Days in Nepal start early and finish late. Busy are the people here. Working, cooking, family, friends, no time for laziness. But some days are specials and this one filled my heart with beauty and happiness.
It’s five in the morning, I open my eyes to the sound of Belinda’s voice : « It’s time, they are coming ». We all get ready in silence, some minds are still sleepy in the house, five o’ clock it’s really early! Mornings are fresh now, winter is slowly coming and bring nice shivers, giving to my body a shot of energy, waking me up for the rest of the day.
Friends arrived, the motorbikes are ready, let’s have some adventure! Wind runs on my face, feeling the world : today we are going to the hill. « Rajā Rani » – King and Queen in Nepali – is the name of this place we are heading to. I repeat a few times this new words that just taught me Sanjay, my lovely driver but learning is difficult and I will forget a few seconds later, much more attentive of what’s going on around me. The view of the mountains, the light coming up, the colors of the fields, the shapes of the houses, the smiles on the faces. The sun rises and spreads its light on the valley, we stop on the way up to enjoy this few magical seconds : good morning Letang, good morning world.
At the top, we sit and have a tea before the walk. Around us people already started their daily duties. Girls are filling bottles, packed in the « straw bags » that they put on their head, boys are leading the buffalos to the fields. The guys talk together. I love watching them talking, trying to guess something in the body language more than in the unknown words . At some point their hands move and I understand that they are talking about the ride up, the rest stays mysterious. From here we walk, the paths traces its way between the trees and leads us to a little temple surrounded by lakes and flowers. Peaceful is probably the perfect word to describe this place. We arrive in time for the pujā and we are welcome to participate. We walk around the temple and watch curiously the monk starting the ceremony. Salt and colors are put on specific places, bells are shook, encents and candles are light. We can come inside and the boys give us some indications of what we have to do. Quickly and unsure we knee and pray, it’s time for a wish and then to receive the tika from the monk. On the way back I give a last look to the temple, I still don’t understand rituals but bells are still echoing in my head and a warm feeling fills my heart. Thanks to welcome me in your holy place, to give some new colors to my faith.
It’s still early but our busy friends have lots to do and after a snack at the tea house we climb one more time on the bikes and ride down the hill. Wind runs on my face, Letang is gorgeous. This is a special day, like yesterday, like tomorrow. Hey you! Open your eyes, five o’ clock is not so early to see the world and all its beauty!