Thamel a living testimony

You might even let out a smile of satisfaction, provided that you are not yet drunk and you still have some fresh brain to think. And that’s not because the beer was chilled, or even that so many good looking people around. It’s the revelation, the enlightenment that comes within you  that cause you to discharge the satisfactory smile. The revelation before you that unlike the 10 am to 8 pm routine you see in other places, Thamel has no bar, and above all, all fun, writes Bhaskar Sharma

Thamel had a lot to offer. While the other suburbs of the Kathmandu City slept, Thamel used to be alive and kicking. But that was only in the past, when people of all age groups crowded the Thamel streets late at night, frequented bars, and found their way into discotheques. Over the years, Thamel has ceased to exist the way it used to be. A place perhaps known throughout the world, Thamel has now become a living testimony to what tourism slump could invite. And there is the looming security threats, and the apprehension of thorough check-ups by security personnel, that deters Kathmanduities from enjoying the Thamel nights.

It usually takes a few minutes for one’s eyes to adjust to the dim surrounding. As you grope your way to a seat, you can hardly hear your friend cry out to you. He shouts right into your ears, and finally is able to make out what he is saying. You take his arm, you are in his escort. And after you bungle your way to a lucky empty seat that you actually don’t see, not without bumping into one person to another, you heave a sigh of relief. You take the seat, and then try to tell your friend something. No use. He won’t hear you. It’s like a war-zone in here. Noise of all kinds, cries of frenzy drunkards, the pounding loudspeakers through which the techno beats boom, and the clinking of glasses and bottles, confront you. You are in a disco in Thamel, the hubbub of the Kathmandu city. The time: long past midnight.

So long, you really have not seen anything, except realising that you are in a discotheque. And you don’t even know what kind of people are there. And as your eyes adjust to the dim surrounding, you see a sight that would surely surprise you if you are a first-timer. You wouldn’t believe it - "Is this Nepal?" you might ask yourself. Yes, definitely ‘yes’. You might have had a notion that Kathmandu is boring, and has nothing offer for an outing. You realise your mistake. Then you might even say it to yourself - God, this was a place I ought to have come a long time ago. I have missed a lot in Kathmandu.

And as you make your way to the bar, of course only after your eyes have settled in the dim surrounding, what you see makes you feel as if you are in the Western world, though with a lot of Nepali presence. Foreigners of all kinds, all races and creed, dancing to the tune of the booming speakers, drinking our very own famous Nepali beers, and wiping the sweat off their faces, their shirts and T-shirts wet with sweat. As you catch a breezy cocktail of sweat and perfume, your nose twitches. Nevertheless, you don’t give that a second thought, and don’t even mind, even if you were sweat sensitive. You go to the bar, pay out a few hundred rupees, and come back with a couple of beers. The mood is high. And there can be no stopping tonight - You think!

You might even let out a smile of satisfaction, provided that you are not yet drunk and you still have some fresh brain to think. And that’s not because the beer was chilled, or even that so many good looking people around. It’s the revelation, the enlightenment that comes within you that cause you to discharge the satisfactory smile. The revelation before you that unlike the 10 am to 8 pm routine you see in other places, Thamel has no bar, and above all, all fun. And of course you might wonder that the stories of the famous hippies, the smell of burnt tobacco and marijuana in the air, was, after all, true. And such a feeling might creep in you, even if you happen to be the most sceptical person in Kathmandu, refuting and not believing till so far the mis-achievements of the hippies.

And as you look around with your groggy eyes, your bottles already emptied, and you see the dance floor, you realise that your legs are longing for the stretch out. You don’t give a second thought. You stand up, go the packed floor, and give your body a shake. And there is no apprehension, for no one would really be concerned if your steps were going in the same rhythm as that of the music. It’s the mood that is in there, and you mingle in the atmosphere. You dance to the tunes, look at how the others are dancing, and make your own judgement. You might not like to put yourself particularly at the top, but nevertheless you are satisfied. You are not a musician, nor good at rhythms even as in steps, and yet you feel you danced well. Thanks to the beer, and the bar, and the disco. Fully satisfied with your night out, you turn to go back home. It’s already 3 am. You come out of the disco, and as your friend puts you in a taxi to take you home, you give out goofy smiles to all passers-by. You might then even have said, ‘Good Night,’ or rather ‘Good Morning’. You go home. The whole incident was more than four years back.

