Postcard from Michelle

Swayambhunath Stupa, Nepal

Known popularly as "The Monkey Temple"

Michelle writes: 

Last day in Nepal...sad to leave. It's been great: great people and food. Annapurna trek was definitely the highlight...seeing beautiful landscapes and industrious people. They live close to the earth, although tourism--especially trekking--is changing the rural landscape. Farms are being abandoned, as the money is more lucrative with trekkers. The higher up the mountain, the higher the prices. Pony freight is costly (ha ha). A hot shower and a bed thicker than two inches of cotton batt will be greatly appreciated.  Was at this Monkey Temple yesterday. One of the buggers grabbed my arm--Eeek!

Eating on Pangkor Island

Michelle writes from Pangkor Island, Malaysia: 

Roti stuffed with egg and onion. 

Pancakes with dollop of creamed corn.  

Banana pancake cooked in banana leaf.

Hornbill dining on spilled junk food.

ABC, the best cold snack, shaved ice with pinto beans, cream corn, crystallized ginger, jello, chocolate syrup, coconut, lychees, jello chunks and more! 

Sitting on the balcony looking for treats, at the coffee shop in the lobby. Someone had left out a glass with juice.