Friday, December 31, 2010
Spirituality Articles
As a spiritual practictioner becomes more refined and perceptive, an interesting experience emerges. It is not externally verifiable, but it is not an internal experience. It requires an encompassing awareness of one's own biographical history and psychological consequences thereof. The practictioner is acted upon through the combined efforts of the universal mediums of karma and dharma, which should be recognized as fierce grace.
Ending fuel subsidies cuts Bolivia's losses, president says
La Paz, Bolivia (CNN) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday defended his decision to end fuel subsidies, a move that caused gasoline and diesel prices to spike and has led to protests in major cities since it was announced over the weekend.
The country's subsidies led to an artificially low price for diesel and gasoline, which resulted in widespread smuggling of those products to neighboring countries, where smugglers sold it for a profit, Morales told CNN en Español. "There's a tremendous amount of smuggling (to Peru and Brazil) and the state loses."
For example, Bolivia will spend $660 million this year importing fuel, of which $380 million will have been subsidized by the government, he said. Of that, he said, $150 million will have been siphoned out of the country through contraband sales of the gasoline and diesel in neighboring countries, where the price is higher. "For a small country like Bolivia, that's a lot of change," he said.
Morales' remarks came a day after he attempted to explain the move in a nationally televised address.
Though the initial price shock may seem high, the average Bolivian will benefit from the move, he said. Money saved under the new policy will be plowed back into the economy, with 20 percent increases in the minimum wage and spending in education, health, and security, he said.
Bolivians angry about gas price hikes "Our policies are always to favor the poor people," said Morales, the nation's first indigenous president. For those people who will not be helped by the salary increases, he said, "the only way (to help them) is to create new jobs."
He acknowledged that transportation costs in some areas have doubled since Sunday, when his government announced he was ending the subsidies, but blamed unscrupulous Bolivians for the increases.
The country's subsidies led to an artificially low price for diesel and gasoline, which resulted in widespread smuggling of those products to neighboring countries, where smugglers sold it for a profit, Morales told CNN en Español. "There's a tremendous amount of smuggling (to Peru and Brazil) and the state loses."
For example, Bolivia will spend $660 million this year importing fuel, of which $380 million will have been subsidized by the government, he said. Of that, he said, $150 million will have been siphoned out of the country through contraband sales of the gasoline and diesel in neighboring countries, where the price is higher. "For a small country like Bolivia, that's a lot of change," he said.
Morales' remarks came a day after he attempted to explain the move in a nationally televised address.
Though the initial price shock may seem high, the average Bolivian will benefit from the move, he said. Money saved under the new policy will be plowed back into the economy, with 20 percent increases in the minimum wage and spending in education, health, and security, he said.
Bolivians angry about gas price hikes He acknowledged that transportation costs in some areas have doubled since Sunday, when his government announced he was ending the subsidies, but blamed unscrupulous Bolivians for the increases.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
India to focus ‘more’ on Nepal, Bangladesh
Indian diplomats here admit India’s attention toward Nepal is on an upward trajectory
KATHMANDU, DEC 31 -
As India readies to take up its non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council from next year, it has made a conscious decision to focus on its neighbourhood, especially Nepal and Bangladesh. Indian diplomats in Kathmandu won’t call it a policy shift, but maintain that India’s attention toward Nepal is on an upward trajectory.
“Top billing will be given to Nepal and Bangladesh, not Pakistan,” reported The Times of India in its Thursday’s online edition.
“With a new ambassador, Jayant Prasad, ready to drive Indian policy in Kathmandu, India will try to push for ‘free and fair’ elections in Nepal — where the Maoists contest elections after disarming, so that nobody has an unfair advantage. That has to be the crux of the political deal in Kathmandu, but it has to be done by the Nepalis themselves,” the paper said.
An Indian diplomat in Kathmandu told the Post that India’s focus on Nepal continues to grow. “This is not a policy shift. On July 4, 2009 President Pratibha Patil had said during her parliamentary address that India will pay more attention to its neighbourhood,” he said.
He said India is worried about the widening trust deficit at the inter-party and intra-party levels among major political forces in Nepal.
Sources say though approached by different shades of opinion in Nepal asking for intervention India continues to hold aloof because active intervention doesn’t make it friends among the Nepalis.
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is scheduled to visit Kathmandu soon after Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai visits India next week.
“Bhattarai’s visit will be important, for first-hand assessment of current Maoist thinking,” the report further said.
