Blogging for Nepal!! Nepal Tourism Year 2011- let the party begin.

Happy New Year everybody! Here it is-2011. And after the marvelous year we just bid adieu too, the bar for what counts as a good year has risen. Here is hoping that 2011 is an even more joyful year.

But I am not sitting on floor in my room two days into the year desperately trying to catch up on the wishes. I am here for two important reasons: firstly, to make a pitch, and secondly to put my money where my mouth is. For those cynics out there who vehemently tried to convince me that the new year is just another day on the calendar I say - Ha! I am believer still, and am holding onto this mantle of hope. New Years is like spring in the middle of winter. But even for those of you who have a rather meek view of the mighty leap from 10 to 11 here’s hoping that you make most of the next 365 days that the rest of us will call 2011.

But 2011, looks likes terribly normal year, you know the kinds with its ups and downs, its twists and turns, the usual. Unless of course you are in Nepal. 2011 is Nepal Tourism year. A time to open our already gaping doors to welcome the world to be a part our home. A time to be on our best and think of the greater whole a little more than we normally do. To proudly dawn our topi of manners and put our best feet forward.

The importance of tourism to the Nepali economy cannot be overstressed, so I won’t even go there. My purpose of writing this article is to request the Nepali diaspora to contribute towards making this year a success. Remember all those times when you sitting around complaining about the amazingly “ pathetic situation” in the country; the feeling of overwhelming helplessness of not being able to do something; not knowing where to start- well your wishes have come true and your prayers have been heard. 2011 presents an inexcusable opportunity to pitch in towards a constructive purpose.

And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy and there are enough things to do for everyone. Those in Nepal can do their little ( but significant) bit like- help a tourist if he asks for help even if it’s a little inconvenient, not littering tourist area ( or any public place for a matter a fact, but let’s start small), pick up the litter if there is any , be friendly and show up and enjoy the various attractions. Simple things done by simple folks can make all the difference. Further, let this also be the time for those bound down by the fetters of Kathmandu to leave the sometimes suffocating precincts of the valley and travel beyond. Be tourists ourselves. See and experience a country so desperately in need of some soul searching.

For those of us unfortunate people, away from the land of our birth we can do our bit by spreading the word; furthering the invitation, if you may, to our friends and acquaintances in these foreign lands. A year to be vocal about the wonders of Nepal. Again nothing too fancy- share links and videos, talk to friends, have fun with spreading the news, and assure them that the land of never ending peace and love knows how to live up to its name.

And while we do this great service let’s make it clear that Nepal goes beyond its National Geography image. Yes, we have ancient temples, and mystical hills and gorges, and dense jungles with exotic wildlife; a haven for the spiritual. But here is more to it. Let’s make sure that people experience Nepal as it is; not just the dead habit of yesteryears but the vibrant culture that exists and shapes up everyday. Experience the old with the new. From our rock bands to jazz festivals, from our beer and our villages, to our salsa festivals, from lok dohris to our momo’s and bungee, paragliding and pottery, from street theatre to street vendors, monkeys and tea stalls, and highway eateries. There is much more to Nepal than that which meets the eye. We are shaping the Nepali culture every day and we want the tourists to celebrate it with us. In its completeness.

Coming back to the second reason for this write up ( “the money where my mouth is” part). I am going to write about 20 amazing things and/or places about Nepal this year. And even though 20 sounds like a stunted number given that there are 365 days in this year, considering the absolute lethargy with which I update my blog I thinks it’s a fair target.

So Happy New Year everybody and let’s make this a positive year.