwZcYNyIuyDwncVFBcttswEPAFhfawYmIVTvwMq9nBX_UWLplqyB_ulAOAw6cPxU/s400/tom+wolfe.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b>Tom
Wolfe—the journalist and author</b> of many celebrated works, including “The
Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby,” “The Right Stuff” and “Bonfire
of the Vanities,” died Monday at age 88, according to </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">The New York
Times</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">. </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">His masterful use of colorful language and “novelistic techniques”
in his nonfiction work ushered in the era of “New Journalism” in the 1960s.
</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Wolfe wrote on California counterculture and LSD, the first American
astronauts, and the culture of money and greed in 1980s New York. He also wrote
essays for </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">New York</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Harper’s</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> and </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Esquire—</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;">believing
that journalism had effectively removed the novel as “American literature’s
main event.” Wolfe died in a Manhattan hospital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #02141f; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><span style="color: #02141f;">Photo by </span></u>Gasper
Tringale/Reuters<b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<span style="color: #02141f;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">R.I.P. / <u><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/writer-tom-wolfe-dies-at-87"><span style="color: #02141f; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">www.thedailybeast.com/writer-tom-wolfe-dies-at-87</span></a></u>
(posted May 15 2018)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #02141f;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Read it in The New York
Times at <u>www.nytimes.com/2018/05/15/obituaries/tom-wolfe-pyrotechnic-nonfiction-writer-and-novelist-dies-at-87.html</u></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-68949105312753228042018-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:002018-05-08T09:14:29.847-07:00SWINGING IN A HIMALAYAN HAMMOCK by Erin Green (April 2018, ECS Nepal magazine)<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR A GOOD HAMMOCK</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and I’ve </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqkJRNr_TtL3xgWXcer6d78WWTZIc8Ae_djX84-swGifkmm447pbQnYHfSBGZXlgqvo81oYRzrOlM_8GsxCxgvHMi3H3cTqbViwPjKTdUPraEMLAuCD1_cQRXXSSuSEaHb_o0ysmsH0I/s1600/hammock_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="755" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqkJRNr_TtL3xgWXcer6d78WWTZIc8Ae_djX84-swGifkmm447pbQnYHfSBGZXlgqvo81oYRzrOlM_8GsxCxgvHMi3H3cTqbViwPjKTdUPraEMLAuCD1_cQRXXSSuSEaHb_o0ysmsH0I/s320/hammock_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">found a
Nepal-produced piece of resting perfection. They’re made by a tight team of
three just outside Kathmandu. Since the business began, these hammocks have traveled
all over the world—to Chile, America, Switzerland, and beyond. They’re super
lightweight, durable, and made by hand. Well, they’re made by two hands. It’s a
nice story.</span></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had the pleasure of meeting Yelamber Sing
Adhikari who gave me an introduction to his business, Himalayan Hammocks.
Besides my lifelong love of hammocks, I liked his voice. It’s like it was
created swinging in a hammock. Plus, Yelamber had a touch of an American
accent, giving my roots a little cuddle. If he hadn’t spent time studying and
climbing in the States, these Himalayan Hammocks wouldn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yelamber had spent a summer climbing
in Wyoming, driving around in his Suburu and crashing on friends’ couches. He’d
climbed in Nepal before he went to study in the States, and he dug the diverse
group of climbers in Wyoming. I think the group dug having a climber from Nepal
around, too!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eventually, he returned to Nepal and
got involved with the Himalayan Outdoor Festival, which has been going on now
for seven years. It’s a weekend combination of competitions—three cycling
events, three running events, and two climbing ones. That can’t be easy to
organize. But, he loves it. It’s growing as an event, and more and more Nepalis
are taking part. That’s exciting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://ecs.com.np/fckimage/article/images/2018/April/hammock_2.jpg"
style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;margin-left:298.75pt;
margin-top:47.2pt;width:141.5pt;height:141.65pt;z-index:-251655168;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;
mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="hammock_2"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Himalayan Outdoor Festival also puts on the
Adventure Film Festival, which is a selection of the same films shown at the
Boulder Adventure Film Festival. Excitement, adventure, thrill, determination,
focus, and endurance describe the events of the Outdoor Festival and the
content of the films. After all of this adrenaline, you need some time to chill
out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That’s where Himalayan Hammocks comes
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8CD8jnDm_CxNPd5ourktoxZ8RQI9sYr_YWru_q_SruibPfGR4j721FUu7b3yzSa7-7PHVzeUShHooS1cFNvN1e7wGHt79z1QvUJWbH-ENp8IN52QV8yHbB_MBZUmLADstM1SSCsi_Y8/s1600/hammock_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="758" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8CD8jnDm_CxNPd5ourktoxZ8RQI9sYr_YWru_q_SruibPfGR4j721FUu7b3yzSa7-7PHVzeUShHooS1cFNvN1e7wGHt79z1QvUJWbH-ENp8IN52QV8yHbB_MBZUmLADstM1SSCsi_Y8/s200/hammock_2.jpg" width="198" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yelamber never thought he’d start a
business with his hammocks, though. He’d just returned to Nepal, with his own
American made hammock that was falling to pieces. He brought it to his local
tailor, Parshu Ram, and asked if he could replicate it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Parshu Ram is a tailor for the army by
trade. He didn’t just replicate the old hammock, he enforced it and made it
perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s lightweight, only 300 grams for
the hammock itself. It’s made of durable, waterproof Ripstop nylon, uses tough
Beal climbing ropes to attach to carabiners, and ropes containing
easy-to-attach-to daisy chains (so you don’t need to mess around with tying
knots). It can be transformed into an emergency shelter by turning it upside
down and made into an A-frame, and it has a mosquito net. It is about 8 ft by
4.5 ft, comes in pretty colors, and takes a minute to set up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://ecs.com.np/fckimage/article/images/2018/April/hammok_5.jpg"
style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;margin-left:.25pt;
margin-top:-.1pt;width:129.9pt;height:153.05pt;z-index:-251654144;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;
mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;
mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;
mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.jpg"
o:title="hammok_5"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His friends
wanted some.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He and his wife put their heads
together and decided to give the business a go. They asked Parshu Ram, who has
two kids in college, if he was in. All the money he makes outside his army work
goes towards his kids. He came on board. They registered the business as a
small business cottage industry in Bhaktapur in 2014. With the help of social
media, especially Facebook and Instagram, the word got out about Himalayan
Hammocks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFM4dIvVRSbdxxYDghLwi4LYUpuVb07haF9pfKJyTUg2l8CV11nAHqaWioWONT3Hpg6j4_nlSv8vK0gmeeZl_Vy2E58ddn81GaIbASiyAaIQ64HLcIwNkej10wDgwwmaBmGywUSYq4j0/s1600/hammok_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="651" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFM4dIvVRSbdxxYDghLwi4LYUpuVb07haF9pfKJyTUg2l8CV11nAHqaWioWONT3Hpg6j4_nlSv8vK0gmeeZl_Vy2E58ddn81GaIbASiyAaIQ64HLcIwNkej10wDgwwmaBmGywUSYq4j0/s200/hammok_1.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is what Yelamber thinks is so
cool; the relationships he’s built with people via his hammock’s social media
sites. He says, “It’s a pretty amazing experience to have made really good
friends from this. Plus, they’re amazing climbers and adventurers, so they send
awesome pictures.” He gets a bit of free marketing when his friends and
customers send him pictures of his hammocks dangling off slacklines above Lake
Superior, or swinging over the snow at the base of Mt. Denali. He’s made friends
