Flora and Fauna

Everything is lush and green here at Nalanda University; fertile fields, flowering trees and grassy lawns. Across from the University is a small garden which is right next to the lake. I went through the garden the other day and found out that this is a small nursery with row after row of seed starts. Every now and then I see women and children pulling down branches from the trees in this garden. I thought these might be neem trees, but I was told they were not. I can't remember the name given them. I was shown a neem branch and how to chew the neem berry and brush my teeth with a neem twig!

garden starts

mango trees?

Dukhi showed me his garden next to the other guest house. He told me that he takes care of the guava, papaya, mango and lemon trees.

papaya

I have several roommates. Cute lizards that hang out on the walls and quickly leave when spooked, and black ants in abundance, especially after it rains. Outside there are dogs that are just called “dowg!” I've been told that they are “no good” because they are dirty. They usually get fed my lunch leftovers and they appear quite docile with me. They aren't for petty though and will shy away from humans. The other morning, one was barking at something that I could not see. So it appears that the dogs may act as guard dogs, too.

dog that eats my leftovers

There are some German Shepherd dogs at the Chinese Buddhist Temple that appear more pet like. One will fetch a ball and another will let me pet it behind its ears. The head monk likes to feed them cookies!

There are lots of birds. Their chirping and singing greets me every morning and continues throughout the day.

Cows are everywhere. I've observed how well these black bony beasts are taken care of. People of all ages wash the cows like we wash our cars! I've even seen men squatting down just watching their cow graze. When roll hay into mud paddies and stick them on the wall for the cows to munch. I've seen goats here and there, as well. They are usually tethered in a field in which they graze.