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A small motorcycle stopped ; the young rider gobsmacked that foreigners were in his part of the world . With a brief smile , almost apologetic , he asked if we would like tea . It was an invitation that couldn ’ t be refused , we followed our new friend to his family home .
Sandip introduced us to his family , a group of men sat outside enjoying the sunshine and his mother who was busy making tea and a meal that smelled like heaven . Sandip was proud that he could converse in English , I was disappointed that my Nepali was just a few words and most likely mispronounced .
We soon found that Sandip has a deep routed passion for where he lives , although most of the year he is away studying . His explanations of the surrounding landscape were considered and authoritative , in a way that made me feel like I needed to know more . He walked us up to the local shrine , his enthusiasm for the holy relic was infectious as I found myself peering into dark holes to discover icons of another world . Sandip explained that some of it was ancient , and most was new , the local people working together to create something more worthy of the beautiful lands that surrounded his village .
Suyada is a small township located along the Mid Hill or Pushpalal Highway . The lifestyle felt content , I felt relaxed , something about the area seemed right . With Sandip we discussed our lands , our lives , and our hopes for the future . Sandip felt wise well beyond his years . It was conversation I felt needed greater time , a conversation where great friendships are formed , it was a conversation we ’ d need to return to .
Thanking Sandip ’ s mother for the lovely tea and biscuits we prepared to leave and continue our journey . Sandip shook my hand , a warm grip that only comes from those that
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