and clients all over the globe from this venture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Right now, Himalayan Hammocks is just
a nice little business. It will grow in the future, but right now they’re
pacing themselves. When bigger orders come in, Parshu Ram hires a few of his
friends to help out. They’re stocked at Mountain Hardware and a few other small
shops around Kathmandu and Patan, and available online.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I asked if he thought about selling
abroad, but he believes the cost could be too high. Definitely too high for
huge stores like REI, but perhaps some smaller independent shops would be able
to stock their product in the future. They do have some international
customers, who don’t mind the mighty shipping costs. This hammock is worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yelamber had a Swiss volunteer who
took a whole bunch of hammocks, about 30 or 40, back to Switzerland to sell. “I
guess she sold them for a really good mark-up, because she brought me a
10-liter outdoor solar shower. That was really sweet of her, cuz, you don’t
expect someone to say, ‘Hey I sold your hammocks really well, here’s a solar
shower.’ I’ve met some really great people from this. If not for Himalayan
Hammocks, I wouldn’t have crossed paths with a lot of these people. So yeah,
it’s really nice.”</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: .25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This article was originally published in ‘ECS Nepal’ magazine (Kathmandu) </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">and online at http://ecs.com.np/craft-reviews/swinging-in-a-himalayan-hammock. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">For more about Himalayan Hammocks, see </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">– </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<a href="http://himalayanhammock.com/" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://himalayanhammock.com/</a> </div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/himalayanhammock/" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">https://www.facebook.com/himalayanhammock/</a> </div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<a href="https://www.nomadsadventuregear.com/products/himalayan-expedition-hammock" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">https://www.nomadsadventuregear.com/products/himalayan-expedition-hammock</a></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-26200181486541567132018-04-22T10:11:00.001-07:002018-04-22T10:11:38.702-07:00WRITING ABROAD: A Guide for Travelers, by Peter Chilson & Joanne B. Mulcahy<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qBJqXQCX0JmZxwui1-D7bt9DAIG_cBPZVSlklWpveqvwkwtwfRgSKW8-X0LtSxQGn7jQI-M9eR1V2_9nNy9Hkyn3qvllfhKmoPb5d7wZLZL6Cyy-xCwkYUO0nsDPSBSmpoVr_4TzrVA/s1600/writingabroad-180x270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qBJqXQCX0JmZxwui1-D7bt9DAIG_cBPZVSlklWpveqvwkwtwfRgSKW8-X0LtSxQGn7jQI-M9eR1V2_9nNy9Hkyn3qvllfhKmoPb5d7wZLZL6Cyy-xCwkYUO0nsDPSBSmpoVr_4TzrVA/s1600/writingabroad-180x270.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Are you a traveler, writer, or arm-chair explorer</b></i> interested in other cultures and peoples beyond the bounds of your neighborhood, town, or country? This book will whet your appetite and give you new vistas and modes of expression. It is designed to open our eyes and other senses and hone our skills to meet and better understand and appreciate cultures, beliefs and lifestyles beyond your own.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Writing Abroad: A Guide for Travelers</b></em> is a well-written and incisive guide to travel writing, without the dullness of some “how-to” books I’ve read. The authors lay out the steps recommended to prepare us to comfortably enter, discover, document, and write about others. Almost every tool that a perceptive traveler needs to approach what anthropologists call “the field” (doing “fieldwork”), serves equally well for those less traveled readers who are more inclined to learn about other cultures from travel books, ethnographies, and memoirs.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Peter Chilson, who teaches creative writing and literature at Washington State University, and Joanne K. Mulcahy, of the Northwest Writing Institute at Lewis and Clark College in Oregon, discuss in depth what it takes to make travel and travel writing gratifying. Their book prepares us for observant travel to the mall or around the world to some exotic destination. The examples they use to highlight their tutorial discussions are excellent. Along the way, they challenge us with provocative prompts and writing exercises to help sharpen our awareness.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Part 1, Encountering Cultures, begins with the act of Getting Ready, then cruises comfortably through Discovering New Cultures, Encountering Another Language in Your Own Voice, Documentary Forms and Methods, Portraits and Profiles, Writing about Place, Religion, Politics, and History, and Travel Writing in the Age of the Internet. Part 2, Return and Revision, focuses on Revising Your Writing and Your Life, and The Varieties of Literary Form. There is also a Selected Bibliography featuring Books on Writing, Travel Writing Collections, and Books on Ethnographic Writing and Fieldwork.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">For example, in the chapter on Place we are reminded that travel involves crossing borders – political, religious, cultural or linguistic. One exercise encourages us to “Freewrite on your definition of a border. Then write about a significant border crossing you’ve made. Explore the environment, what it looked like, and how it made you feel in crossing,” to sharpen “the visual expression of action and setting.”</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">“Freewriting” means writing openly without self-critique. “We want to grope for knowledge,” they say, “not state what we already know.” Freewriting helps breach the boundaries of understanding. The idea is to get in the habit of “writing without censoring and editing.” Get it all down quickly now, while it is fresh in mind. The polish comes later.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We are also encouraged to consider factors of race, class, gender, language, religion, and sexual orientation, which color our own beliefs and biases. “Recognizing who you are before you depart is essential,” they say. And to become better witnesses to the unfamiliar, they discuss the usefulness of such techniques as participant-observation and immersion journalism.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">As I read the book I was impressed by its common sense, ethnographic approach. I liked that. It’s uplifting, insightful, and productive. (Full disclosure: I am both an anthropologist and a writer.)</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I recommend <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Writing Abroad: A Guide for Travelers</b></em> for a motivating read, whether you are or aspire to be a travel writer or are happy as an arm-chair explorer keen on learning about other cultures and peoples.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #31708f; font-weight: 700;">Reviewed by Don Messerschmidt</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #31708f; font-weight: 700;">Publisher:</span><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><span style="color: #31708f;">University of Chicago Press. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #31708f; font-weight: 700;">Formats:</span><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><span style="color: #31708f;">Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Kindle. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #31708f; font-weight: 700;">Purchase:</span><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><a href="http://www.powells.com/book/writing-abroad-9780226444499?partnerid=43963&p_tx" rel="noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #40694b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Powell’s</a><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><span style="color: #31708f;">|</span><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/022644449X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=portbookrev09-20&linkId=61fa0ce0a2e12b25ece49c34abb3f67c" rel="noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #40694b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><span style="color: #31708f;">|</span><span style="color: #31708f;"> </span><a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/writing-abroad/id1268792807?mt=11&at=1001lfm" rel="noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #40694b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">iBooks</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This review was first published at <b><a href="http://portlandbookreview.com/2018/04/writing-abroad/">http://portlandbookreview.com/2018/04/writing-abroad/</a>. </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">See other reviews by me at:</span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://portlandbookreview.com/author/don-messerschmidt/">http://portlandbookreview.com/author/don-messerschmidt/</a></b></span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-32069886272127661802018-04-11T14:17:00.002-07:002018-04-11T14:23:22.206-07:00Far Out: Countercultural Seekers and the Tourist Encounter in Nepal - by anthropologist Mark Liechty<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Reviewed by Don Messerschmidt</b>, in <i>ECS Nepal magazine</i> (Kathmandu):</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://ecs.com.np/bookworm/far-out</span></span></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since opening up to the outside in the early