Thamel bears a very different look now. The hustle and bustle has gone. The bars are relatively empty. The discowallas are wary of the thin attendance. The dance floor is welcoming, but then you might end up being the only one dancing. You don’t feel the charm that you had during the first visit. You might tell yourself, "Oh! It used to be a very different place". And if your thinking is loud enough for the waiters and bartenders to hear, they might add, "Yes, the days are much different, and more difficult". And the reason for the emptiness is more than just apparent. It’s the apprehension, a deep rooted one, amongst both Nepalis and foreigners, that has led Thamel to its present plight. The state of emergency and the presence of security forces, both give the chill. Pity Thamel; pity the half-paid bartenders, waiters and waitresses; pity yourself; and pity the nation.

A Unique Event: XIV International AIDS Conference

The important issue is not only to participate in the conference but also internalize the global concepts and concerns and the more vibrant challenge is to implement those ideas at the local situations.

By Probodh M Devkota

It was a unique historic event; the topmost leaders around the world were gathered in Barcelona to discuss about condom, which happened never before. Former American President Bill Clinton, Former South African President and freedom fighter Neilson Mandela, Former Indian Prime Minister I P Gugral Prime Minister of Mozambique Pascoal Mocumbi, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and other were openly discussing about sex, condom and HIV/AIDS among more than 14,000 participants on the occasion of XIV International Conference held on 7th to 12th July in the historic city and former Olympic venue Barcelona. In a programme entitled "Leadership saves lives", almost all the leaders present were expressing their political commitment. Clinton said," The common humanity matters for the world. We all need to be more serious in the matter of responding to the issue of HIV." He added, whenever wherever, if my help is needed I will be always open." He emphasized that the developed nations should support the developing nations and was repeatedly stressing to fight jointly against the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS . Mandela on the other hand said, that "leadership indeed makes the difference", there should be joint political as well economic commitment among the world leaders to fight against HIV/AIDS. This advocacy on the world politics was indeed the mark of success of the conference, which is expected to influence the global politics to fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to UNAIDS, the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS is 40 million. A process of orphaning children is rapidly increasing. It is said 96% of the 40 million adults and children living with HIV/AIDS are in developing countries, an additional 45 million may be infected with HIV by the end of the decade, and up to 70 million people could die of AIDS by 2020.

Yet in developing countries less than 1% of those infected have access to Anti Retroviral(ARV) and Africa alone faces a shortfall of 2 billion condoms. In the mean time, the World Health Organization has announced a goal of reaching 3 million, or 50% of those in need of ARVs by 2005.

In the context of recently announced 10 billion dollars to fight against AIDS, representing, Secretary General of UN, Dr. Piter Piot (UNAIDS Executive Director) said," We must face the challenge of mobilizing political commitment, scale up AIDS prevention and treatment, eliminate stigma, develop a vaccine and the available fund is US$10 billion to fight AIDS. He warned, "If we will fail to do so, it would prevent the international community from keeping the promises that they have made to respond to AIDS effectively. "Responding to the political commitments and the recent announcement of 10 billion US$ to fight against AIDS he said," The answers are political. They are about power and priorities. Ten billion dollars annually is all it will take for a credible minimum responses to the epidemic.

The Global Fund was one of the widely and critically discussed issues in the conference.

The Executive Director of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria Dr, Richard Feachem said," Now we have a global fund to fight against HIV/AIDS. The Global fund has already committed 1.6 billion dollars to 40 programs in 31 countries. But it is a start and we commit to do much more. The second round of proposals were launched on July, the second, less than six months after the birth of the Global Fund.

Ultimately sufficient finance is strongly needed. Hundreds of thousands of people living with AIDS specially in the third world countries have no access to ARV. There is a strong need to address the multinational pharmaceutical companies for their help to fight against HIV. During the conference the controversial thing was that in spite of all these announcements and commitments a number of people, activists, and people living with HIV/AIDS were protesting.

