# Chapter Notes: Travel and Tourism

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the key concepts, vocabulary, and themes presented in the chapter "Travel and Tourism."

***

## Ways with Words

### A. Vocabulary Definitions

* **fluffed**: Became fuller and softer by shaking.
* **sanity**: Sound mental health.
* **crumbly**: Consisting of or easily breaking into small pieces.
* **temperate**: Neither very hot nor very cold.
* **arid region**: Land that does not have enough water to support the growth of plants.
* **lukewarm**: Only slightly warm.

---

### B. Vocabulary Analysis and Usage

* **hazy** (adjective): Not clear, especially because of heat or mist.
  * *Sentence*: Through the morning fog, the distant mountains were only a **hazy** outline.
* **frontier** (noun): A line that separates two countries; the border between settled and unsettled land.
  * *Sentence*: The town was located on the **frontier** of a vast, unexplored wilderness.
* **lush** (adjective): Covered in healthy grass and plants.
  * *Sentence*: After the monsoon rains, the valley became a **lush** green paradise.
* **flip-flops** (noun): Open-toed sandals with a thong that goes between the big toe and the second toe.
  * *Sentence*: It is not practical to hike in the mountains wearing **flip-flops**.
* **altitude** (noun): The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
  * *Sentence*: The climbers began to feel the effects of the high **altitude**.
* **fatal** (adjective): Causing or capable of causing death.
  * *Sentence*: The pilot's error proved to be **fatal** for everyone on board.
* **magnificent** (adjective): Extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise.
  * *Sentence*: The view of the Himalayas from the summit was absolutely **magnificent**.

---

### C. Nepali Words in the Text

| Nepali Word | English Equivalent / Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| **bideshi** | Foreigner |
| **Tatopani** | Hot spring / lukewarm water |
| **raksi** | Local alcoholic beverage; wine |
| **bahini** | Younger sister |
| **mathi** | Up / above |
| **tala** | Down / below |
| **sutne** | To sleep |
| **panipuri** | A popular South Asian street-food snack. |
| **pani** | Water |

***

## Comprehension

### Answer the Following Questions

**a. How did the author feel when she saw a colourful rooster in the western Himalayas?**
The author was amused when she unexpectedly saw a colourful rooster in such a remote Himalayan location. She humorously imagined that the rooster glanced at her for a moment and winked.

**b. How does she describe the houses on the trails of western Nepal?**
She describes the houses as being crudely constructed from stones, situated precariously under rock overhangs or near rivers. Although they appeared crumbly and fragile, she noted that the people living in them seemed comfortable and at home.

**c. What does she mean when she says, "I walked towards a village 15 kilometres further as the crow flies?"**
This phrase means that the direct, straight-line distance to the village was 15 kilometres. It implies that the actual walking distance along the winding mountain trail would be significantly longer.

**d. Describe the village Thankur in brief.**
Thankur was a very small and isolated village, consisting of only two houses. It was located in an arid, sparsely populated region and was home to large, rainbow-colored birds known as the Himalayan monal.

**e. What happened when she reached Jumla and how was she relieved?**
When she reached Jumla, she fell ill with a bad stomach bug and an unidentified virus. She found relief after taking medicine and, surprisingly, eating some panipuri from a local street vendor.

**f. How does the author describe the bucket of water in Khali Lagna?**
At the high altitude of Khali Lagna, the surface of the water in the bucket had frozen solid overnight. She found a satisfying feeling in cracking the ice to access the water underneath, which she noted was surprisingly lukewarm.

**g. How was Rara Lake on the day she reached there?**
On the day she arrived, Rara Lake was glistening in its "dark blue glory," appearing magnificent and pristine under the clear sky.

***

## Critical Thinking

### a. "Travelling a place is equal to reading three books." Do you agree?

I completely agree with this sentiment. While books provide invaluable knowledge, travelling offers a multi-sensory, experiential form of learning that is profoundly more impactful. It transforms abstract information into tangible reality, providing a depth of understanding that reading alone cannot replicate.

First, travel provides **firsthand experience**. Reading about the Eiffel Tower is informative, but standing beneath its immense iron lattice and seeing Paris spread out below is an entirely different and more memorable lesson in architecture, history, and scale. This direct engagement with a place, its people, and its culture provides context and a visceral connection that words on a page can only suggest.

Second, travel is an unparalleled education in **cultural immersion and empathy**. You can read about different customs, but sharing a meal with a local family, navigating a bustling foreign market, or attempting to communicate in a new language fosters a level of understanding and respect for other ways of life that is transformative. This process challenges one's own preconceptions and builds a more nuanced worldview.

Finally, travel teaches **practical life skills**. Navigating unfamiliar public transport, managing a budget in a different currency, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances builds self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and resilience. These are lessons in character and capability that are learned through doing, not just reading. In essence, travel enriches the knowledge gained from books with the wisdom of experience.

---

### b. The author spent five weeks walking along the western Himalayas. Was it adventurous?

Yes, the author's five-week trek along the western Himalayas was unequivocally adventurous. The journey embodied the core elements of adventure: it involved navigating a remote and challenging environment, facing considerable risk, and pushing the boundaries of physical and mental endurance.