1950s</span></span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-weight: normal;"> and especially after the arrival of Westerners in large numbers
from the late 1960s onward, Nepal has been hailed (by some) as being “Far Out”
culturally and geographically. In this 387-page book, anthropologist Mark
Liechty tells us how, why, and by whom, then he analyses the impacts of it all.</span></span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">According
to the publisher’s abstract, “Far Out examines how generations of
counter-culturally inclined Westerners have imagined Nepal as a land untainted
by modernity and its capital, Kathmandu, a veritable synonym of Oriental
Mystique. The book examines how the idea of Nepal changes through time in ways
that reflect shifting forms of counter-cultural longing in the West, and how
Nepalis have engaged the changing images of Nepal that tourists bring with
them...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBiLzDbO5HGL5vMTx2qW7JmlVeNjy4Vbz-i5F5FSXi_cxvaRnNB4JWiO8q5BXxr7euRUrPTKozZuHuVD5yv8juSMhSUj6DTF8fPTijdOqtk6461sO0ZYSa5zmE9FOOOxbw6iFfmNhJ2M/s1600/far+out+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="423" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBiLzDbO5HGL5vMTx2qW7JmlVeNjy4Vbz-i5F5FSXi_cxvaRnNB4JWiO8q5BXxr7euRUrPTKozZuHuVD5yv8juSMhSUj6DTF8fPTijdOqtk6461sO0ZYSa5zmE9FOOOxbw6iFfmNhJ2M/s400/far+out+photo.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I can think
of no one better to fulfill that promise than Mark Liechty, an anthropologist
and insightful writer who has spent many years researching Nepal’s culture
history, with special attention to Kathmandu’s urban life. His previous books
on Nepal include ‘Suitably Modern: Making Middle-Class Culture in a New
Consumer Society’ and ‘Out Here in Kathmandu: Modernity on the Global
Periphery’. Both are good reads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In ‘Far
Out’ Liechty continues his in-depth discussion of what has made Nepal,
especially Kathmandu, such a globally alluring and popular destination. The
book has 12 chapters organized in three parts. His goal in them “is <em><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">not</span></em> to portray tourism
as something that <em><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">happened</span></em> to
Nepal, but as an <em><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">encounter</span></em>–cultural
and economic–between people who share a complex, historically constituted world
stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To that end
Part One: ‘The Golden Age’ begins with the necessary historical background
about the opening of Nepal to the West. In chapter 3, for example, he describes
the ‘Mountains, Monsters, and Monks’ as they were perceived in popular
imagination of the 1950s. Those “monsters” include the elusive Yeti, in popular
lore. The next two chapters then take us deep into the stories of two tourism
destinations and the persons who ran them. Chapter 4 is all about the historic
character of Boris Lissanevitch of Kathmandu’s old Royal Hotel and who helped
usher in Nepal tourism’s ‘Golden Age’. Chapter 5 introduces us to John Coapman
who started out as a hunter, then became a somewhat controversial entrepreneur
who founded Tiger Tops resort in Chitwan, one of the early gateways to
adventure tourism. For history buffs, these two essays are essential reads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Part Two of
the book is all about ‘Hippie Nepal’, and is a major contribution to the story
of Kathmandu as a special destination to the Western world’s young dreamers
beginning in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Chapter 6 is entitled ‘The Great
Rucksack Revolution: Western Youth on the Road to Kathmandu’, followed (in
ch.7) by ‘“Kathmandu or Bust”’–Countercultural Longing and the Rise of Freak
Street,’ (ch.8) ‘“Something Big and Glorious and Magnificently Insane”,’ (ch.9)
‘The Age of Hippies’, and (ch.10) ‘Nepal’s Discovery of Tourism and the End of
the Hippie Era.’ The latter serves as a transition into Part Three: Adventure
Tourism, where (in ch.11) we encounter three themes: ‘Trekking, Thamel and the
New Tourism’. Part Three concludes (in ch.12) with “Imbibing Eastern Wisdom:
Nepal as Dharma Destination.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 22.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Scattered throughout
the book is mention of American Peace Corps volunteers (I was one) who both
preceded and then paralleled the Hippie Era and the rise of Adventure Tourism
in Kathmandu and other outposts such as Pokhara, Chitwan and beyond. Most of
the Hippie chapters describe foreigners on their quest for drugs, sex, and the
Dharma, but in ch.12 there’s a special section called ‘Nepali Hippies: Fellow
Travelers on a Journey of the Mind,’ which describes some of the locals who
joined the Hippie movement, and the effects of their presence to this day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> All in all, this is
an excellent study of some of the key events and movements that have impacted
Nepal in the modern era (since the 1950s). ‘Far Out’ is a highly recommended
read.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mark Liechty, the author of <i>FAR OUT: Countercultural Seekers and the Tourist Encounter in Nepal</i>
(University of Chicago Press 2017) is an Associate Professor in the Department
of Anthropology and History at the University of Illinois/Chicago and a
frequent visitor to Nepal. His book is available in hardback, paper and e-book
editions. </span></span></strong></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-51452314336658540992018-03-08T11:14:00.000-08:002018-03-26T20:57:27.158-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 24.0pt;">The
High-Flying Yeti of Dhampus Pass <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By Don Messerschmidt, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ECS Nepal magazine</i> (Kathmandu), July 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 256.2pt; left: 0; margin-left: 222.85pt; margin-top: 4.65pt; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 252.6pt; z-index: -251660288;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-62 0 -62 21539 21600 21539 21600 0 -62 0">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A flying Yeti? What’s next!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">In 1960, a Swiss
mountaineering expedition flew to Nepal to climb Dhaulagiri peak with the help
of a Yeti, the abominable snowman of the Himalayas. But this particular Yeti
was unusual</span><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">¾</span></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">it had wings. In the process they
bagged the first ascent of the world’s 7th highest peak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mGsZdZ7lJA6pnn0o-8g4uhBCIFVQSwhuRxDGKEOK97u7A4UnRaLp_nNBs0AMfuQOdc1eHzozpUqOgMkywP55dcCzav5tX2wBtW190OBg9I96pkWfGTkD_YgwMz1LRb8TW7tEWIgio7g/s1600/Pilatus+Porter+on+Dhampus+Pass-1960+crash-+by+Max+Eiselin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">In the 14 years
between 1950 and 1964 all 14 of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks (26,246 ft+) were
climbed. The first was Annapurna (8,019 m., 10th highest) by a French team in
1950, followed by Everest (8,850 m.) in 1953 by the British. By 1964 the other
12 were conquered. All are in Asia, in the Himalayas (Nepal, India and Tibet) and
Hindu Kush (Pakistan/China).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnM5z1Bxg63HcakDOTUBi0GpsAeYs_0LTo33x2qNeM_2UDFCUlOosbk6E-VpPvBLtr853Vgo0n6-y9MktGsmne4DZXSUTmk7xpwVnfw0uaiXecO5a328uwidE77H5OeVEsNwOex9gXtk/s1600/Pilatus+Porter+on+Dhampus+Pass-1960+crash-+by+Max+Eiselin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnM5z1Bxg63HcakDOTUBi0GpsAeYs_0LTo33x2qNeM_2UDFCUlOosbk6E-VpPvBLtr853Vgo0n6-y9MktGsmne4DZXSUTmk7xpwVnfw0uaiXecO5a328uwidE77H5OeVEsNwOex9gXtk/s320/Pilatus+Porter+on+Dhampus+Pass-1960+crash-+by+Max+Eiselin.jpg" width="315" /></a><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">< Pilatus
