I’ve found that Nepalis are avid spitters. I thought it was maybe because of the pollution in Kathmandu, but this proved false. Everywhere you go, village or city, people are spit crazy — from bus windows, out of shops, in bathrooms, and especially the street. And I’m not talking a little spittle or the got-some-nasty-taste-in-my-mouth spit. This is the deep guttural, borderline puking spit.

To make matters worse, many men chew tobacco or what looks like tobacco. This is a dangerous variety because this spit technique is proceeded by no noise, lacking the forewarning of the previous kind. One second someone is standing talking or riding their bike, then next a stream of brown saliva comes flying in your direction.

Saw this cute little girl while I was stuck during road construction along the way to Baglung. Thought this would ease the pain of the blog.

Perilous indeed, because apparently it’s completely ok to spit in close proximity to others. Person walking past you in the street? No problem, go ahead and spit as they’re passing. Or perhaps you’re driving a taxi and the passenger is directly behind you. It’s absolutely fine to spit up a storm.

And don’t go thinking it’s just a guy thing either. Women do it as well and with no less gusto. For example, yesterday in my bus ride here, for 9 hours the older woman behind me was hocking up loogies that would put any man to shame. So ladies, when in Nepal, feel no compunction and let her rip.