Live from Nepal: Beautiful Pokhara
November 01, 2016
Pokhara is a lakeside resort town in Central Nepal. This week the views of the Machhupuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) and the Annapurna Range have been off the charts!
The tourist area of Lakeside abuts Lake Fewa, and when the Himalayas are out, they are magnificent from almost any location.
Machhupuchhare (also known as Fishtail Mountain - much easier to promounce and spell) is a sacred mountain and is forbidden to climb. It's profile is stunning.
After the long 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu, we arrive at the Hotel Green Tara and enjoy a cool drink on the terrace. This was the view with which we were rewarded.
The string of lights in the foreground are for the Nepali holiday of Deepawalli, aka Tihar and Laxmi Puja.
The lovely lakeside footpath along Lake Fewa provides a chance to see the colorful boats (you can rent one!) as well as young lovers and families strolling along enjoying the views.
A quick hike up the foothill to The Castle Resort (31 story climb according to my friend's Apple phone pedometer) and we have more magnificent views, a very cold beer and a spot by the pool. There are 3 live Boxers at The Castle Resort and...
One stuffed one!
The stuffed Boxer Brannigan holds sway over The Castle Resort's Brannigan's Pub. This Boxer was too beloved to bury and he keeps an eye on the goings on. Notice that Brannigan was not forgotten when it comes to blessings on Nepal's Day of the Dog.
This is Brannigan's daughter. I have to wonder what she first thought when she saw her stuffed Daddy.
I am here in Nepal to commission more portraits of pets from around the world. This is Leon, a Persian Cat hand painted on metal by Megh Raj Thapa, Sagar Bitsa and Sufraj Khadka (clockwise from top left). This is similar to what you can expect if you send me a photo of your pet. I will give the same photo to 3 different Nepali artist and then you can choose which you like best. Or you can buy all 3, as did Leon's human...
Stay tuned. More adventures in Nepal are sure to follow.
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I am in Nepal right now and accepting orders.
Now is the time to order: Be ahead of the Pack! Orders now being accepted for the October 2016 trip. I will be back in early December 2016 in plenty of time to mail holiday orders.
1. Please send me a photo of your pet. I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work. Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint. These can be hung indoors or out.
2. Let me know what you would like it to say.
3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer: naive, realistic, colorful, etc.
4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.
5. Send your photo to me at: [email protected]
That's it !
Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front. If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case. Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!
The cost is $250 plus shipping. Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US). And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.
Pay after choosing your portrait.
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).
Let's keep these artists painting.
This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world. I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living. Everybody is happy. Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!