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Still on my work trip, I just finished about one week in Nepal. The traveling was fun... even adventurous at times. A lot of people on this visit have asked me to compare Kathmandu and Addis Ababa. Religion (Hindu/Buddhist vs. Muslim/Ethiopian Orthodox Christian), politics (newly elected maoist government vs. incumbent elected but somewhat oppressive government) and tourism (Nepal has it, Ethiopia doesn't) all come to mind, but the thing that caught my attention shortly before I left Kathmandu was the begging. Or, more specifically, the relative lack of it.
In Addis Ababa, driving up to most larger street intersections (particularly those with traffic lights) means you are fair game for people selling tissues, maps or sunglasses, but also for people to walk up and ask for money or food. And if you're a firenge, then you're usually the first target.
In Addis, however, it seems a bit different. You're still targeted as a foreigner, but Kathmandu has a district called Thamel, where most of the tourist-oriented restaurants, hotels and shops are. That's also where you see the most begging. There is some in other high-traffic parts of the city, but it doesn't feel as widespread as in Addis. Whether this is due to policies or the recognition that tourists are looser with their wallets, I couldn't say.
So what does this say about the two cities? Probably not all that much. There are still lots and lots of people who have very little, and are trying simply to survive in the city. At the very least it's a reminder to appreciate what we have, and of one thing the international development community is trying to help with.
On to the photos.
p.s. - My South Asian tour continues... I spent three days in West Bengal, India, then a week in Nepal, looking at treadle pump workshops and talking with distributors, installers and farmers. Now I'm in Delhi, but am going to Goa for the weekend to visit a friend. More pictures soon!
Parting shot...
For more updates go here.
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26 April 2009
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Hey Mark, a different and nice view of Bangladesh. About the lush fields. Isn't it summer there now? Any idea if they harvest before their notorious monsoons? Every year, I read about the floods there with millions losing everything.
>There are still lots and lots of people who have very little, and are trying simply to survive in the city. At the very least it's a reminder to appreciate what we have
- Amen!
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| - Jude |
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27 April 2009
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Mark, the photos (especially the one of the women walking in the rice field) are amazing! That bus looks so posh! It's interesting to see how people are adapting the pumps to their circumstances for cooling, stability, etc. Enjoy the rest of the trip. |
| - Liz |
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29 April 2009
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Yep, it is summer in Bangladesh. Small farmers there typically grow one rice crop during the rainy season, and then irrigate one crop of vegetables and then one crop of rice during the dry season. This is surprising, since rice requires a _lot_ of water to grow. But they still manage small plots with a treadle pump (~1/3 acre). And yes, they will harvest the irrigated rice crop before the monsoon so that they can plant the monsoon rice crop before the rains get too bad. |
| - Mark (RoamingCavetroll) |
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Man, Mark... I am so jealous! I love my life, but sometimes I wish I could spend a couple of weeks (or months) in yours. Lucky you to get to do all that travelling. And you get such great photos. I totally understand about the begging, though. I've definitely seen some different things in different cities.
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| - Adele |
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