The text may be reprinted or quoted in whole or in part, with attribution. As Travel Takes goes to press during this month of the summer solstice, the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is in tumult and deep mourning. As we have many wonderful friends involved in Nepal tourism, The Fontayne Group mourns as well.
Tourism is essential to Nepal's economy.
We endorse the view that Nepal will draw upon its rich and soulful spiritual resources to recover from the recent tragic events, as surely as Mt. Everest stands its sacred sentinel on Nepal s northern border. A soft, furry llama ambles over to the fence rail and presents her nose for rubbing. A newborn California quarter horse suddenly props himself up on stilt-like legs and wobbles over to his mother. Dew sparkles on a rolling hillside of Zinfandel vines at first light. A side-panel truck drops off freshly picked olives at the community olive press.