16 April: Kathmandu, Nepal

April 16

Peter organised the night before for all of us to be ready by 6.30am to be at a school by 7am. For me this is not easy as I am not a morning person and I have to spend time doing make up. I got up at 5.30am and started getting organised for the school.

Our taxi arrived and Krishna (CEO of LEARN), Gordon, Pat and I got in a taxi. Kailash (teacher), Peter and Krishna’s kids were in the other taxi. I was dressed as a clown and had my colourful red parrot. I hung it out the window on the way to the school and squawked at people. I noted the responses I’ve travelled to many countries now and I have seen a range of responses. I never judge the responses because lack of response doesn’t mean what I may think. I sensed some of the people were tired (first thing in the morning) and they were not expecting to see a clown in a car. Those who focused were smiling and mostly people waved when they saw me wave. Some did it before realising who was waving. I sensed a people quite easy going but also in a very busy society where work is hard to find and many are not paid well. This is a poor country (economically speaking) and from what I’ve determined they may earn on average 10,000 rupees per month (100 rupees is one Australian dollar). So you can do the sums.

I like doing the clowning and connecting as it creates an interrupt to their routines. I love to see their reactions and even in some cases, no reaction. Many did smile and wave and the children were happy.

We stopped at one point as the taxi drivers were conferring on directions. So I decided to get out and juggle. I waved at people on the buses and I could see surprise or not knowing how to react. It was unexpected, out of the script. Others tooted, although they all toot so can’t be sure what that means. I saw smiles, waves, non-responses and for me it was all good. I am just playing with life to see what happens.

We went on and stopped near the school. Some kids were on the path and I played with them from inside the car. Then I got out and blew up a balloon. I was very relaxed and the people were all smiles and warm. Some of the older men wearing mountain style hats (don’t know how to describe) smiled at me. They are a gentle people and accepted my presence. I have no idea who the ethnic groups were, and didn’t mind, as my work is to connect with everyone. Sometimes ignorance is indeed bliss. I gave the kids some balloons, blew some bubbles and then was told we were leaving. I guess the taxis worked out where to go.

We arrived at our destination The Bright Community Centre School, Kopan.  This Centre is run supported Isabel Amer from the Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra. I created quite a stir on the street, people coming out to see this painted clown. I connected with people and clowned around. I went into the school and was met with the smiles of 15 kids. They were very happy.   See Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNWm3xneRhs

I naturally just made up my routine as usual and pulled out props. I juggled for the kids, I clowned around with them sitting on their laps (lightly), I broke out into laughter and they laughed with me. I told a joke and had a child tell another. I had a translator who I thought was a teacher and turned out to be a child. I jumped on the desks and mucked around. I never have any plan just whatever pops into my head. I have some rings so juggled them. I juggled some balls. I had a glowing microphone that bounces on the floor. I got balloons out and the kids played with those bouncing them around the room. I hugged and smiled and laughed and they did as well. I asked the kids why happiness was important? They said to it is good for their health. I thought that was a wise idea. I told them about their thoughts and to think positively no matter what happens. Clowns think positive thoughts. I talked about the joy inside that you can’t buy. Kids usually are the adult’s teachers there.

Peter and the crew all watched and Gordon gave me some feedback saying it was great and he felt daunted at the prospect of being a clown. But I felt that is natural given it was his first time observing. I did bring a suit for him as he is a natural and has a really wonderful sense of humour. He is very easy going and would be great with kids. He did put on some of the clown suit and a red nose, I thought he looked funny and he did a few funny things. The kids liked it. He did feel confronted but I think he will find his own style if he lets it unfold. Clowning is the unknown as there is no script and you just pull out whatever works. I am feeling more relaxed these days, really noticing that I have some experience. I think for the first time I am really feeling the clowning is seamless.

One of the girls stood out for me because with enthusiasm she told me she was a joker. We connected in a special way. She told me she loved me. We made contact a few times and both knew we wouldn’t forget each other. I took a picture of her. I love for girls to be inspired, particularly in a country where apparently they are perceived as less.

We went out the front of the school and took a picture. I noticed neighbours on the other side of the road and had the children wave at them. They weren’t waving back so I risked my life ran across the road and got a man to wave back. They all got the joke. The kids pulled funny faces and smiled for the camera. It was a lot of fun. It was successful at the school.

