across asia' - business chicks
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Across
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Trekking in the mountains in Nepal.
Asia
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OTHER LIVES
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u
Magicalmountainsin Nepal
Theres a bold tourism campaign
about Nepal that says: Once is
not enough. There is a great dealof truth in this.The land of the mightyHimalayas, snow-capped mountains and
natural terrain, Nepal is home to eight of the
14 highest peaks in the world.
For sheer natural beauty, Nepal
harbours some of the most spectacular
mountain scenery unparalleled to any other
destination.
The best way to experience Nepali life
deep in the foothills of the Himalaya is to
grab a guide for an extremely low fee and set
off on a trek through the terrain. There are
a myriad of treks to choose from including
the more renowned Everest base camp,Annapurna Circuit and Langtang Valley.
The treks can be challenging especially at
high altitudes which quickly leave you short
of breath but there is no greater reward than
being surrounded by the worlds highest
mountains.
For real adventure seekers, Pokhara offers
hang-gliding, white-water rafting, mountain
biking and bungee jumping. Or if you prefer
to spend the days lazing around the lake with
a book, you can sip chai while gazing at the
Annapurna mountains in the distance. Or get
whisked away on a row boat at sunset.
Chittawan National Park also offers
elephant lovers the chance to get up closeand personal to these friendly giants, often
spotted walking through town or bathing in
the river. Visit the national park on a guided
safari to spot some wonderful wildlife.
For some spiritual awakening, visit
laidback Lumbini, the birthplace of the
Buddha. Or for something completely
unusual albeit a little confronting,
watch cremations being carried out at
Pashupatinath, the most signifcant Shiva
temple in the world.
TRAVEL TIP:All your trekking gear
can be bought or hired here for a
fraction of the price youd pay athome. And youre supporting the
local economy!
Dikky, Lucky andNikki Chhetri, 3Sisters AdventureTrekking AgencyThree sisters, Dikky, Lucky
and Nikki Chhetri have been
providing a niche service in
the trekking business for many
years. Founded in 1994, the
business was established to
provide tourists with the option
of hiring female trekking guides
and porters. Trekking is an
experience and that can be
shared with local Nepali women
and its a great way to learn about
Nepali culture from a womansperspective.
Whats even more amazing
about this agency is that it was
purely established by the sisters
in order to give local women
opportunities for employment in a
male dominated industry. There
is a preconception that women
are not as strong as men, yet our
female guides and porters are
going through the same training
and passing with ying colours,
says Nikki.
The agency has also branched
out in establishing the non-
government organisation
Empowering Women of Nepal,
which provides educational
programs like languages,
leadership and ecotourism.
The three sisters believe this
organisation is vital in breaking
down certain barriers to womens
development. As Lucky says:
Women do not need sympathy,
they need education and
opportunity.
Pioneers in their feld, the
three sisters have successfullycreated a business with a social
purpose.
Upclose
Travel helps break
down barriers of
religion, race and
colour and unitesus as humans
across the globe.
Belinda Popovski
spent three months
in South-East Asia
on a solo journey,
hiking through
the Himalayas,sipping chai in
India and learning
about Buddhism in
Myanmar.
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Confronting, colourful and raw. Dare to
enter the vast subcontinent armed with
a sense of humour. Open your heart and
mind and allow the subcontinent to transform
your soul. India will ignite each and every one
of your senses, make you laugh and continually
test your patience.
With over one billion people, Indias bustling
nature is unique in the sense that an underlying
system coexists with the visible chaos.
Each state offers diverse landscape, cuisine and
language. Roam through Rajasthan for your hit of
colour and culture, explore the majestic palaces
and forts and get lost in the Thar Desert on a camel
safari. Head north of the country to the Himalayan
mountain range and hill stations of Himachal
Pradesh, also home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan
community. There is an abundance of courses
available; learn to meditate, practice yoga, or train
in reiki for a completely new approach to life.
