Happy Dashain and Bon Voyage!

Lately, I've been quite lethargic. That could be best seen in here. It has been ages since I updated my blog.

I am heading home to celebrate Dashain. Dashain conjures up the images of Linge Ping, Masu Chiura and new bank notes given as a Daksina. But, as you grow older, these things only remain in the recesses of your memory.

Dashain comes and goes every year but this time around, it heralds something good. Politically speaking, ceasefire is on and we increasingly feel that war has been pushed to the corner. But, to remind you the ugly fact, it's just hovering and lurking. To be optimistic about the slow paced ongoing dialogue is one thing, and the reality is the other.

The recent coup in Thailand sent shivers down the spines of Nepalis. This was not unusual given the rumors of coup in Nepal in recent times. As the SPA government plunges into incompetence, people who fought for the restoration of democracy in April are skeptic and cast doubt over the government's ability to undertake the Herculean task.

Let us leave the political maneuvering to the leaders and talk something personal. My much anticipated journey on an Agni Yatayat on Saturday takes me to Biratnagar where I am staying at my sister's. That evening, I can imagine a jaded me, surrendering early to the bed (as I usually do after a long journey). I plan to spend two days in Biratnagar, meet some friends and do one or two light stories if possible. I might log in over the Net in one of the cafes in there (which I love to do during my journey). The strangeness of the place, new surrounding always fascinates me.

The second leg of my journey takes me to Birtamode. Ah, Birtamode, my second home, sort of. It's entirely different. I am carrying few best Nepali fictions (I am missing Nepali literature, for lately English books are consuming my time) and a book I wanted to read since long time: Crime and Punishment. I want to read a book non stop. During my work days, I really don't like being halted in my studies. Here in Kathmandu, I have to head for office that blocks the pleasure of reading. I hope to finish some six books in a week or so in that my main job will be to read only. Then I 'm planning to go to the idyllic Ilam. Bon Voyage to me, Happy Dashain to you all.