Porter on Dhampus Pass</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">. </span></span></b><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Photo credit: Max Eiselin 1960</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The 7th highest among them is Nepal’s Dhaulagiri,
the ‘White Mountain’, which rises 8,167 meters (26,795 ft) into the sky and is
considered one of the most difficult to climb. It is especially renowned for
wild storms and killer avalanches. It was attempted eight times before the
Swiss topped out on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The 1960 Swiss
Dhaulagiri Expedition was doubly notable. Not only did Swiss mountaineers reach
the summit (on May 13), but they used a Pilatus P-6 Porter STOL (short take-off
and landing) aircraft, nicknamed ‘Yeti’, to help them. In his book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Ascent of Dhaulagiri </i>(1961), the expedition
leader Max Eiselin describes the climb and how his team used the history-making
STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) plane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Everything
about the Yeti was New</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The first P-6 was
manufactured in Switzerland only a year earlier, in 1959. And although Pilatus
aircraft were well known in the Alps, none had ever been used on Himalayan
expeditions. The Pilatus was named after a minor peak in the central Alps,
based on a legend that the body of Pontius Pilate, the Roman official who
presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, lay somewhere on the
mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The Swiss had high
expectations for their Yeti. In his book, Max Eiselin explains how the aircraft
was used to transport stores and equipment directly to the high camps. By
flying the supplies in, they radically altered the usual practice of hiring porters
to carry heavy loads up to base camp. During the expedition, the Yeti landed many
times on Dhampus Pass (‘Dambush’ in Eiselin’s book) at an elevation of 5,200
meters (17,060 ft). Those supply flights were undertaken with “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the greatest margin of safety</i>”, Eiselin
writes: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">“We intended to do
without porters and transport everything needed for the acclimatization camp on
the Dambush Pass by means of the </span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Yeti<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, the rest of the stores being dumped on the
NE Col as soon as possible. As this was an experiment which had never been
attempted before in the Himalayas </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">-</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">
the world height record up to that time being 4,200 m. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">-</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"> we intended to be
careful and... </span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">[were]
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">determined only to fly in really good
weather, and certainly not in strong winds... In order to be on the safe side
we also worked out an approach march on foot just in case the machine failed us
at the last minute. It was much too risky to base everything on an untried
method of approach when the prize was a still unclimbed 8,000-m. peak.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">World
Record Landing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The Yeti’s
history-making flights began on March 28, when Max Eiselin and two pilots,
Ernst Saxer and Emil Wick, flew for the first time to Dambush. After taking off
from an airfield in the Nepal lowlands, Eiselin looked down and remembered the
long approach march while trekking in during an earlier expedition―“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the exhausting passes, the slow advance from
one valley to another over ridges and through gorges, the blistering sun, the
dust and the thirst.</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Flying now, high above
the wild Kali Gandaki river near Tukucha (Tukché village), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Ernst turned off to the left and put on his oxygen mask. The landing
required meticulous concentration. We saw the Dambush Pass below us and crossed
over it to ‘Hidden Valley’ beyond. We were pleasantly surprised to find that
there was no wind...</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">After a high sweeping
turn, Wick wound down the flaps and the plane “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">touched down on the snow-fields of the Dambush Pass as lightly as a
feather. We were overjoyed to find that the Pass made an ideal landing-ground.
The problem of the approach march was solved...</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">They unloaded
supplies and established a camp for later use. Then, with a wind-sock in place,
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the highest airfield in the world was
open for business... The altimeter stood at 5,200 m. and the thermometer at
-12° C. The snow was nice and hard and the runway sloped gradually towards the
Kali Gandaki valley without any obstructions. It could not have been better.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">During take-off,
the Yeti rushed full speed down slope “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">like
a skier taking off at the top of a ski jump. Then Ernst pulled back a little on
the stick and the </i>Yeti <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">straightened
up and glided softly out into the air...” </i>Almost as a second thought, Eiselin
added that the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">landing on Dambush Pass
was not only the first snow landing in the Himalayas, but constituted a world’s
height record into the bargain.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">A few days later they
landed even higher, at 5,750 m (18,865 ft) on Dhaulagiri’s NE Col. To this day,
the Pilatus P-6 Yeti<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>holds the world record
for highest landing by a fixed wing single-engine aircraft, up there on Dhaulagiri
glacier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Demise of ‘Yeti’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Supply flights to
Dambush Pass and the NE Col continued uneventfully until <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May. In the course of 16 flights Saxer and
Wick transported many supplies and several expedition members to the mountain.
What took them eight to 12 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minutes flight
time from Pokhara in the Nepal midhills, took others, on foot, four days or
more to accomplish on mountain trails. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Then, eight days
before the summit assault, the P-6 flights came to an sudden end. Yeti landed
at Dambush that morning as usual, but never came back. Something went wrong
and, unable to contact the crew, Eiselin worried about their safety. He had no
idea what had happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">That day, May 5th, was
a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">black day</i>” for the expedition and
the blackest day of his flying career, the pilot, Ernst Saxer, wrote in his
diary. The morning weather was perfect and the landing was flawless, but at take-off
something went terribly wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">“Emil shook the
plane by the struts in order to loosen the skis in the snow, </span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">[and] <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I then gave full throttle and we slid along the old track. We were airborne
in barely fifty yards, as fine a take-off as one could wish for. I pulled back
the control column hard against me. The blue glaciers of the Tibetan frontier
mountains glittered in the distance.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">“But what was that!
My hand suddenly shot up in the air and hit the roof. To my consternation I
realized that I was firmly grasping the rubber grip of the column in both
hands. The column, without my guiding hand on it, shot forwards and before I
had grasped the situation, there was a sudden crashing and splintering on all
sides. Snow was whirling about and completely obstructed our view...”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Yeti nose-dived,
cascading out of control down the slope. After a hard jolt, the plane spun
around and stopped. Then, total silence.</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Upon exiting the
cockpit, the pilots saw a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spectacle of
utter ruin.</i>” The ailerons were torn off. The left wing was badly bent. The
tail and undercarriage were smashed. The propeller was twisted out of shape.
