Traffic and potholes in the Tarai on the way to the village of Sisautiya (pronounced sis-oat-ee-a).  The roads are like nothing we have ever seen.  When the rains grow heavy even the jeep can not travel on them.

During the heavy rains the ox cart is the only vehicle that can travel through the muddy roads.  We were privileged to take a short ride in one.  It was very interesting to experience how the people of the Tarai travel the majority of the time.  It was better then a carnival ride (though not as safe!)  

Amanda, chatting with the children of Sisautiya and attempting to learn their names.  The took turns trying to touch our hands or arms without us noticing.  Later after they had warmed up to us, they serenaded us from the yard.  What a joy these little ones were 

When the goats caused a traffic jam, Amanda asked the shepherd girl if she could hold one of the happy animals.  However, the goat was much happier running around than being held captive in her arms.  

Sophronia eating mango and beaten rice in Sisautiya.  This food is a staple in the Tarai.  It is so delicious!!!

Amanda eating buffalo yogurt.  In Nepal your spoon is your hand... and even buff yogurt is eaten with your fingers.  (And yes the host is really sitting on the table!)    

In the village of Malungwa (pronounced like it is spelled)  the women thought that we needed some decorations.  Above are our hands decorated with henna.  Amanda's first and Sophronia's second.

They also painted our feet red.  Apparently this is the beautiful thing to do.  Our toe nails and finger nails were also painted red.

This is the shop and shop keeper where the women took us to get the supplies to decorate us with.  We also got bracelets, necklaces, bindis (the jewels that go between your eyes) and Nepali makeup.  

The final product of the decorating!  From the lipstick to the bindi.... and the red line signifies that Amanda is married... it is the wedding ring of Nepal.  By the end of the decorating we felt a bit like Christmas trees.  Such a fun experience!!!

The beautiful sunset from a rooftop in Malungwa.  A quiet evening visiting with our new found village friends.

The temple to the god Raum in Janakpur (pronounce as spelled).  The story goes that the son of the king in India, Raum, loved a Nepali Princess and this temple was built to honor their love.  To this day there are many couples who still get married at this sight.  

Search hard and you will find the peak of a Himalayan mountain.  (Here is a clue it is on the horizon and in the center.)  This is as much of the mountains that we have seen.  Still waiting to catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest.

We enjoyed our time in the Tarai... Meeting new people and experiencing the warm hospitality of the native people.  We survived the hot weather, bumpy roads, lizards, and barley the mosquitoes.  It made us realize how much we appreciate our little apartment here in Kathmandu.  Good to be back in our Nepali home!

Till next time,

~Amanda and Sophronia