Nepal:
Sacred spirit
runs deep

I had wanted to go to Nepal since I first heard the word "Kathmandu" spoken. In the spring of 2001, while on assignment for Abercrombie & Kent, I realized that dream. Having just come from India, I somehow expected there to be more similarities than there were. The colors and the dress were different; the people's facial structure and the way they carry their bundles were quite different. The rhythm of life seems a little slower. The children, especially, seem more shy and intent on whatever work is before them.

At the ancient Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu, I accompanied the monks of all ages as they walked the circle, spinning the prayer wheels. I looked up through the fluttering prayer flags to the eyes of Buddha and felt the sacredness of the place and was awed. I wanted to be silent, to spend hours walking that circle and absorbing that energy. The job at hand didn’t allow for that time, but it was one of the many moments that cause me to say a prayer of thanks for the incredible opportunity I was experiencing.