Leisure and Entertainment (A Journey Back in Time!)

Working with words

Look up the meanings of the following words in your dictionary.

Underline the content words in the following sentences.

a. The cat sat lazily on the dirty mat.
b. She gives performances on the stage beautifully.
c. Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
d. I came I saw I conquered.
e. It is my life, my very identity.

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

a. Why did the author and his classmates decide to visit Bandipur?

The author and his classmates decided to visit Bandipur because they were fed up with the hectic pace of life in the Kathmandu metropolis and wanted to escape their monotonous daily routine. They had heard so much about the place from a friend of theirs who is a native of the place and decided to go on a weekend trip to discover the place.

b. What is special about Bandipur?

Bandipur is special because it is a living museum of Newar culture. Its winding lanes are lined with tall Newar houses, and people here seem to live as they must have done years before. It has retained the timeless magic of the centuries with its ancient cobbled streets and medieval ambiance displayed by old houses that exhibit glorious 18th century architecture. It also offers a stunning panorama of Himalayan peaks from Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Lirung, Manaslu, right down to Ganesh Himal.

c. How has the business changed in Bandipur today?

The business in Bandipur has changed as a result of the enterprising locals and Himalayan Encounters, who have rejuvenated the town by giving dilapidated buildings a face-lift and transforming them into cafes and lodges. This has enabled life in Bandipur to go on as ever, clean, and pollution-free.

d. Why do the local people who have migrated to Kathmandu visit Bandipur time and again?

The local people who have migrated to Kathmandu visit Bandipur time and again because of its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. They are attracted to the ancient cobbled streets, 18th century architecture, and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

e. How do the local people learn to speak English in Bandipur?

The local people learn to speak English in Bandipur from the local school children.

f. What does the author mean when he says that ‘time stops in the town of Bandipur’?

The author means that the town of Bandipur has a timeless quality and has managed to escape the ravages of modern development. The town is like a time capsule, preserving the way of life and culture of the past. This is why the author says that "time stops in the town of Bandipur"

Critical thinking

The writer seems to believe that rural life is better than urban life. Do you agree with him?

Yes, I agree with the belief of the writer. Living in a small town like Bandipur, away from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, can provide a sense of tranquility and peace. It can also offer a connection to nature and a sense of community that may be harder to come by in a big city. Additionally, small towns often have a rich history and culture that can be appreciated and enjoyed by residents and visitors. However, it's important to note that this is a matter of perspective and personal preferences, and that both urban and rural life have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

Is the writer’s way of looking at Bandipur just a gaze of an urban tourist? Why? Why not?

The writer's perspective on Bandipur in the text is that of an urban tourist. The writer is from Kathmandu and is visiting Bandipur for the first time with a group of old classmates. They express surprise and awe at the town's historical and cultural significance, as well as its natural beauty. The writer also mentions that the town has managed to escape the ravages of modern development and has retained a timeless quality. This perspective is typical of someone visiting a new place for the first time and is not familiar with the local lifestyle, culture, and customs. The writer is an outsider looking in, and therefore their perspective is that of an urban tourist. However, it's worth noting that the writer's perspective is not inherently negative, they have a positive experience and appreciate the unique qualities that the town possesses.

Writing

Write a letter to a business organization overseas describing the prospects of the tourism industry in your local place. Consider the following points in the letter.

• Propose to venture in tourism business.
• Persuade the organization head to visit the place once.
• Clearly dig out the specialties and potentialities of the place.
• Explain its archaeological and historical importance.

The Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Travels and Tours
Tokyo, Japan

Dear Dr. Konso,

I am writing to propose a venture in the tourism industry in my local place, Bharatpur, Nepal. I believe that Bharatpur has a great deal of potential for tourism and I would like to invite your organization to consider investing in this area.

I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit Bharatpur once, so that you can see firsthand the specialties and potentialities of our region. Bharatpur is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its natural beauty. The city has a unique blend of ancient and modern culture and architecture. It boasts of many historical and archaeological sites such as the Rana Palace, Gorakhnath Temple, and Chitwan National Park. The historical and archaeological importance of Bharatpur is such that it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our region is also known for its beautiful scenery, with a range of mountains, rivers, and forests that offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching. The local people are also known for their hospitality and warmth, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking for a unique and authentic experience.

In addition, the tourism industry in Bharatpur is well-developed and offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and local markets that offer traditional and delicious food. The city is also well-connected to Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal, making it an easy destination to reach for tourists.

In conclusion, I believe that Bharatpur has great potential for tourism and would be an excellent opportunity for your organization to invest in. I would be happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to Bharatpur soon.

Sincerely,
Dibas Dauliya

Grammar

Miscellaneous agreements

Tick the correct one.

a. He has obtained full mark/marks.
b. More than two boys were/was absent.
c. One of the boy/boys was not found there.
d. His wonder knew no bounds/bound.
e. I give you my words/word.
f. He gave me much/many good advice/advices.
g. He gave wrong information/informations.
h. Give me two dozens/dozen eggs.
i. Six miles is/are a long distance.
j. The clock has struck four hours/hour.
k. Would you lend me a ten rupees/rupee note?
l. Nepal government makes five year/years development plan.
m. They went to Singapore on a four days/day trip.

Which of the sentence is correct in each pair? Rewrite the correct one.

a. My all books are lost. All my books are lost.
All my books are lost.

b. His both brothers are ill. Both his brothers are ill.
Both his brothers are ill.

c. Give me a hundred rupee. Give a hundred rupees.
Give me a hundred rupees.

d. Everybody except me was absent. Everybody except I was absent.
Everybody except me was absent.

e. He was died of fever. He died of fever.
He died of fever.

f. It is raining for a week. It has been raining for a week.
It has been raining for a week.

g. I have seen my friend long ago. I saw my friend long ago.
I saw my friend long ago.

h. My friend has gone out before I arrived. My friend had gone out before I arrived.
My friend had gone out before I arrived.

i. He said he has never seen him before. He said he had never seen him before.
He said he had never seen him before.

j. He assured he will come. He assured he would come.
He assured he would come.