Mero bahinis (little sisters) who I absolutely fell in love with. Ishwori is a 12 year old Nepali girl and Tamanna is an 11 year old Indian girl that I met early in my trip. Tamanna approached me to buy a postcard. Being the sourpuss that I am, I declined. But who could resist smiles like theirs? I asked if they had any of the Nepali hacky sacks that were so popular with the kids. They told me that they could make me one. So, I gave them 5 rupees and they came back a few minutes later with a wad of rubberbands which they made into a chungi while a large crowd gathered about us.

Both girls are the eldest children in their families. Their fathers have both passed away, Ishwori's shortly before I arrived in Nepal. Her mother wears white clothing which is a sign of mourning in Asia. Tamanna is the only breadwinner in her family as her siblings are too young and mother is unable to work. They attend school from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm after which they soon show up at Durbar Square to earn a living selling postcards.