“Bhattarai’s trip to India next week is confirmed and he will meet top Indian leaders,” said Bhattarai’s aide Bishwadeep Pandey. He added that Bhattarai’s India trip is in line with the party decision. Bhattarai will be accompanied by Deputy Commander of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army Barshaman Pun in Nepal Seminar organised by Vivekananda Foundation in New Delhi. The programme, scheduled to be jointly addressed by Indian and Nepali foreign ministers, will see a convergence of Nepali and Indian politicians, academics, former diplomats and experts. CPN-UML leader KP Oli, Pradeep Gyawali, NC leader Prakash Man Singh, Pradeep Giri, former Nepal Army Chief Rukmangad Katwal are among those scheduled to attend the seminar
As India readies to take up its non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council from next year, it has made a conscious decision to focus on its neighbourhood, especially Nepal and Bangladesh. Indian diplomats in Kathmandu won’t call it a policy shift, but maintain that India’s attention toward Nepal is on an upward trajectory.
“Top billing will be given to Nepal and Bangladesh, not Pakistan,” reported The Times of India in its Thursday’s online edition.
“With a new ambassador, Jayant Prasad, ready to drive Indian policy in Kathmandu, India will try to push for ‘free and fair’ elections in Nepal — where the Maoists contest elections after disarming, so that nobody has an unfair advantage. That has to be the crux of the political deal in Kathmandu, but it has to be done by the Nepalis themselves,” the paper said.
An Indian diplomat in Kathmandu told the Post that India’s focus on Nepal continues to grow. “This is not a policy shift. On July 4, 2009 President Pratibha Patil had said during her parliamentary address that India will pay more attention to its neighbourhood,” he said.
He said India is worried about the widening trust deficit at the inter-party and intra-party levels among major political forces in Nepal.
Sources say though approached by different shades of opinion in Nepal asking for intervention India continues to hold aloof because active intervention doesn’t make it friends among the Nepalis.
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is scheduled to visit Kathmandu soon after Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai visits India next week.
“Bhattarai’s visit will be important, for first-hand assessment of current Maoist thinking,” the report further said.
“Bhattarai’s trip to India next week is confirmed and he will meet top Indian leaders,” said Bhattarai’s aide Bishwadeep Pandey. He added that Bhattarai’s India trip is in line with the party decision. Bhattarai will be accompanied by Deputy Commander of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army Barshaman Pun in Nepal Seminar organised by Vivekananda Foundation in New Delhi. The programme, scheduled to be jointly addressed by Indian and Nepali foreign ministers, will see a convergence of Nepali and Indian politicians, academics, former diplomats and experts. CPN-UML leader KP Oli, Pradeep Gyawali, NC leader Prakash Man Singh, Pradeep Giri, former Nepal Army Chief Rukmangad Katwal are among those scheduled to attend the seminar
Everest Base Camp Trek- 14 days, Nepal
This exciting 14 day trek takes you right into the heart of the Everest trekking region which is situated in the Eastern part of Nepal. The highlights of this adventure of a lifetime includes a visit to the world famous Mount Everest Base Camp (5,357 m/ 17,575 ft) and a hike to the best view point of Mount Everest at Kala Patthar (5,545 m/ 18,192 ft)! 
Tour price: U$ 1650 (convert this)
Single supplement: U$ 200 (what's this?)
Accommodation: 2 nights budget hotel Kathmandu (B&B)
11 nights lodges/ tea houses (B, L, D)
Duration: 14 days
Start point: Kathmandu, Nepal
End point: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: 2 per room
Best time to go: Spring and Autumn
Departure dates: Whenever you are ready or you can join
our international groups from:
ShapShap Travel Group dates for 2011- only U$ 1450
Spring: 10 - 23 April Sign up here
Autumn: 16 - 29 October Sign up here
Click to download: Detailed trek information (what's included, pack list, FAQ...)
Brief overview:
Day 1. Kathmandu/ trip preparation - 1,350m/4,428ft
This is the official start date of the trek. The whole group should be in Kathmandu already and on this day you will meet your guides. They will discuss the whole trek in detail and answer all your questions and give you some tips and advice on what you might still need for the upcoming adventure. There will be time to rest and take in this vibrant city's energy before dinner time in a local restaurant.
Day 2. Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding (3 to 4hrs walk) - 2,652m/8,700ft
After an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) and the final preparations, the trekking starts. From Lukla you will pass Chaurikharka village and make a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding is reached. Explore Sherpa village and over night at lodge.
