Editorial . January . 2013

New and OLd

Change is the only constant in life and the world around us. Many constitutions around the world have a clause that goes something like, “everything in this document can be changed except for this sentence.” After waiting for four years and paying salaries to 601 members Nepal got nothing. While some embrace change with enthusiasm, others are fearful of change. It is very difficult to leave the “comfort zone” for many. Change is about opportunities and about moving into the “magic zone” as well. So many people from all over the world keep coming back to Nepal and exclaim about the changes here. For those living here, change is at a slower pace and perhaps not so dramatic. One hears many commenting about to change more rapidly. Backwardness or underdevelopment is all about the inability to change. Some changes have been for the better while others, for the worse. This issue of ECS looks at what is new in Nepal. From music to food, farming to art and craft, from travel to blogging and gadgets and technology….

The year 2012 has been a great one at ECS and the team is bringing some of our favorite images that will bring back fond memories of the past. Nepal is a very photogenic country to say the least and a picture is truly worth a thousand words. We must also take this opportunity to thank all the photographers who do such a great job to capture Nepal the way only they do.

In this first issue of the new year, we also take you to more places that you may want to put on the “list of places to visit” before the end of 2013. From Pun Hill,with a spectacular view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range, to the Seti river valley and to the Khumbu, we bring you insights and tips that will help you to decide to travel. In the Kathmandu valley, for example, there is a historical lake and vital wetland,Taudaha, that has received the kind of care it deserves. Talking about care, the air in the valley is of concern to many, and we shall take a look at options for an eco-ride in the Kathmandu valley. We also have our regular look at the people who are doing amazing things, and events that are an integral part of Nepali social life. There is now shortage of people, places and events to cover at ECS.

We have many calendars, many new years’ days, many ways to celebrate and even more explanations and historical references for each one. This is what makes Nepal so unique. The number of people celebrating Christmas in Nepal is growing and ECS takes a look at how they are doing it. With cold days and nights, we also bring you a very special look at some Newari food delights that can be prepared only in these “cold” times. All of us at ECS wish you a great 2013 and whatever you are planning on doing, please make some time for the Nepali way.

 

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