Tensions

Events are rumbling away here. Yesterday some group calling for the reinstatement of a Hindu state set off an explosion near the entrance to Kathmandu airport, injuring a woman. Protests and demonstrations continue across the country and the government is continuing to recruit Gurkhas – largely as cannon fodder for the British and Indian armies, I think. It’s hard to believe that in the 1960s people came here from the West to lose themselves in peace, love and harmony – a spiritual idyll on the end of a hashish pipe.

In a week or so we’ll go to India which has its own troubles of course, not least the escalating spat with its nuclear neighbour. And Bangladesh after, which is gearing up for elections. Is there nowhere where nothing happens…?