Endgame

The truth is that I've been reluctant to write this entry for about a week. I thought waiting around might spark some enthusiasm, but I'm just not in it. On the other hand my paper journal entries are more meaningful and well thought out, so I can't quite complain of widespread, long- term writer's block.

I'm back from Nepal after a tense border dispute involving Bhutanese refugees on one side and the Indian army on the other with strict orders not to let refugees in. I spent tens of sweaty, frustrating, hours at the immigration office clinging from one thread of dubious border news to another, remaining clueless about what was going on. But there were about 20 other whities stuck with me--cards were played, snacks were shared, and stories bested.

On the final afternoon we watched crowds running from bullets followed by serious protest breaking by the Nepal riot police. Young Maoists in the front of the crowd waving their flags were met with swift beatings by police. Only one protester was killed in the conflict, but I'm sure the conflict wouldn't have been so bloodless if the Nepali government hadn't taken away the police force's guns a month prior fearing a coup. After the crowd grew tired of being tear gassed and went home those of us camping at the immigration office had a chance to talk to the border officials and army brass. They made some calls to Kathmandu and Delhi and let us slip by, but not before shouting at us as we crossed with guns raised, telling us to drop our bags on the bridge so they could search them*

Now I'm back in Darjeeling and finished with all my trekking and lounging for the year. With not quite two weeks left I'm itching to get back. My plan is a last hurrah in Maharashtra with the few remaining exchange students and then some time in Mumbai to collect tons upon tons of gifts for everyone I can. Summer home, summer travelling all over America, music, friends, college....question mark.




*To the army's credit I was carrying several Bhutanese refugees in my luggage. They were not discovered.