We then left the school and went down the road to a women’s sewing group where they make clothing. This is affiliated with the school. Unfortunately there were no women there. The sewing machines were primitive hand rotating manual machines. Probably practical given the power is on after 9pm, so they at least can keep working. We call it home working in Australia and there was talk of exploitation. In a place like Nepal this would be common, people are paid very little.

We then visited the Nepal Buddhist Mahayana Centre Monastery.  Peter had a friend called Karen who is a Buddhist Nun from Sweden; he was hoping to see her.  Whilst we waited to go in, myself and Gordon walked down the road and met the locals.  I clowned with children and met some artists.  At first the artists were not friendly but when they saw the children laughing, I noticed they smiled.  I found myself very relaxed with the children and playing away.  I saw the parallels with love and compassion of Buddhists and what I do as a clown.  I create joy and happiness in my own way but I do it through humour rather than silence.  I am definitely no Charlie Chaplin.  A few Buddhists stood around and Gordon went up and chatted with them.  It was a nice and surreal scene of a clown juggling, throwing rings, putting on love glasses and blowing bubbles.  It was a nice interaction with the people and it was a joy to see their smiles.  After a while our group went into the monastery.  I loved the sign which said ‘please refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual conduct, intoxicants including tobacco, thank you’.  Fortunately that is not hard for me, so I entered the grounds.  We then went to have some food in their cafeteria.  The cafeteria overlooked Kathmandu, it was a wonderful view, gave you a sense of how big it is.  As I walked in I clowned with the Buddhists and mentioned the Dalai Lama and laughter.  I am not sure if they understood but I did try and engage them.  Our group had a nice chat around the table.  I enjoyed meeting Krishna’s kids, really lovely people and so nice they came with us.  After our lunch we had a walk up to the summit of this monastery.  It can be seen from around Kathmandu as it appears to be the highest point.  We climbed up to the top and saw the mountains and the layout of Kathmandu, all the homes and streets etc.  We then walked down and looked at the shrines with Buddhist motifs.  I had a picture with the nun, I felt us doing similar work.  She has been a Buddhist for more than 20 years and here in Nepal.  She must have such a love for the people.  She is from Sweden and has made this her home base.  Apparently Westerners come and stay there and I can imagine people find inner peace at this place.  It is important in every culture that there is a place for people to go who are displaced, people who need to find peace and a monastery can be a good place to help re-direct people to a happier life reflecting on the spirituality of faiths.  I did think about the issues of the church and abstention from sex.  I believe the paedophilia issue has to do with suppression of sexuality.  I just did a Google search to see if there is an issue in Buddhist circles, and there is.  I didn’t mention this as it is contentious but my pondering was there as true peace must face life truthfully.  The religious community around the world has traditionally abstained from sexuality, it is of course natural. I sense the suppression of what is natural is a problem.  However, all faiths will have to address this and correct it if they want followers and to stay true to peace and love. 

We walked around the motifs and I enjoyed the sun, I enjoyed the Buddhist stories, the artwork and the beautiful day.  I even saw eagles soaring overhead which was really very spectacular.  They are large.  I enjoyed spending time with Krista, Krishna’s daughter, she was playing around like a clown with the puppet which was nice to see.  She is light hearted.

We went to the next place called Swayambhu. This is a tourist place and we had to pay 200 Rupees to get in. I clowned immediately, no choice I am dressed that way. I did some juggling and waving at people. I did a lot of waving this day and smiling. Krishna’s daughter had my Peace hat on with my bird. She walked with me. I met old people, young people, tourists and basically played and clowned around as I went. I was thirsty and feeling tired but kept going. A bunch of boys interacted and I did scary monsters with them (I know they love that). I also said ‘I love you’ that always gets to boys as they run. I love it. They were saying it back and running. I juggled for them and then got out balloons and blew some up. That was not such a good move as all the children want one. I don’t have an endless supply and always kids miss out. So I then had them nagging me for a balloon. I gave out some but decided to not give them all out. Krishna looked for us as we couldn’t find the spot we were to meet the others. We did walk around twice and ended up finding Peter who was up an alleyway. Before I got to him an Indian man broke out into dance and we hooked arms and danced Indian style, I did a Bollywood style dance. Then I did strip the willow which I often do with the public, swinging arm to arm, it is great fun. The kids were so excited before I knew it a few men had hooked arms with me. It was spontaneous and great fun. I love that as a clown. Poor Peter felt frustrated as he had to wait but I wasn’t trying to delay the group, I am a clown and it is very hard to focus as I get distracted a lot and I wasn’t able to find the spot we were meeting, easy done in this place, I have no idea where I am most of the time (have to smile). We then went to the next destination.