Day 3. Trek to Namche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 3,440m/11,284ft
The trail crosses the Dudhkoshi River over a long suspension bridge and then leads you along the river to Hillary's Suspension Bridge (named after Sir Edmund Hillary). The trail takes you further from here all the way to Namche Bazaar.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are recognized as the first two men to reach the summit of mount Everest. This happened on the 29th of May, 1953.
Day 4. Acclimatization Day - 3,440m/11,284ft
This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day. You can spend it taking a day hike to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. It's the main centre of the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Saturday. Overnight stay at lodge in Namche.
Day 5. Trek to Tyangboche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 3,870m/12,694ft
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche. The trek has a few ups and downs with magnificent views of the great Himalayas. We enjoy the hike until we stop and relax for lunch. After lunch we start walking through the pine forest for about 2 more hours to reach Tyangboche. Tyangboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam which has the biggest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. Overnight stay at Tyangboche.
Day 6. Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 4,100m/13,076ft
After breakfast we descend for half an hour to the riverside through the forest, cross the river and make a gradual walk up hill to reach Pangboche. The rest of the walk will be uphill to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
Day 7. Trek to Thukla (2 to 3 hrs walk) - 4600m/15,088ft
Today we trek up to Thukla. Thukla is at the bottom of the hill and has good views of Cholaste and Lobuche peak. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the village. We overnight at a mountain Lodge. This is a short walking day and gives you more time to acclimatize.
Day 8. Thukla to Lobuche (3 to 4 hours) - 4,930m/16,172ft
After breakfast we continue our trek through the rocky trails all the way up to Lobuche for overnight.
Day 9. Trek to Gorekshep (3 hrs walk)- 5,160m/16,929ft & Hike to
Everest Base Camp (3-4 hours ) - 5,357m/17,575ft
Today we hike slowly for 3 hours up a dry and stony hill to reach Gorekshep.
After lunch, we continue our hike to the Everest Base Camp!!! via a rocky
and glacial trail. The EBC is the main camp where hikers from all over the
world meet and make their final preparations before their attempt on
summiting Everest. After celebrating and taking photos we hike back
to Gorekshep for our overnight at a lodge.
Day 10. Early hike to Kala Patthar (2-3 hours ) - 5,545m/18,192ft & Trek back to Pangboche (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 3,860m/12,664ft
We hike up to the Kala Patthar (Black Rock) early in the morning. It takes a couple of hours to walk up to the famous viewing point of Kala Pattar- at sunrise this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam. Later, we hike down to Gorekshep, have breakfast and continue our descent back to Pangboche.
Day 11. Trek to Namche (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 3,440m/11,284ft
Today our trail comes all the way down. We cross a suspension bridge and hike up through the forest to reach Tyangboche. From Tyangboche the trail descends all the way to the riverside. We cross the river and take a walk up a big hill (2 hours) and from there it will be a pleasant walk to Namche. Overnight at Namche.
Day 12. Trek back to Lukla (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 2,800m/9,184ft
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on an easy natural trail. On arrival in Lukla there will be time to relax, stretch those sore legs and celebrate the completion of your trek. Here your guide will also reconfirm your flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at lodge in Lukla.
Day 13. Trans Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu
After an early morning flight back to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft), you will head back to your hotel. Today is a well earned rest and relaxing day and to put your feet up and gratefully rediscover all the perks of modern life again. You could also catch up on some last minute shopping or explore the sights you may have missed during your first day. We end our adventure of a lifetime and celebrate our achievements with a dinner at a restaurant in Kathmandu.
Day 14. Final departure from Nepal or the start of your next adventure
Today the journey comes to an end. We will arrange airport transfers for the people who are leaving Nepal. If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, please contact us to learn about some other exciting travel ideas
Tour price: U$ 1650 (convert this)
Single supplement: U$ 200 (what's this?)
Accommodation: 2 nights budget hotel Kathmandu (B&B)
11 nights lodges/ tea houses (B, L, D)
Duration: 14 days
Start point: Kathmandu, Nepal
End point: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: 2 per room
Best time to go: Spring and Autumn
Departure dates: Whenever you are ready or you can join
our international groups from:
ShapShap Travel Group dates for 2011- only U$ 1450
Spring: 10 - 23 April Sign up here
Autumn: 16 - 29 October Sign up here
Click to download: Detailed trek information (what's included, pack list, FAQ...)