And the engine was ruined. Yeti would never fly again.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The pilots picked
up gear scattered across the crash site and wondered how they would survive the
night at that altitude. Saxer was unhurt, but Wick suffered a gash on his head,
and had altitude sickness with a severe headache. They found food (mostly
Toblerone chocolate bars) and a few warm clothes in an empty tent, but without
sleeping bags they spent a miserably cold night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The following
morning Saxer set out to get help from the closest camp, many hours walk south
on French Pass. He turned back when he realized it was too far to go in the
snow without proper footgear and cold weather clothing. After two more nights
alone at Dambush, he and Wick realized that they had to walk out to safety.
Early Sunday morning, May 8th, they left for Tukché, the nearest village, many
miles east and steeply down 2610 meters (8,563 ft) in the river valley. Shortly
after leaving the pass a search plane flew over and spotted them. They felt a
little better knowing that others on the expedition saw that they were alive;
but the search plane couldn’t land there. Twelve hours later Saxer and Wick
reach Tukché, totally exhausted and hurting from the steep descent. From there,
they walked another four days out to Pokhara. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">Before leaving
Dambush, Saxer had left a note where it would be found by whoever came looking
for them. He knew that the expedition was near its end and that they wouldn’t
meet other team members before the final assault on the summit. The note
reached Max Eiselin days later when a Sherpa brought it back from the pass. It
read, in part―<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">“Dambush, 7
May<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Dear Comrades,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">10.15 a.m., 5
May. Yeti crashed after take-off. Rubber grip of control column broke off. Emil
and I uninjured. Staying here until morning of 8 May... Emil is in bad shape.
Going down to Tukucha tomorrow, as short of fuel and food. Hope to be in
Pokhara on 12/5...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yeti lies 300
m. in direction of Hidden Valley, some equipment still lying about...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">With best
wishes for the success of the expedition,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 181.75pt; left: 0; margin-left: 237pt; margin-top: 24.6pt; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 208.95pt; z-index: -251659264;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-83 0 -83 21505 21600 21505 21600 0 -83 0">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Ernst and Emil.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 126.75pt; width: 191.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
‘Yeti’ Today<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">It’s been over half
a century since the Yeti crashed. Trekkers crossing Dambush (Dhampus) Pass on
the popular Dhaulagiri Trail now find very little wreckage―a few remaining
pieces of the dead Yeti. Yak herders and others have stripped it clean of any
useful parts and for souvenirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">In the early 2000s,
some Swiss airplane aficionados considered going to Nepal to bring the remains
of the pioneering Pilatus P-6 ‘Yeti’ back home to Switzerland. But they gave up
when they realized that there was not much left to recover and how difficult and
costly such an ambitious adventure would be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The Pilatus P-6 Porter
named Yeti is dead. Long live the Yeti! □<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96M97m7EKIVZ2cKMuAAyEWDVofzOhxgdNJESaNeaNCmd-yOiTJIA4oglyxLy7c9T7D6z0cqOVckwZhpuDX8F9nZRF62etazbPOENWEbtfNvFpjCVMFXhb_kDPupXO9ZpPAvr1KIa1iHg/s1600/337-hbfan06+Ernst+Saxer+photo+5+May+1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96M97m7EKIVZ2cKMuAAyEWDVofzOhxgdNJESaNeaNCmd-yOiTJIA4oglyxLy7c9T7D6z0cqOVckwZhpuDX8F9nZRF62etazbPOENWEbtfNvFpjCVMFXhb_kDPupXO9ZpPAvr1KIa1iHg/s400/337-hbfan06+Ernst+Saxer+photo+5+May+1960.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96M97m7EKIVZ2cKMuAAyEWDVofzOhxgdNJESaNeaNCmd-yOiTJIA4oglyxLy7c9T7D6z0cqOVckwZhpuDX8F9nZRF62etazbPOENWEbtfNvFpjCVMFXhb_kDPupXO9ZpPAvr1KIa1iHg/s1600/337-hbfan06+Ernst+Saxer+photo+5+May+1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Immediately after the crash. Photo by Ernst Saxer, 1960</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfZ7DYBXuuG_RRV4tpuY5B0n7J1Oz22mmQvmmJLDDwAYaSZ4FEZ9ohsOPH0wIoH_AgPQRPEzCoibr_yNCVftVobzMhyVv2VKNR1KAHKs_KzpuM5v2BhtjrPx6Cbcbj9Ska39MaVxXgDE/s1600/IMG_20180307_0010+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfZ7DYBXuuG_RRV4tpuY5B0n7J1Oz22mmQvmmJLDDwAYaSZ4FEZ9ohsOPH0wIoH_AgPQRPEzCoibr_yNCVftVobzMhyVv2VKNR1KAHKs_KzpuM5v2BhtjrPx6Cbcbj9Ska39MaVxXgDE/s200/IMG_20180307_0010+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Don and ‘Amjo’ looking down on the crash, s</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">ummer of 1964. Photo: Regon Unsoeld.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwguRlk7_f_Nv9Y-d9LGotOvBalmx6Q53_jDqwHljfd3TNd7FpH6J_7HmtAgwKUoaHcje4nWU8_WQHNn_tnHgu5ycnhaBF2xANW2uy2bsAs1LOrvtYomN2iJ4AYz_Lcu74EyIGFEOVDVY/s1600/337-hbfan07+DMesserschmidt+photo+1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwguRlk7_f_Nv9Y-d9LGotOvBalmx6Q53_jDqwHljfd3TNd7FpH6J_7HmtAgwKUoaHcje4nWU8_WQHNn_tnHgu5ycnhaBF2xANW2uy2bsAs1LOrvtYomN2iJ4AYz_Lcu74EyIGFEOVDVY/s320/337-hbfan07+DMesserschmidt+photo+1964.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPlvlP8M2-E7CA24EU0csejblCszPc2bLp4INgfb-z08zo_oBeFTjPkQ1JgkTYMf2q6GiOKxbT2qheu7Cidl8sCW9YiBVPOaSiK56_rN7Cba2X8Dj5QZ9Xxxc0DnicDh5wGkjY6_vv0g/s1600/337-hbfan08+DMesserschmidt+photo+1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPlvlP8M2-E7CA24EU0csejblCszPc2bLp4INgfb-z08zo_oBeFTjPkQ1JgkTYMf2q6GiOKxbT2qheu7Cidl8sCW9YiBVPOaSiK56_rN7Cba2X8Dj5QZ9Xxxc0DnicDh5wGkjY6_vv0g/s320/337-hbfan08+DMesserschmidt+photo+1964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The crash site in 1964. Photos © by Don Messerschmidt</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk508267816"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">――――――――――――――――――――――――<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk508267816;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For more
photos of the Yeti before and after the crash see: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pilatus Porter History
by Markus Herzig, s/n337</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">’ online at <a href="http://www.pc-6.com/history/337.htm">http://www.pc-6.com/history/337.htm</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The air crash
report is online at: <a href="https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28757">https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28757</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">――――――――――――――――――――――――<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-insideh: .75pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 3.9pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td colspan="6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1.5pt solid windowtext; height: 3.9pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 335.8pt;" valign="top" width="448"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -2.9pt;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
14 Highest Peaks </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">-</span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #741b47;"> the ‘Eight-Thousanders’ (over 8000 meters /
26,246 feet)</span><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: .75pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: .75pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rank<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Name<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Height<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Location<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Date
Summitted<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: .75pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nationality<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1st<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Everest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8850m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal/Tibet <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
29, 1953<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">British<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2nd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">K2 (Godwin-Austin)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8611m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan/China<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">July
31, 1954<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Italian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">3rd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kanchenjunga<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8586m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal/India<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
25. 1956<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">British<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">4th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lhotse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8516m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal/Tibet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
18, 1956<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Swiss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">5th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Makalu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8463m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal/Tibet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