We walked into a building that looked like a workshop.  There were carpets along the walls and on the floors.  We had the privilege of meeting Pasan Tsering. I recorded a video of him as he was very interesting see Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmUQh53scJc . He is a Nepalese man who made carpets by hand on manual looms. Of course his industry of craft was under pressure by industrialised looms mass producing patterns. We sat in a large room with all these old carpets with patterns on them. One carpet he told me was a pattern of the cosmos. He explained he had staff years ago but now it is just he and one other. I wanted to video to give him some coverage. The carpets would be worth a lot in the West but he was finding it hard to survive. Such talent and skill involved, he was a master craftsman. In Nepal I am discovering there are many expert craftsman making silver ornaments, paintings, carpets, and artefacts of all sorts. There are many handmade but also some coming from China. I thought of all the imports in Australia from China, a familiar trader who is taking over much of the world through cheap mass produced items. This is the age of obsolesce and maximising profit, creating so many throw away items is the norm, the honour and respect for craftsmen and women is disappearing. I am glad to be here to be able to experience genuine people in this area. For those who want to know more Google Authentic Himalayan Textiles or email tibettextile@gmail.com to find out more.

The textiles I found out represent areas and in particular, colours are known from certain areas. There is so much to these cultures that I haven’t even touched the surface but was grateful to Peter for opening my eyes and mind. The funny thing about Pasang was that he said he was colourful and he was staring at me a lot, saying I was colourful. We both had that in common. I guess he never had a clown visit him. It was lovely to get him on film. So he is preserved, a national treasure for sure.

After this visit we were planning to go for lunch. I needed to get out of the clown gear and rest. I had clowned for 6 hours and I was very tired. The thing with clowning is that there is no off button, you simply do not stop. You keep going as everyone is your audience. I can’t just tune out and ignore people. There is an expectation in the public. It is hard work but I do love it. Pat commented that she felt it was all too much for me, too long and that I shouldn’t do more than 1 hour. They witnessed how full on it is. When you are one clown, it is even more full on, as you can’t divide attention with another clown. You are it. They are not used to clowns so I am a novelty here. What I loved was to connect with what I feel is family (world) now. I just love it, somehow I find the energy. It was a hot day and my jester hat was a bit tight so I knew I had to stop.

We went back to the LEARN office and I cleaned off my make-up and packed away the clown suit into a bag. We then went to lunch were I could rest and have something to eat. We didn’t have breakfast so it was great to stop. We went to the Olive and Basil restaurant down the road, which is a nice restaurant. I had some Vegetable Thai I think it was called with rice. It had a few copper bowls of green sauce with vegetable, mixed vegetables, a dried seaweed type vegetable, lentils and yoghurt. I was very full with the lasse and coffee. I noticed I am not losing weight so will watch what I eat. At the same time I need energy so will try to balance. I am starting to do yoga so that is part of my energy work to ensure I can give what I need to.

After lunch we caught the taxi back to the hotel. We had a few hours to rest and then it was dinner. We met with the education manager of LEARN and his daughter. He is a lovely guy with a very bright and progressive daughter. I learned of her love of bungy jumping and living life to the fullest. She was interested in hospitality and planned to study a Masters degree in Australia (Sydney). Kailash and Krishna were there and we all chatted away happily. I did tell this gentleman about REAL HOPE universal values program that I have written. They have ethnic divides here. I believe and am becoming clearer that my work may help. I’ve written a children’s parliament and think it would be great for kids to learn cooperation, collaboration and solutions generation. There is corruption in Nepal and ethics are waning. I wonder if capitalism is the cause of this given it directs people’s attention to money making as they move from tribal communities to city life which is all focused on materialism. It is also a feature of concentrating power.  I could see reflected as the irony of the Buddhist temples alongside market traders desperate for more money. It is a time of change and reinventing themselves, and in their minds the need to survive, as they are no longer on the land, survival becomes paramount in a world that is very competitive and consumer driven. I found the same issues in Bangkok when I was there. I also felt the economic challenges were similar.

We had a lovely dinner, Kailash did try and get my phone organised but my phone was locked. Krishna the next day did find me a phone so I can at least call someone if I get lost. Here that is likely! There are not many street signs I can recognise.