Equally as impressive, the southern states
harbour some ancient towns, wilderness parks and
fabulous coastline. Be sure to at least combine your
trip to India with a stop in a bustling city. Check
out the Bollywood hype in Mumbai, get lost in the
maze of Old Delhis bazaars and immerse yourself
in the exotic spices, cuisine and did I mention the
sweets!TRAVEL TIP:Carry toilet paper and
disinfectant with you everywhere!
Intrigued by
colourful India
Asha Shaji, Queen of the RickshawsIt was in the shanti town of Ernakulum in Indias most progressive and forward
thinking state of Kerala that I stumbled upon Asha Shaji, a 41-year-old self-employed
auto-rickshaw (three-wheeler vehicle) driver.
As a regular means of transport, these three-wheelers literally zip you in and around
the chaotic streets for a fraction of the price. For so many years, Asha ironed her
husbands shirt, packed his gourmet lunch and sent him off to work as an auto-rickshaw
driver, all the while dreaming they could trade places.
Reality set in ve years ago when her husband was temporarily forced out of work
due to an injury, which paved the way for Asha to step up and be the breadwinner.
It was my opportunity to work and I couldnt think of a better job. I love meeting
new people every day and Ive even built up regular customers so we share great
friendships, she says.
As queen of the rickshaws, I wondered how her male counterparts treated her. They
are nice to me; they know my husband so I guess they have no choice. But I do get some
male customers that refuse to get in my rickshaw. They think I wont be able to drive
because Im a woman. Not often, but sometimes.
Asha said that she simply laughs this off and nds a new customer. Earning anaverage of 500 rupees ($10) per day, this is enough to support her family and send her
children to school. I was in awe of Ashas strength and carefree nature.
Upclose
Shy monks at amonastery inMyanmar.
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Welcome to the land of enchanted golden temples, simple
living and some of the friendliest people you will ever
encounter. A relatively new travel destination, Myanmar
is still untarnished by the tourist trail and is slowly opening up to the
world to reveal its hidden charm.
A predominantly Buddhist population where locals literally practice
what they preach, there is something special about the true essence of
the Burmese; their natural compassion and beautiful naivety.
Explore some of Asias hidden Buddhist pilgrimage sites, sprinkled
throughout the country and often visible from the golden tip. Swedagon
Pagoda in Yangon is particularly impressive, its grandeur and peaceful
energy is magnetic. By nightfall, the Pagoda lights up the sky in a
glimmering golden sight so captivating you feel like a happily lost child
wandering through a magical kingdom.
Equally as enthralling, the ancient city of Bagan is home to over two
thousand temples, where Kings once ruled the land. With horse-and-
carriage still a main form of transport, its hard to believe that much has
changed since the majestic era.
Uncover some of the rich cultural tribes living off the terrain or take
a step back in time at Inle Lake. I demanded something a little different
from the standard Inle Lake trek, instead nding myself in the foothills
of beautiful Kalaw. We excused our guide for getting drunk every night
because he generously used our funds to purchase medical supplies for
the villagers. After days spent trekking through mud during the rainy
season it was well worth the spectacular rolling green hillside. Not to
mention the hidden monastery we found where young monks were busy
playing soccer with a ball made entirely from elastic bands. Creativity
is rife when resources are scarce! Enter the time warp of Myanmar todiscover simplicity and peaceful living.
TRAVEL TIP: With no ATMs in the country, budget accordingly.
Enchantment in Myanmar
Tawmya-Kyin, Street Stall, YangonFor 63-year-old Tawmya, selling primary school books at the markets
has been her way of life for over two decades. Being self-employed
allows her to do what she loves best: pack up three times a year and
travel to her favourite pilgrimage sites around the country.
The business helped support her six children through school, who
are now qualied doctors and teachers. Life in Myanmar has been
tough, Tawmya described how years of military rule have left the
country in nancial ruin. She did, however, capitalise on the new
tourist boom, expanding her street stall to include travel postcards.
When I asked Tawmya about the school books, she ironically
admitted she has been illiterate all her life. Yet these school books
have helped support her family business for over two decades. Forme, Tawmyas smile and honesty was reective of the Burmese way of
life, simple yet beautiful. L
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