All I want for Christmas is a ... Bum Gun!

Of all the ingenious things I have seen in Nepal, the one I would most like for Christmas and take back home with me to Australia is ... the Bum Gun.

Let me explain ...

There are certain activities we carry out every day. They are vital to our existence. One of these is visiting the toilet.

Most of the toilets in Nepal are very basic 'squat' toilets. I don't have any problem using that design of toilet ...

... but how do you use the bucket and jug? ( ... if there even is a bucket and jug!). I am sure the locals have no problem. But some procedures just seem too difficult for 'Westerners' like me to learn properly.

However ... the Bum Gun a magnificent invention!

Here is one camouflaged between some frolicking dolphins.

Note its close proximity to the toilet seat ... although the Bum Gun can also be used in a squat toilet.

It has a simple trigger lever that releases a jet or spray of water from the nozzle.

However, a certain amount of dexterity is required to use it effectively ... without splashing water (etc.) all over the place.

I expect several techniques can be used but, to be honest, nobody has demonstrated any of them to me ... so I have had to find out my own method, by trial and error.

It is actually easier to use in a squat toilet ... coz there is only you, a hole in the ground, and the Bum Gun. A western toilet seat is an impediment ... coz you have to find access to the target you want to aim at!

Warning !! 

Do not read any further if you prefer not to know how to use the Bum Gun.

It's simple. Raising one buttock off the seat provides sufficient room to insert the Bum Gun from behind. Easy. Surprisingly enough, the tricky part is aiming at the right spot ... because you have to do this without looking. I suppose it as a bit like trying to shoot a target if you are wearing a blindfold. Also, you have to get the angle just right to avoid splash back.

Don't take aim from too far back ... or else you end up giving the cheeks a shower as well. You don't want to do that ... coz then you have to work out how to dry them afterwards ... or risk looking as if you have wet yourself; which you have!

With experience, you only need to use a little water. After all, how big is the 'A' hole?

... and ..., theoretically, this should be a one handed job. However, I expect it takes lots of practice to reach that level of confidence. So perhaps people use the other hand as well ... just to make sure!

Whatever technique you use, better wash both hands afterwards.

... and think of all the trees you save by avoiding the use of the toilet paper.

So, ...  not only is the Bum Gun a useful gift to buy for Christmas, it is also environmentally friendly!

 Merry Christmas

Various types of road transport

There are lots of different types of road transport in Nepal.

Here is a photo of traffic on the busy road around Ratna Park in Kathmandu. The motorcycles and cars are mostly Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Korean makes.

There are several forms of very cheap public transport. These start with the lowly rickshaw. This enterprising driver provides waterproof shelter for his passengers in the monsoon season!

The motorised version of the rickshaw is more common than the pedal powered version.

If you want a cheaper ride, then hail a 'Magic'. This is the name of a model of vehicle made by Tata in India. Everyone piles in until it bulges overflowing.

When all the seats are full, passengers sit on a wicker stool. When all the stools are full, passengers sit on each others knees!

Here are the new stools being delivered by pedal power:

If you don't want to be crouched up in a 'Magic', then you can sit or stand in a bigger bus. Standing isn't as tiring as you would think ... because you are often so tightly packed that you can almost lift your feet off the floor and still remain upright!

For longer journeys, there are 2 different classes of bus. The first type is often brightly painted ... and has a huge luggage rack on the roof. The driver has an assistant and one of his jobs is to keep his eyes open for any luggage flying off the roof! He is also responsible for distributing plastic bags to those seated near the rear of  the bus ... coz travel sickness isn't nice!

I think I have sussed out the best place to sit: near the front, on the opposite side to where the sun scorches through the windows. BUT ... not too far forward ... coz this is where the enormously powerful speakers are situated. These blast out loud Nepali music throughout the entire journey. You might be (un)lucky if the bus has a video screen. Then you can watch a romantic Hindu movie ... accompanied by its loud soundtrack!

The 'Deluxe Tourist' bus provides a quieter option. It's usually possible to actually close the windows on these buses and prevent the dust and loud traffic noise from entering. There is also air conditioning that usually works, and the seat back may even recline a little way. But don't be fooled into thinking that WiFi is available; just because there are large 'Free WiFi' signs on the outside of the bus. After all, you wouldn't expect a bus with CocaCola signs to provide drinks inside? Would you? mmmmm ... !

The minibus parked next to the Deluxe Tourist bus in the photo above is used by small groups of people. I haven't been in one of these yet. So I can't comment. But they do look rather plush ...!


There are no railway lines in Nepal. So, everything is transported by road, trekking path or, occasionally, by river.

This rickshaw is powered by electricity:

Lorries are the main form of transport. Some come north from India, and plans are in progress to open a major road through Nepal between China and India. The drivers are very proud of their lorries. These are usually painted with bright colours and religious symbols.

Tractors are quite common in the Terai region where I live. Some of them are old models ... but new vehicles! I think they are manufactured somewhere in India using an old design.

My favourite piece of agricultural equipment is something I have seen only in South East Asia. It is a diesel engine mounted on 2 wheels. The operator steers it from behind using a long handle. He either walks or sits on a trailer or machine that is attached to the back. It only has one gear ... and one speed ... and makes lots of noise!

... and, of course, there is pony power ...

Namaste