These photos show some of the ethnic diversity of Nepalis. We always try to learn a bit of the language when we visit a foreign country, but a 2001 census enumerated 102 ethnic groups and 60 to 100 languages… not a chance of learning much that would help. Still, this did not create a handicap because of the friendliness of the Nepali people (see the photo of the woman hugging Laura and the one of the proud new mom and grandma in the jungle who wanted her to hold the new baby). Once again, we found a way to communicate without language, the essential ingredients being mutual respect and recognition of our shared humanity.