15, 1955<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">French<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">6th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cho Oyu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8201m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal/Tibet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">October
19, 1954<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Austrian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">7th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dhaulagiri<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8167m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
13, 1960<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Swiss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Manaslu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8163m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
9, 1956<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Japanese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">9th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nanga Parbat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8125m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">July
3, 1953<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Austrian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">10th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Annapurna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8091m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Nepal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">June
3, 1950<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">French<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">11th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gasherbrum-I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8068m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan/China<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">July
4, 1958<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">American<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">12th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Broad Peak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8047m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan/China<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">June
9, 1957<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Austrian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">13th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gasherbrum-II<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8035m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan/China<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">July
7, 1956<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Austrian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-color-alt: windowtext; mso-border-left-alt: 1.5pt; mso-border-right-alt: .75pt; mso-border-style-alt: solid; mso-border-top-alt: .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 27.7pt;" valign="top" width="37"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">14th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 84.0pt;" valign="top" width="112"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.55pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Shisha Pangma<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 33.2pt;" valign="top" width="44"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">8013m<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" valign="top" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tibet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2F2F2; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 78.3pt;" valign="top" width="104"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: decimal 41.4pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">May
2, 1964<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial narrow" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chinese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -9.0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-86298442536383694732018-03-05T11:36:00.000-08:002018-03-05T11:36:05.758-08:00Converting Caffeine Into Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-87BNNdVY7bnaTnIlrGgsplqCATl0SgcU2nzN4A2Mndbv_qyAYgXQhi4P6i56uCxxkORorMKfO17zrdUrZax07rwtyzhaa3Isq6JZqsxPz_X8FVP4x2EAfPqQt2ouNQJ6NqjBqfKJTw/s1600/caffeine+into+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1200" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-87BNNdVY7bnaTnIlrGgsplqCATl0SgcU2nzN4A2Mndbv_qyAYgXQhi4P6i56uCxxkORorMKfO17zrdUrZax07rwtyzhaa3Isq6JZqsxPz_X8FVP4x2EAfPqQt2ouNQJ6NqjBqfKJTw/s320/caffeine+into+books.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-88206428482651103362018-02-17T20:14:00.000-08:002018-03-03T13:24:32.078-08:00<h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 26.5pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Lunch at Ravi’s</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 26.5pt; padding: 0in;"> </span></b><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #474747; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">by Don Messerschmidt </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f"
stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="http://ecs.com.np/fckimage/article/images/2018/feb/ravi_1.jpg" style='width:489.75pt;
height:212.25pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/02/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="ravi_1"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippcvFhXazYq-7A0TgWrqFM4JVs_Psn6xXRag4aQp1gnVT9K69w_K9UgFFQZvmEpwEGlFTgR6__f7F9nF66zAvryx2CBK9kaZ-itlEjVVX-_EhYQVc-jEhgkZYy3ouY8XWE88dO2KxBFI/s1600/lunch+at+ravis.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippcvFhXazYq-7A0TgWrqFM4JVs_Psn6xXRag4aQp1gnVT9K69w_K9UgFFQZvmEpwEGlFTgR6__f7F9nF66zAvryx2CBK9kaZ-itlEjVVX-_EhYQVc-jEhgkZYy3ouY8XWE88dO2KxBFI/s400/lunch+at+ravis.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">The invitation was for Wednesday lunch at Ravi’s</span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">, in
Tokha on the north side of Kathmandu. It’s not a restaurant. It’s Ravi’s home
located deep inside a maze of houses sweeping uphill in long streets behind an
imposing gate. It is in a part of the city where I am easily lost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ravi is a writer, and
that’s how we first met. But he’s also a gastronome, an epicurean gourmet, a
connoisseur of fine ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">khaana</span></i>–Nepali food. I call him a ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">khanasseur</i>’, a term of my making, which
works as well or better than all that other foreign-sounding blather. Call him
what you may, but it all comes down to the fact that he’s both a fantastic cook
and a talented writer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We agreed to meet that
Wednesday noon over lunch and to talk about writing. The menu was standard
Nepali fare: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">daal-bhaat-tarkaari-maasu-achaar</i>
(lentils-rice-vegetables-meat-&-pickle). And although we had one of Ravi’s
essays to discuss, his cooking took center stage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u>First Things First</u></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent the morning in and out of hi-tech shops in downtown
Kathmandu at New Road. In retrospect, it was a good way to work up an appetite!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was looking for a
protective case for my new Android smart phone and a touch pen with which to
negotiate its tiny keyboard. I have recently graduated from a simple ‘dumb’
phone to a ‘smart’ phone to use as a digital aid to my research and writing;
e.g., jotting down important meetings (like lunch at Ravi’s), looking things up
on the Internet, taking notes on the fly, and keeping in touch with my
writer-friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I went from shop to shop
inquiring after a case and touch pens, I was repeatedly told that neither item
was available in Kathmandu. My phone model was too new, they said, so cases to
fit were not yet available And, since Nepalis use their nimble fingers for
texting, who needs a rubber-tipped pen?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I doubted their pessimism
and kept looking until I found one young shop-keeper who knew precisely where I
could buy a phone case, and another who directed me to a stash of silvery touch
pens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The underlying logic in all
this seems to be that what’s not available in my shop, certainly must not exist
in any other shop. Nonetheless, I found what I wanted, although on the Internet
I could have ordered pricier touch pens in more colors, or a flashier case. But
what’s the fun of that? Visiting Kathmandu’s hi-tech shops is far more
challenging and beguiling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By then it was noon, I’d
bought what I wanted, and I was hungry. Lunch at Ravi’s was next on my digital
list. I found a taxi driver who agreed to take me to Tokha without trying to
negotiate an outrageously inflated fare, and we were off into the city’s typically
frenetic start-&-stop traffic, as the meter rolled up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u>Guests</u></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you think all lunch or dinner guests are the same, think again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ravi proudly enjoys
inviting friends to his house who enjoy fine food. He likes making them happy
with his culinary skills. Both Ravi and his wife Radhika (who was away that
day) “love it when a guest enjoys our food,” he says. “It is an abiding passion
with us. We watch our guests eat our food with relish”―with enjoyment and
appreciation, that is. “We are a crazy lot!” he concludes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking for guests takes
effort and dedication. From long experience Ravi knows who appreciates the
food, and who doesn’t. He has them sorted out, bad to best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the bottom of his list
are those who can’t tell you what they ate last night at dinner. This sort of
guest just eats, with little or no sensory feeling or appreciation for food.
