Sunday 4 October 2015

Just one story from Nepal, to show why tourism matters so much.

I was wandering along Lakeside, in Pokhara, birds a-twitter in the holy trees and Om Mani Padme Hum drifting from one of the small stores that line the street.

A man called out, 'Hello, where are you from?' It is a familiar cry. I turned to wave, saw he was wearing the baggy green of the Australian cricket team and than was enough to lure me into a conversation.

He rents bikes to tourists. His bikes - sturdy mountain bikes with polished metalwork and healthy tyres - were lined up by the side of the road. He hoped I'd hire a bike.

'I don't think so,' I tell him.

'Then maybe I can take you around on my motorbike?' His voice is higher now, and I can hear his desperation. I explain that I am meeting Tika in half an hour.

His face falls. 'I used to have a proper shop,' he explains. 'But with no tourists, I cannot afford the rent. So now I am at the side of the road.'

He has no shelter from the rain, nor scorching sun. And can only try to grab the attention of the few tourists who pass his way and hope that one of them - one would be a start - will hire one of his bikes. Then he can take just a little money home to his family.

It's a story repeated over and over and over. It's why the devastation of tourism has been at least as traumatic as as the earthquake.

And here is a picture, of Annapurna South, taken at about seven in the morning. This is the sort of view you can wake up to.


16 comments:

  1. Looks lovely, Jo. Poor bike man, just trying to make a living.

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    1. It's all so many are trying to do. Such a lovely country, and so many are struggling.

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  2. It is the stories of small people that illuminate the big issues.

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    1. That's why I told this - he stands for so many others.

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  3. How sad, Jo. I really hope the people start to go back. This has more meaning than even the eartquake stories.

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    1. The backpackers are on their way - but they need to the big groups to return. it will happen - just hope it happens quickly.

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  4. My daughter and I are planning a trip and we want to do a bike tour. I hope this man is still there!

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    1. I have his card with website and email address - will try to DM you with the details.

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  5. A sad story and an amazing view. I do hope tourism returns to the area.

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    1. That view was truly wonderful - I hope the tourists soon realise just what they are missing.

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  6. That view is enough for me to get on my bike and cycle there. Thanks, that was a touching post.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. It would be quite a bike ride, getting up there!

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  7. What a sad story Jo. I hope tourism does pick up and soon he can have his shop. I think the people who love the country,like you will be back.

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    1. They will - and we need to them to come back quickly!

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  8. Thanks Jo for this post. we need tourist and your help in this regards is great !

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    1. You're very welcome, Tika. And welcome to the blog.

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