Elephant Ride in the Chitwan National Preserve

Elephants waiting for the daily ride.

We are on.  They usually put 4 to an elephant, but we paid more to
just have the two of us.

monkeys in the jungle

Elder and Sister Black crossing the river

mamma rhino

mamma and baby rhino. Our  elephant got nervous,
trumpeted and turned around and took off to warn the elephant behind
us. It was a little scary.

elephant driver getting off the elephant in the jungle.

If you look closely there is an alligator on the far side of the river bank

Elephant tracks

Thanking the elephant for the ride

Mike talking to the elephant

More Chitwan Trip

Lighting a candle in a temple at Lumbini
Birthplace of Bhudda

Buddists worshipping in Lumbini

Mike and his new friends at Lumbini

Flame and Reflecting pool at Lumbini

Many countries have built huge temples at Lumbini to honor Bhudda

Inside one of the temples

Chinese Temple

Young Bhudda on horse. Huge prayer wheel behind.
Bhudda believed in peace over prosperity.

Mike wanted to try driving a rickshaw. Driver was not very happy about that.
Lumbini is a big place. We took a rickshaw for part of the time.

Along the road going back to Chitwan

Trip to Chitwan

December 2,3,4,5,6 we went on a wheelchair distribution trip to areas around Chitwan. While there we visited Rakesh Hamal's family farm, sewing centers for the disabled, we visited Lumbini(which is the birthplace of Bhudda), we visited the Chitwan National Animal Preserve, where we rode the elephants and went to a cultural program, and hiked to see baby elephants and these huge elephants with long ivory tusks. We went to two wheelchair distributions. It was a very interesting week. Always a new adventure in Nepal.

sewing center. trainer is in wheelchair.

                                                             

My first Kurta outfit, in front of hindu temple

water pump, Rakesh Hamal, his family farm

Kitchen at the family farm

Hay, farm fields

wheelchair distribution

wheelchair distribution

"Dreamland"  Hotel we stayed at 2 nights

Van and driver Mahindra
We had accident. A motorcycle hit us head on. He lived. Not fun.