“They don’t relish the taste and richness, let alone appreciate the effort put
into it by the host,” he says. And, no surprise, they tend not to be invited
back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Others “gorge themselves on
the food but do not relish or appreciate it because they’re too busy talking
about themselves, their business, and all kinds of blahs.” Ravi clearly wants
his guests to concentrate on what they are served, with no distractions. And
some are “very ‘choosy’ and ‘fussy’, eating little, without enjoyment. And they
may even pull a face at some dishes,” he says.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the top of Ravi’s list
is a mutual friend “who ‘enjoys’ the food, is very articulate about it, and has
all praises for it.” And, “More than that he wants the recipes. He calls me,
sometimes at odd hours,” says Ravi, “to ask for the recipe of a particular dish
we had recently served him. He must have taken more than 15 or 20 recipes from
me so far! And he’s such a sport that he tries them at home.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u>Ravi’s Magic Meal</u></span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like guests, not all dal-bhat is the same either. On that
Wednesday noon Ravi outdid himself as a dal-bhat ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bon vivant</i>’. He knew precisely what I would like, and how to
prepare it with all-star flavors. After I arrived and we had engaged in a bit
of small talk out on his patio, he ushered me to the table where, with culinary
‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jadu</i>’ (magic), he had set out a
small ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bhoj</i>’ (feast).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The layout was simple;
nothing fancy―no traditional ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thaal</i>’
(brass plate) or ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kachaura</i>’ (brass
cups). Looks are not as important as the aromas and tastes. Add to that my own
pleasure at seeing Ravi enjoy guests who take great satisfaction in his
cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plain and simple, the key
to a Nepali cook’s success is intimate knowledge of which spices (‘masala’) to
use and the choice of food, from ‘bhat’-to-‘achar’, rice-to-pickle, and how
they all go together. Patience is another virtue for preparing each dish “just
so!” It takes time, sometimes many hours to select, sort, clean and chop
vegetables. If there’s meat to marinate, he begins the day before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ravi served six dishes that
noon: rice, lentils, meat, two vegetables and a spicy pickle condiment. The
vegetables (‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thakaari</i>’) were
cauliflower with peas, and a popular spinach known as ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rayo ko saag</i>’, each carefully prepared with just the right blend of
herbs and spices. The ‘achar’ was tantilizing sharp but not fiery hot, a
tomato-base condiment made with fresh garlic, ginger, salt, and a hint of ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">timur</i>’ (Sichuan pepper), with its
slightly biting taste, mildly anesthetic on the tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In his judgment, and mine,
the three most important dishes were the rice, the lentils, and the meat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"> <u>The rice</u></span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">. Ravi’s favorite rice (‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chaamal</i>’) is an imported Harpal Usinu Long Grain. Other types of
will also do, but recently Ravi has preferred Harpal’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“The important thing about
rice,” he says, “is, first, soak it for a half hour, preferably in warm water
with a pinch of salt. This makes it softer for hours after it is cooked and
even after it has been stored in a refrigerator.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before cooking, he rinsed
the rice three or four times until the water was no longer cloudy. After it was
cooked, at the last minute, he stirred in a flavorful daub of cow ghee, then
served it piping hot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"> <u>The lentils</u></span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">. Ravi scores high on dal.
On this day he selected a black gram mixed with robust black-&-brown beans
from Mustang District. He pressure-cooked them with salt, a little turmeric (‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">besar</i>’), a pinch of asafoetida (‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hing</i>’), and some ghee. Twenty minutes
after the first whistle he poured the dal into a traditional round-sided iron
saucepan called a ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tapké</i>’ and let it
simmer for two to three hours more, constantly stirring to prevent it from
sticking to the bottom. As it thickened it turned as dark as the saucepan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When it was near perfection,
Ravi heated some ghee in a separate pan, with a little oil to keep it from
burning, along with a pinch of asafoetida, some finely chopped garlic, and ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jimbu</i>’ (dried wild onion from the high
mountains). He sautéed this special mixture until the garlic took on a light
brown color. Finally, he stirred the aromatic ghee-and-jimbu mix into the hot
dal, and covered it to simmer another ten or 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"> <u>The meat</u></span></i><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;">. This was the ‘<i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">pièce de résistance’</span></i>―the
masterpiece and central attraction at the table. Ravi’s choice was ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">khasi ko maasu</i>’ (goat meat,
euphemistically called ‘mutton’ in Nepal), because “I knew you’d like it,” he
told me. Ravi prefers the meat of hill goats, and although it takes longer to
cook, he pointed out that “it has less fat and is much tastier than its lowland
Tarai cousins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“There are limitless
recipes for preparing mutton,” he said. Ravi begins by marinating it overnight
in yogurt (‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dahi</i>’) mixed with garlic
ginger paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric
powder, a little ‘garam masala’, a dash of black pepper, a sprinkle of mustard
oil, a squeeze of lemon, and salt to taste.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phew: that’s a lot to keep
track of, but don’t ask in what amounts. Ravi intuitively knows how much of
each spice to use, and how to blend them, based on years of experience. He once
ran a popular catering service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The following morning in
preparation for cooking the meat, he heated a little mustard oil in a pan,
added a pinch of asafoetida, a few cinnamon leaves and some finely sliced
onion. “I sautéed this until slightly brown, added the marinated mutton, and
cooked it a while to dry out the juices,” he said. For more gravy, he added a
little water. As it was cooking he added some chopped tomato and let it simmer
another five minutes or so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At this point, there’s a
choice―either the cook completes the preparation in a pressure cooker, or
simmers it over a low heat in a heavy-bottom saucepan. By pressure cooker it’ll
be ready to eat 15 minutes after the first whistle. In the saucepan it takes
about half an hour or more for goat meat from the hills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At last, Viola!―“Your ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">khasi ko maasu</i>’ is done,” he announced
shortly after I entered the kitchen. After garnishing it with freshly chopped
cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, he served it hot. What a grand and
unforgettable aroma and flavor it all had.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; padding: 0in;"><u>On Spices</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: small; text-indent: 13.5pt;">By now you are well aware
that the skillful use of a variety of spices is key to making fine Nepali
cuisine. The culinary advisers online at </span><u style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: medium; text-indent: 13.5pt;">www.eCurry.com</u><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style", serif; font-size: small; text-indent: 13.5pt;"> tell us that the
extensive use of spices is not intended to make the food fiery hot.
