Sauraha, third day

A very ealy start today. Had to be ready for 7am. Went on a dugout canoe ride and a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Walked to the river, it was very misty due to the heat. My guide got us the best seats right at the front of the boat.

My guide was very informative, telling me lots about the jungle and it's wildlife. we saw many different kinds of birds including some ducks from Siberia.Also passed some 'Marsh Muggers" like a croc but smaller. Too difficult to photo as they were really well hidden.

Dropped off the rest of the passengers, they were going on a jungle walk.
We continued down the river till we reached a small gap in the river bank and got off. My guide picked up 2 stones and told me to follow approx 6 feet behind him. If we saw a rhino we were to stay very still. If it charged I was to drop my backpack so it would distract the rhino and it would attack it. Oh by the way we would be running at this point!!!!

We walked for approx 15 to 20 mins, through the jungle. Don't know how my guide was going to see a rhino as the grass was taller than him, maybe that's why I was there.

Arrived at the breeding centre, approx 30 elephants there including one that was approx 2 months old.
Also 2 very playful young males(9 months to a year) who kept trying to barge into tourists. One even tried to mount the other, he has a lot to learn, although I think that was for the benefit of all the tourist!!
Centre has been established approx 22 years and has successfully bred some 24 calves. However some have been the result of wild elephants getting in the centre and having a field day! If you know what I mean.
All the elepnhants in the centre are tied, so easy pickings for a rampant wild male elephant.
Got back in time to chill watching the elephants bathing again.Very hot again today 32 degrees + and sunny.
This pm we met Kashav and went to a village in the fields where the people were forced to come down from the mountains. These people(1200 of them)have been living on Govt land for the last 4 years.They have cleared sections of the jungle/forest to plant crops.Used the wood from the trees to build shacks and generally made the best of it. They have no water and walk approx 6 hours round trip to get some.

The Govt now want them to leave the land.They have barricaded them in,roads(dirt tracks really)have been made impassable to cars, ansd stone walls and ditches created to isolate them. There is another settlement a few hundred yards away, with water, that the Govt have approved but they are not allowed to give water to the village we went to.
It was a pitiful sight to see these living conditions. Children are left alone all day while the parents get water or work in the fields. None of them will go to school!
We were a real source of wonder to them. They all wanted their picture taken and wre amazed to see themselves. No mirrors in these houses, so this may well be the first time some have seen their reflection.
It was also very hot. Washing was being dried on the grass after being washed in stagnant water from the fields.
We were all saddened by their situation but were in awe of their determination and resilience to survive.
If the Govt try to evict them they will all lie down in the main street in Tandi Bazar in protest.

Returned home to a welll earned shower (felt guilty) and went for dinner with Kashav and family. This time fried chicken, aloo (potato),rice,greens and dal ( a lentil soup you pour over the rice). Very tasty.
Dal is the staple diet of Nepalese. Most are lucky if they eat it once a day!
Went to the Tharu cultural centre to see Tharu dancing. The Tharu are the original tribe to inhabit the Terai area (where we are).

Again a early night, very tiring day. Updated blog, had a lot to right about.