Preface to the Annapurna - from the book Around Annapurna, Epsilonmedia

Nepal has gone through a change – and this took place faster than many considered possible: from the former kingdom with its last unpopular ruler to the republic with its own parliament. The change was noticeable even in the remote mountain villages whose life has their own rhythm. Compared to other states in the world Nepal has cleared this change relatively nonviolently so far.

As many Nepali earn their living in tourism, the political unrest was another blow of fate after the earlier 9/11/2001. In 2006, the trekking areas were deserted again, tourists postponed their visits due to the travel warnings, and even though great efforts were made to limit the damage, many families suffered from this situation.
The more pleasing is the present impression that the country seems to become politically stable in spite of complex problems by the first free elections, the new parliament and the proclamation of the republic in spring 2008. This gives way to hope that the Nepalese people depending on tourism are heading into more constant times and that travel warnings for visitors belong to the past.

In the meantime I have visited the Annapurna region a few more times. Even if the increasing road construction cuts through the landscape causing noise and other environmental impacts, it also makes life easier for many people. The hike around the Annapurna with its variety of villages, the friendly locals and the fascinating scenery I still consider worthwhile, and many areas remain in the same state as some years ago.

This second edition of the book was extended by many new photographs and poems. The Nepalese poet Yuyutsu R. D. Sharma describes in a remarkable way the country of Nepal, the Annapurna and the Kali Gandaki merging with the people and their religiousness. Meanwhile he has, following numerous invitations, presented the “Myth of Nepal“ in countless readings throughout the USA, Canada and several European countries in front of enthusiastic audiences. This proves that modern man, stressed by technology and complexity and looking for resources, can profit from naturalness and simplicity. Nepal offers just this – and I hope, the poems and photographs can reflect this and visualize how “rich“ the poor country Nepal really is in its values.