नमस्ते,
As October is swiftly approaching, a daily routine in Kathmandu is starting to take shape for the next two weeks. I wake up bright and early due to living on a central road in Bansbari and my Hajuraamaa (grandmother) makes me a piping hot cup of chyiaa before I make my way to the program house. As a group we cycle through our daily language class and cultural lesson, this week focusing on development. After gobbling up a delicious meal for lunch the Patan group makes our way across town. More often than not transporting there and back can be my most exciting time of the day. Due to the recent strikes along the Nepal-India border there has been a lack of fuel. The politics behind this can be seen almost everywhere you look. From the fewer cars and motorbikes, more dogs in the street and less pollution in the air, everything has been affected by the shortage. For me, it stands out the most on public transit. Since there are fewer buses on the streets at a time, the Nepali people crowd the streets hoping to get on one. If you are one of the lucky few, you find yourself jammed between people and along for the ride. It is quite the experience! Once I arrive to Pulchowk it is a short walk to my ISP mentor. I enjoy the atmosphere of Patan and as the days begin to cool off the walk is much appreciated. My ISP mentor, Shyam, is an expert jewelry maker. The skill astounds me in all aspects. You never would have thought all the different things that go into making a simple pendant! Two hours fly by concentrating hard at the work at hand. I have already completed two beautiful necklaces and can’t wait to see what Shyam has next for me to conquer. As the days wind down I find myself exhausted but always extremely satisfied. -Hira
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Namaste all!
As our first day in Kathmandu reaches an end, I look back on the three days that brought me to this bustling city. It was quite the journey walking here (or should I say climbing due to the immense stairs?) and I could not be happier in completing the challenge. There were many sights to see along the way, whether they were baby goats jumping along side us, or houses left in shambles by the recent earthquake. There were several obstacles, but also great discoveries. Instead of seeing heartbreak in the eyes of the Nepali people I saw bravery and excitement towards their futures. On the second night we stayed with a family whose hotel had been completely demolished this past April. The aamaa (mother) of the family showed such love and compassion towards us that I felt renewed in hopefulness that anyone could get through anything. Also her Dal Bhat was amazing. Nepal’s hospitality continues to warm my heart and I look forward to the next three weeks in Kathmandu. -Helen |
NepalHi, I'm Helen. Welcome to Lifted ~ I write to lift myself up. Archives
December 2015
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