The author journeyed through areas where few tourists venture, choosing demanding routes like the Dhaulagiri Circuit. This element of exploration into the unknown is a key component of adventure. She faced numerous physical challenges, including trekking through glaciers, crossing rivers, traversing arid regions, and enduring freezing nights at high altitudes. These obstacles required not only physical fitness but also significant mental fortitude.

Furthermore, the text highlights her reliance on "primal instincts" and "human intuition," suggesting that her survival depended on her ability to adapt to a raw and untamed environment. This journey was not a comfortable, guided tour; it was an immersive and demanding experience that broke the monotony of modern life and forced her to engage with nature on its own terms. The combination of physical hardship, exploration of remote terrain, and the inherent risks involved clearly defines her journey as a true adventure.

***

## Writing

### A. Travelogue of a Visit to Pashupatinath

With the goal of experiencing one of Nepal's most sacred sites firsthand, our class recently visited the Pashupati area, a sprawling complex of temples and shrines on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. As soon as we passed through the entrance, the air changed, becoming thick with the scent of incense, marigolds, and the faint, somber smell of woodsmoke from the cremation ghats.

Our first impression was of a vibrant, living history. We wandered through Deupatan, where ancient stone sculptures stood weathered but resolute. The main temple of Pashupatinath, with its magnificent two-tiered golden roof and silver doors, was a sight to behold. Although as non-Hindus we could not enter, we observed the steady stream of devotees from the eastern bank, their faces a mixture of reverence and hope. We watched as saffron-clad sadhus, their faces painted and hair matted, sat in quiet meditation, seemingly indifferent to the curious tourists around them.

The most profound experience was witnessing the open-air cremations at the ghats. It was a powerful and public confrontation with the cycle of life and death. Watching the rituals, performed with such solemnity and acceptance, was a deeply moving lesson in Hindu philosophy. As the sun began to set, we attended the evening *aarati*, a mesmerizing ceremony of light, music, and chanting that filled the air with an electric spiritual energy. Leaving Pashupati, I felt I had not just visited a place, but had briefly touched the very soul of a culture.

---

### B. Essay: The Importance of Tourism in Nepal

Nepal, a nation blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and a rich cultural tapestry, rightfully holds a prominent place on the world's travel map. Tourism is not merely an industry for Nepal; it is a vital lifeline that is inextricably linked to the nation's economy, cultural preservation, and international identity. Its importance, therefore, cannot be overstated.

The most significant contribution of tourism is to the national economy. As a primary source of foreign currency, it provides the revenue necessary for the country to import essential goods and to invest in crucial infrastructure projects. The tourism sector creates a wide spectrum of employment opportunities, from high-altitude trekking guides and hotel managers to local artisans and restaurateurs. This provides a direct livelihood for thousands of families, particularly in rural areas where alternative economic opportunities may be scarce. The demand for local handicrafts, such as pashmina shawls and thangka paintings, not only generates income but also helps to keep traditional skills and crafts alive.

Beyond its economic impact, tourism is a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange. When international visitors explore Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the ancient durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley to the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, they gain a deeper appreciation for the nation's rich history and religious traditions. This interaction fosters cross-cultural understanding and projects Nepal's unique identity onto the global stage. It builds bridges of friendship and promotes a positive image of the country, which in turn encourages further investment and collaboration.

In conclusion, tourism is a cornerstone of Nepal's development. It fuels the economy, sustains communities, preserves culture, and builds international goodwill. To ensure its continued success, it is imperative that this vital sector is developed sustainably, protecting the very natural and cultural treasures that make Nepal so unique.

***

## Grammar: The Passive Voice

### B. Complete These Sentences

a. Letters **are delivered** by the postman every day.
b. This bag **was found** in the bus yesterday.
c. The gate **is locked** at 7:00 pm every evening.
d. I **was invited** to the party last week.
e. The telephone **was invented** by Graham Bell.
f. *Muna Madan* **was written** by Devkota.
g. How much money **was stolen** in the robbery?
h. Do you know that cheese **is made** from milk?
i. I was born in Kathmandu, but **was raised** in Dhangadhi.

---

### C. Change the Following Sentences into Passive

a. I didn’t fix the problem.
   * **The problem wasn't fixed by me.**
b. Police protect the town.
   * **The town is protected by the police.**
c. John’s mother raised him in a small town.
   * **He was raised in a small town by John’s mother.**
d. Someone painted the building last year.
   * **The building was painted last year.**
e. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.
   * **Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming.**
f. Some students study grammar on the Internet.
   * **Grammar is studied on the Internet by some students.**
g. Someone had broken the window by 3:00 p.m.
   * **The window had been broken by 3:00 p.m.**
h. A strange man was watching us.
   * **We were being watched by a strange man.**
i. Tokyo will hold the Olympics in 2020.
   * **The Olympics will be held in 2020 by Tokyo.**
j. We are working on the report right now.
   * **The report is being worked on right now by us.**
k. My manager has told him to arrive earlier.
   * **He has been told to arrive earlier by my manager.**
l. They could not have made the mistake.
   * **The mistake could not have been made by them.**
m. I hope they are going to hire me soon.
   * **I hope I am going to be hired soon.**
n. I don't like people staring at me.
   * **I don't like being stared at.**
o. She likes people waving at her.
   * **She likes being waved at.**
p. Who told you the story?
   * **By whom were you told the story?**
q. Is he repairing the bicycle?
   * **Is the bicycle being repaired by him?**