Cows and steers are like people here in Nepal. They stroll down the middle of the road (downtown city streets as well) where they take in the sights, visit with friends, stop on street corners to grab a bite (of garbage lying about), and yet they are the size of cars on the roads...and must I remind you all, very sacred creatures in the Hindu world. Indeed, they are protected and even revered when people are in their presence; it’s a wonderful and awfully calming image to see such a simple and beautiful animal grazing casually in the middle of the city, possibly being stroked for good luck and prosperity, possibly be given a tikka (a red dot on the center of the forehead for longevity and peace). I giggle a lot in spite of myself...