Mahendra Nath Aryal health secretary of Ministry of Health represented the government, Dr.Shyam Sunder Mishera represented NCASC. Except Maiti Nepal there was no Nepali stall in the exhibition centre. There were only two presentations from Nepal and altogether there were 16 participants. However a small number of people from Nepal performed their duties successfully.

The important issue is not only to participate in the conference but also internalize the global concepts and concerns and the more vibrant challenge is to implement those ideas at the local situations. As many NGOs and INGOs and civil society are jointly fighting against HIV/AIDS , we all need to think seriously about it.

At the same time the government should be aware of the new emerging funds like global funds, for that our plannings and strategies need to be more sound and practical, and the Government should listen to the voices that are displaced and silenced (HIV infected group) and should include the ideas provided by different concerned agencies. It is a crucial time for government to take the issue seriously and to act immediately.

Sensual massage at the Hyatt

To enjoy the excellent environment, rib-tickling massage, herbal oils that invigorate your senses, all you need to do is make an appointment.

By Tashi D Thinley

Ayurveda is an ancient science of life, which comprises massage, yoga and other branches of healing utilised by civilisation. Health is a state of equilibrium defined as the dynamic, harmonious and wholesome interaction of an individual with the environment-internal and external. This science, which is the nectar of great physician and philosopher of this land, has been practised in this land since a long time.

Massage therapy is the leading form of bodywork. Massage therapists rub the human body to feel for muscle knots, energy blockages, stiffness, rigidity, and for a sense of the patient’s overall health. Not only does a good massage relieve many symptoms and conditions, it has been shown to improve a person’s quality of life. Massage involves stroking, kneading, and pressing the soft tissues of the body in order to induce a state of total relaxation.

Need to relax, cleanse and rejuvenate your body? Massage is the thing you need. And this one isn’t something that you make-do with any other place. Club Oasis at the Hyatt Hotel offers variety of special ayurvedic massages.

This place offers a variety of Ayurveda Head Massage, Face Massage, Foot Massage and Whole body massage in which you can also opt for specials like the stress relief, relaxation, sleep inducing or rejuvenation. With special ayurvedic oils, specially made in Nepal, this massage can really take you to good high. The oils have the ingredients of special herbs from within the country, it is perfume free but has a natural fragrant that is never intoxicating or disturbing.

The club recommends the whole body massage that includes deep tissue (Rs 1600), relaxation (Rs 14-1800), vibrational (Rs 1800), cleansing (Rs 1600), rejuvenation (Rs 2000) and a traditional Tharu massage (Rs 1600).

Ayurvedic experts specially train men and women masseurs at the capital’s Ayurvedic hospital at Nardevi before they display their magical skills at the Club. Masseurs rub the fragrant oil to your body as they brush and awaken your nerves. One just tends to lay down cool and composed, with just a feeling of being given a touch, as masseurs let their fingers and hands do the needful.

And the club with an aura of splendor has yet a mesmerising environment. Peaceful and calming, the massage room is striking clean with crisp white bed-sheets and soft furniture. The room has a plethora of convenience with a handsome in-built shower set.

To enjoy the excellent environment, rib-tickling massage, herbal oils that invigorate your senses, all you need to do is make an appointment. And the rest is just a heavenly feeling. It is just a call away!

Also explore the narrow alleys of an Indian bazaar filled with exotic aroma of assorted spices, right here at the café. An exclusive Indian buffet spread that lavishly boasts of rich spices, and indigenous gastronomical creation by experts, live cooking, extravagant masala lassi counter, special dessert display and the regular menu section that encompasses Yakhni shorba, Dum ki biryani, murgh anarkali, paneer lababdar and more to complement an elaborate Masala Bazar. Hurry up as this offer is only till the 31st of July.

