Swayambhu is central to the myth of the creation of Kathmandu valley. When Manjushree descended from the Wutai Mountains in China and cut open a gorge at Chobhar draining the ancient lake, a lotus descended on a hill to form the stupa of Swayambhunath. Ages later, the sacred site continues to attract both locals and tourists alike and leads the list of the must-visit destinations in Kathmandu.
Even as the dslr laden sight-seers and prayer laden pilgrims throng the stupa, a multitude of monkeys populated the premises as well. So much so, the stupa has been lovingly dubbed the “Monkey Temple”. In this issue of ECS NEPAL we embark on a project to chart the lives of our distant evolutionary cousins who have made Swayambhu their home as well. This seemingly rag-tag band of monkeys live in a fascinating world; a world that we invite our readers to explore with us.
This issue also includes the tales of two Peace Corps volunteers who over the past decades have helped spread The Nepali Way across the world. Kevin Bubriski and Thomas Kelly are both photographers who have immersed themselves in Nepal and Nepali culture and have chosen the same medium, yet different lenses to portray this country that they fell in love with. Read more about their different journeys and the different stories they sought to tell. We suspect you too will be as fascinated as we were.
Happy reading and bon appétit!
