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I
had decided to take a walk down through the village to the stupa
to take a picture of the village with Ama Dablam looking down upon
us. On my way I came upon two women digging potatoes. A baby
nestled snugly in a woven basket was close by. It was a nice
photograph, but not wanting to |
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| be intrusive, I asked, as
best as one could, not knowing much in the way of the
language: "Tapaii Di Di Photo? (You, older sister,
photo?). She smiled and waved and so I raised my camera
and took aim. At the same time she raised a rock and took
aim at me. Quickly assuming that the waving had meant no
and the smile meant to be friendly, I quickly put the
camera away, rather embarrassed at my faux paux.
Many of the peasants are still filled with superstition
and believe the camera can capture a persons spirit.
But some along the major trekking routes, Dawa
says, are more concerned that we will sell the pictures to the
National Geographic Magazine and make a fortune at their expense.
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The
majority probably just find it rude and intrusive. As we would if
strangers constantly invaded our backyards taking our pictures. |
| I will miss a major Hindu holiday at
Thyangboche, but Phortse village is having it’s own
celebration and Dawa and I are having a toast. Even though
the Khumbu region is primarily Buddhist all Hindu holidays
are treated with respect and celebrated. As Dawa has said:
"Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Christianity, it does not
matter;" a wise man.
While photographing flowers on the steep hillside above
the village, I heard children singing. It was faint and
seemed to waft in the breeze,
floating among the buildings. Investigating, it seemed the singing
was going from house to house. I did not know who was singing
and I could not see them, but it sounded
terrific. Dawa informs me that they are part of the holiday
festivities and the children are celebrating by singing and dancing
traditional Sherpa songs. |
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