Brief overview:
Day 1. Kathmandu/ trip preparation - 1,350m/4,428ft
This is the official start date of the trek. The whole group should be in Kathmandu already and on this day you will meet your guides. They will discuss the whole trek in detail and answer all your questions and give you some tips and advice on what you might still need for the upcoming adventure. There will be time to rest and take in this vibrant city's energy before dinner time in a local restaurant.
Day 2. Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding (3 to 4hrs walk) - 2,652m/8,700ft
After an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) and the final preparations, the trekking starts. From Lukla you will pass Chaurikharka village and make a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding is reached. Explore Sherpa village and over night at lodge.
Day 3. Trek to Namche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 3,440m/11,284ft
The trail crosses the Dudhkoshi River over a long suspension bridge and then leads you along the river to Hillary's Suspension Bridge (named after Sir Edmund Hillary). The trail takes you further from here all the way to Namche Bazaar.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are recognized as the first two men to reach the summit of mount Everest. This happened on the 29th of May, 1953.
Day 4. Acclimatization Day - 3,440m/11,284ft
This is the scheduled 'acclimatization' day. You can spend it taking a day hike to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. It's the main centre of the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Saturday. Overnight stay at lodge in Namche.
Day 5. Trek to Tyangboche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 3,870m/12,694ft
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche. The trek has a few ups and downs with magnificent views of the great Himalayas. We enjoy the hike until we stop and relax for lunch. After lunch we start walking through the pine forest for about 2 more hours to reach Tyangboche. Tyangboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam which has the biggest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. Overnight stay at Tyangboche.
Day 6. Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (5 to 6 hrs walk) - 4,100m/13,076ft
After breakfast we descend for half an hour to the riverside through the forest, cross the river and make a gradual walk up hill to reach Pangboche. The rest of the walk will be uphill to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.
Day 7. Trek to Thukla (2 to 3 hrs walk) - 4600m/15,088ft
Today we trek up to Thukla. Thukla is at the bottom of the hill and has good views of Cholaste and Lobuche peak. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the village. We overnight at a mountain Lodge. This is a short walking day and gives you more time to acclimatize.
Day 8. Thukla to Lobuche (3 to 4 hours) - 4,930m/16,172ft
After breakfast we continue our trek through the rocky trails all the way up to Lobuche for overnight.
Day 9. Trek to Gorekshep (3 hrs walk)- 5,160m/16,929ft & Hike to Everest Base Camp (3-4 hours ) - 5,357m/17,575ft
Today we hike slowly for 3 hours up a dry and stony hill to reach Gorekshep.
After lunch, we continue our hike to the Everest Base Camp!!! via a rocky
and glacial trail. The EBC is the main camp where hikers from all over the
world meet and make their final preparations before their attempt on
summiting Everest. After celebrating and taking photos we hike back
to Gorekshep for our overnight at a lodge.
Day 10. Early hike to Kala Patthar (2-3 hours ) - 5,545m/18,192ft & Trek back to Pangboche (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 3,860m/12,664ft
We hike up to the Kala Patthar (Black Rock) early in the morning. It takes a couple of hours to walk up to the famous viewing point of Kala Pattar- at sunrise this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam. Later, we hike down to Gorekshep, have breakfast and continue our descent back to Pangboche.
Day 11. Trek to Namche (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 3,440m/11,284ft
Today our trail comes all the way down. We cross a suspension bridge and hike up through the forest to reach Tyangboche. From Tyangboche the trail descends all the way to the riverside. We cross the river and take a walk up a big hill (2 hours) and from there it will be a pleasant walk to Namche. Overnight at Namche.
Day 12. Trek back to Lukla (6 to 7 hrs walk) - 2,800m/9,184ft
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on an easy natural trail. On arrival in Lukla there will be time to relax, stretch those sore legs and celebrate the completion of your trek. Here your guide will also reconfirm your flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at lodge in Lukla.
Day 13. Trans Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu
After an early morning flight back to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft), you will head back to your hotel. Today is a well earned rest and relaxing day and to put your feet up and gratefully rediscover all the perks of modern life again. You could also catch up on some last minute shopping or explore the sights you may have missed during your first day. We end our adventure of a lifetime and celebrate our achievements with a dinner at a restaurant in Kathmandu.
Day 14. Final departure from Nepal or the start of your next adventure
Today the journey comes to an end. We will arrange airport transfers for the people who are leaving Nepal. If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, please contact us to learn about some other exciting travel ideas
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