Making of the Furniture

Over the years, the process of making the furniture has undergone few changes. Teakwood pieces are cut to specific sizes and shaped on a lathe by rotary action of a bow and string. The pieces are then shaved and smoothened to give them their characteristic round shape. After this process, a coat primer is applied to the pieces, which are left to dry. Ornamental designs are then painted on the pieces. The designs vary from a sort of lattice of geometrical shapes to floral motifs.

By Sanchita R Joshy

Are you new to decorating and don’t know where to start? Or would you just like to know more about the principles of good design? If so, there are lots of home décor companies which would help you make a right choice. Possessing classic furniture is no longer an impossible dream. The home decorators that have been grooming in Kathmandu have started providing interesting cultural confluence with classic furniture in wrought iron, teak, sheesham and exquisite lacquer to give you comfort, elegance and style in your décor.

There is power and importance in the placement of objects and colour, according to Sabina Bhandari, an Interior designer of Better Homes. Her goal is to create timeless spaces of the highest quality that are individually conceived in Nepal. By employing extensive resources and long nurtured relationships with the finest craftsmen, she is able to create sophisticated solutions to interior architecture, cabinetry, lighting and custom furniture.

"They have an effect on the quality of life". If you just pop into a few of these decors in the city, what you get is a wide selection of stylish furnitures and floorings. Available in a variety of natural wood designs, these are easy to install and usually have fire retarded properties without compromising safety.

Over the years, the process of making the furniture has undergone few changes. Teakwood pieces are cut into specific sizes and shaped on a lathe by rotary action of a bow and string. The pieces are then shaved and smoothened to give them their characteristic round shape. After this process, a coat primer is applied to the pieces, which are left to dry. Ornamental designs are then painted on the pieces. The designs vary from geometrical shapes from one designer to the other.

It is seen that Attic flooring, which is quite common in old modern houses, is usually a flat grain, often found in the attic spaces. Hardwood floors are very common in today’s market. The most commonly used wood is oak. It is usually identified by its hardness and is normally installed in two types-3/4-inch by 2 1/4-inch boards, or 5/16 by 2-inch, square edge boards that are surface nailed. The material can be easily filled, sanded, stained and finished. Parquet floors are usually high quality floors. Generally, they are 12 x 12 x 1/2 inches thick. They can be square edge or/and most of the time are installed with an adhesive.

These wooden floors look great and are durable. They have a "V" joint between the pieces, which make re-finishing difficult. "This joint often collects dirt and greases over the years, which makes cleaning and preparing the floor tedious", says Nirmala, a client of wooden floors. "Stains at times becomes very difficult to remove from most type of wood flooring, whether it is site finished or refinished at the factory. Sanding can remove some of the stains, but deep, oil-penetrating stains are almost impossible to be totally removed from the wood." She adds in, "great care has to be taken to maintain furniture. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat as it loses its glow and the colours fade. It should not be cleaned with oil or water. It should just be wiped clean with a dry cloth. If the carpet is extremely thick, it could block the space underneath some of the doors and restrict adequate air circulation to those areas. In such a case, the door could be undercut".

"With our 10 years of experience for project works in carpentry and renovation, we are confident to complete the lovely homes the way one likes", according to a furniture factory situated in Maitighar. Their renovation works involve kitchen cabinet, wardrobe and feature wall. They supply and install granite flooring, timber flooring, ceramic tile and carpet flooring. There are many well-known home decors which deal with all the interior designs of houses and offices and schools too. Their philosophy is good design improves the quality of life. Their professional style is honest and straightforward. Client relationships and attention to detail are of the utmost importance. With that in mind, their objective is to help each client enjoy the interior design process, resulting in the creation of an environment that is inviting and distinctive, without being intimidating.

The premium quality of our products has earned us a distinct place among the buyers from across the country, according to Sabina Bhandari. A range of our exclusive products basically includes kitchenwares. Besides that Better Homes also takes care of door furniture, door fittings, cabinetware, window fittings, bathroom fittings, trophies, animals and statues made of brass, black iron and aluminium. Our products are available in various finishes like chrome, nickel, black powder coating and others.

"Our production unit sets example for the others operating in our sphere. Equipped with all the latest machines, it is environment-friendly and operates round the clock to meet the growing demand of our products".

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