Rather, they say, “The spices are used to flavor the food, making each dish
distinct and wonderfully aromatic. Each spice by itself imparts a very unique
flavor, but when used together with other spices, the combination and
permutation of different ones magically change the individual characteristics.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve said it before, that
not all dal-bhat is the same. Nor does simply adding spices of one sort or
another guarantee good results. A deep appreciation for their qualities
including knowing both when and how to blend them is the most elusive
ingredient.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not all cooks have the
knack, but Ravi does.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">□ </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #474747;"><u>Food</u>: </span>ECS<span style="color: #474747;"> Nepal magazine, Feb.2018 <> </span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">http://ecs.com.np/food/lunch-at-ravis</span></span></h2>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1176134877347351500.post-33739450748187472632013-04-12T07:32:00.000-07:002013-04-12T07:32:23.955-07:00Photo Vignettes from Chitwan National Park, NepalA few photos from a few days in Chitwan National Park, southern Nepal. April is fire season in the Nepal Terai lowlands, so the level of blue smoky haze is high. It shows in some of these photographs. My camera was a Canon G-11.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNO0uXiCQm98aOjnSGpNYoXwYMDyzfMJINlJX8n9VZv9rVM5Er6VQpr-OPjYu3AIJilOv9w6t0q4bd6eOOxGgRXZ2h9SJJ6i96-1mWEjaib5af9PEYr2ow1Ii5kto1BE9PqbshSJjKzk/s1600/IMG_2497+Rhino+in+water_crpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNO0uXiCQm98aOjnSGpNYoXwYMDyzfMJINlJX8n9VZv9rVM5Er6VQpr-OPjYu3AIJilOv9w6t0q4bd6eOOxGgRXZ2h9SJJ6i96-1mWEjaib5af9PEYr2ow1Ii5kto1BE9PqbshSJjKzk/s640/IMG_2497+Rhino+in+water_crpd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, above, was lazily snoozing in a hyacinth covered pond, unaffected by our presence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZMJ_N0nGIlfwmHdwOPs78gdKYpUyKzkZPGFFPY28VTY5v6pOJp9xcW5MEudmKqjmZfPTGD2ivBHv1JDxjmxUfsdoQ1nRQCjoecptmTvc5p9_TMfDEqlVGZ65amo_RR3SmpAhbU4FMcs/s1600/IMG_2486+elephants+Chitwan_crpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZMJ_N0nGIlfwmHdwOPs78gdKYpUyKzkZPGFFPY28VTY5v6pOJp9xcW5MEudmKqjmZfPTGD2ivBHv1JDxjmxUfsdoQ1nRQCjoecptmTvc5p9_TMfDEqlVGZ65amo_RR3SmpAhbU4FMcs/s640/IMG_2486+elephants+Chitwan_crpd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A mother elephant and her offspring. The little guy was 1 month old, and a bit wobbly on his stubby legs. His twin brothers, behind him, were from an earlier breeding, <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ra7abu9jcFL4bs3E99MfluDdq5U_k2PsZsE6YcnY1yd5ypNN1wYoHPtQyBIrLOC9gbCnzL7Nv-_C4nzMpLjMKDDb6kcCCljLWD9ognXoRxVQFd-A5r-ybseb5OG29KSc0uYaE80VtzE/s1600/IMG_2514+Kingfisheer_crpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ra7abu9jcFL4bs3E99MfluDdq5U_k2PsZsE6YcnY1yd5ypNN1wYoHPtQyBIrLOC9gbCnzL7Nv-_C4nzMpLjMKDDb6kcCCljLWD9ognXoRxVQFd-A5r-ybseb5OG29KSc0uYaE80VtzE/s400/IMG_2514+Kingfisheer_crpd.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
White-breasted Kingfisher<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4qDDU0u7T8I7NjwrZCBpsTflDrV4jqjwwsJzDe_LgDWJVr8n4Y_j7WO105cdA44PryobsLEAooaYMAEB3uPAczHbnqG2xHaOzKzNzkfAvAKn1sKyHILQdJI5qp8V0Blha8lGjXKEtqs/s1600/IMG_2516_+Open-billed+storks_crpd+narrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4qDDU0u7T8I7NjwrZCBpsTflDrV4jqjwwsJzDe_LgDWJVr8n4Y_j7WO105cdA44PryobsLEAooaYMAEB3uPAczHbnqG2xHaOzKzNzkfAvAKn1sKyHILQdJI5qp8V0Blha8lGjXKEtqs/s640/IMG_2516_+Open-billed+storks_crpd+narrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A trio of Open-Billed Storks on a river bank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbR0KcezDk-4nZrzF3H_-W9Vqf4QPz5C0UtXqSYPZYPJT41W3jklhrxrtBuvB-CUvlsyqgofYKSxptBpwJZR2BZxdhl4oH5ap3_L0TB2af9le1N6dSM2-uoe3WPXqLrI4fD5r1kbwsj8/s1600/IMG_2605+Tharu+fire+dance_crpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbR0KcezDk-4nZrzF3H_-W9Vqf4QPz5C0UtXqSYPZYPJT41W3jklhrxrtBuvB-CUvlsyqgofYKSxptBpwJZR2BZxdhl4oH5ap3_L0TB2af9le1N6dSM2-uoe3WPXqLrI4fD5r1kbwsj8/s400/IMG_2605+Tharu+fire+dance_crpd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A youthful Tharu fire dancer, entertaining us one evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeqhzZGV-A3F8oVY9R5Oc7gvRlCVaZOnfu7Q7mkDjzJSj-NMpwuOsXEUhGq5GkWs60CqrU9HwRIYnCTCCmZXqbKzvgx0DtZ3KxF1zsXSRPEPtS6QMHj1n5wpoOTTnpjE6iMSuX7YQlPs/s1600/IMG_2527+Muggeer+crocodile_crpd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeqhzZGV-A3F8oVY9R5Oc7gvRlCVaZOnfu7Q7mkDjzJSj-NMpwuOsXEUhGq5GkWs60CqrU9HwRIYnCTCCmZXqbKzvgx0DtZ3KxF1zsXSRPEPtS6QMHj1n5wpoOTTnpjE6iMSuX7YQlPs/s640/IMG_2527+Muggeer+crocodile_crpd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A Mugger Crocodile, waiting and watching as we float by... You don't want to disturb one of these behemoths when he's hungry or angry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdYB6qLx7_hoYe-IMARQoWDidMCb9qW1CHEL5OlDWm_wrntM7qehSK3gF90hXVgbZGtj0n5jGkREVXCrMbWTnY2usC9ohRX4CB2btarnfn90l5lRqqyp2X1cZnesmfezTLyPj2sQixi4/s1600/IMG_2694+sunrise+Chitwan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdYB6qLx7_hoYe-IMARQoWDidMCb9qW1CHEL5OlDWm_wrntM7qehSK3gF90hXVgbZGtj0n5jGkREVXCrMbWTnY2usC9ohRX4CB2btarnfn90l5lRqqyp2X1cZnesmfezTLyPj2sQixi4/s640/IMG_2694+sunrise+Chitwan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The smoky sky gave this early morning sunrise special colors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702383000537202718noreply@blogger.com0