Road to China...

This is the main street of Banepa where I currently live. It's actually the Arneko Highway, which is the main trade route from Kathmandu to China. Banepa is the first major settlement east of Kathmandu.

Pretty typical scene really, taking in mud, rubbish, motorbikes, roadside stalls, tricycles, buses and lorries. Behind the tricycle on the far side of the road (the one with milk churns on the back), you can just make out the main means of delivering goods around the area. Converted Russian ploughs which pull trailers and belch smoke into the atmosphere, as well as being hellishly noisy. I'll probably go and photograph a 'close up' at some point. They look like they belong in a 'Mad Max' film.

Also, just as a matter of interest, the highway is currently being redeveloped, and this is scheduled to become a four lane highway!! The government owns all of the land up to the buildings and so will eventually displace all of the roadside traders. Something which has already happened nearer Kathmandu...

Love, light & peace...J