So we're back now! After 30+ hours of straight travel, hardly any sleep and delicious ( ;) ) airplane food and airport coffee we have landed! I'm excited to be home and to see everyone and be able to check my email without the government turning the electricity off or Uma staring at me the entire five minutes but I will say I miss Nepal already. I realize this blog is most likely not as cool anymore because I'm kickin' it in Cincinnati and just talking about Nepal from here but just act like it still has street cred, okay? :)
I've decided I would really love to keep up this blog here and there, maybe throw in some stories that I didn't share because I have plenty I didn't blog about, but it won't be a daily thing. (Unless I'm completely in mourning for Nepal like I am presently) (Sam's boyfriend said it best at the airport, "Wow so it's like you two are breaking up now after Nepal?" Unfortunately, that's how it felt.) Anyway, I would also like to keep this blog updated as I keep in touch with all the friends from Nepal and especially with Danny. Sam and I went with Laxmi and her daughter and Danny to school on Tuesday morning before we left to finalize account numbers and things with the school and to see Danny there. That morning is a whole blog in itself that I can post later but let me tell you, there was no better way to end our trip. We were able to say bye to some of our Nepali friends and see all the kids at the daycare, and most of all see Danny in his school uniform with a huge grin on his face because he was finally going to school with kids his age. Danny's aunt and Laxmi and all the adults who know him, and who don't speak English very well, just kept saying, "Danny.. in school, very very happy." I can't explain the feelings we had seeing him playing and knowing that in just two days of school, he is already learning so much. It was similar to the feeling I had when is Aunt kissed us and called us Jesus (kind of funny but surprisingly I was honored more than anything) or how I felt when Laxmi cried three times the day we left because she didn't want us to forget about her and everyone and Nepal. Now that I'm rambling... I want to update this blog mostly because I want to continue to be updated with everything in Nepal. I'll keep posting about Danny and especially as the school year starts and our brains start rolling with ideas for fundraising for Danny. Although $200 (most likely is a little less than that for the next years) between Sam and I, even though we're college students, is definitely doable. However, I know some of you have already expressed interest in helping with Danny's schooling and I would really love to have everyone help. So please stay tuned for updates on him and hopefully pictures on here!
Thanks for reading and staying in touch, I hope to see everyone and share in the weeks to come. For you viewing pleasure here is a small and incomplete list of the "social hiccups" (according to Josh, another volunteer) I'm experiencing due to reverse culture shock coming home. I realize most of this won't make sense to everyone reading it but you might some of it amusing:
-I don't understand why I have to pay in dollars and not rupees and why everything is expensive.
-I was uncomfortable sitting in a chair at dinner last night, instead of on the floor.
-I'm so sad to know that when I say Namaste to everyone here, I will get weird looks, instead of smiles.
-It's weird not to wake up this early and not here the kids in the living room doing their prayers and stretches.
-It's odd to see people wearing shoes inside.
-Most of all, I don't understand why I have a cell phone and I've even forgotten a little about how to use it.
There are plenty more I could put but that's enough. Hope everyone is doing well!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
It's Like A Whole Sensory Experience
So it's Monday night... meaning we leave tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure how I feel right now. I mean, I know I'm full since we just ate some of our last daalbhaat. And I'm hot because it's rather warm in the house, especially after running around with the kids. And I'm tired from our adventures in Pokhara over the weekend but sadness hasn't totally sunk in yet.
However, that's not what my blog is for, it's to talk about all the awesome things about being here and to not forget about everything I've learned these past six weeks. When I think about it, the things I'll miss the most, besides the people and the children, are the sights and smells and tastes of being here. I will forever hear the children getting up in the morning for their daily stretches and prayers. I will not forget the smells of garbage on the street, or the corn being cooked right next to it, or the vegetable market or the kids on Fridays. (Wash day is Saturday ;) More than anything, I'll miss the people I've met here and the friends we've made. I can't wait to come back and visit with everyone.
Someone in the airport told me that Nepal is a place that changes lives. Although she was a little loopy and I didn't know her that well, I believed her. Now I don't like having expectations because chances are they won't be accurate but if there is one expectation I'm happy I had, it's that one. It took almost all of my time here but I've finally realized that this place has changed my life and I'll never forget it.
Although this will be my last blog typed from Kathmandu on Uma's computer (while she watches like a hawk), I'll do my best to update on here about Danny and everything that's happening. Thanks so much for reading and staying in touch!
Namaste,
Molly
However, that's not what my blog is for, it's to talk about all the awesome things about being here and to not forget about everything I've learned these past six weeks. When I think about it, the things I'll miss the most, besides the people and the children, are the sights and smells and tastes of being here. I will forever hear the children getting up in the morning for their daily stretches and prayers. I will not forget the smells of garbage on the street, or the corn being cooked right next to it, or the vegetable market or the kids on Fridays. (Wash day is Saturday ;) More than anything, I'll miss the people I've met here and the friends we've made. I can't wait to come back and visit with everyone.
Someone in the airport told me that Nepal is a place that changes lives. Although she was a little loopy and I didn't know her that well, I believed her. Now I don't like having expectations because chances are they won't be accurate but if there is one expectation I'm happy I had, it's that one. It took almost all of my time here but I've finally realized that this place has changed my life and I'll never forget it.
Although this will be my last blog typed from Kathmandu on Uma's computer (while she watches like a hawk), I'll do my best to update on here about Danny and everything that's happening. Thanks so much for reading and staying in touch!
Namaste,
Molly
Friday, August 7, 2009
Team Ohhhhhhhh Yeah
Hey there, I know it's not of much importance to everyone else but I think I discovered the flavor of my favorite ice cream here.. Elaichi (cardamon) Pista (pistachio) , it's really delicious. Today Sam, Lisa and I left around 6:45 to catch the bus so we could go to Pokhara, a nice lakeside town with great spots for trekking. We rode the bus for about a few hours, and made some Arizona friends who we would later be rafting with. We got off the bus with our backpacks, getting soaked in the rain. We waited for others to arrive and later went rafting for a few hours! It was freezing cold water and yes I fell off once, but it was awesome! After a lunch break, we rafted a little while longer and stopped to catch a local bus to Pokhara. We made a friend on the roof...
Anyway, we're quite tired tonight but are waking up early tomorrow for some trekking and site watching. I'll fill you in on the details later.
In other news, as long as there was no bandh today... Danny started school! Wooooooooo!
It's sort of surreal to know that in less than a week, I'll be back home in the U.S., no longer able to barter for taxis, food or gifts, can't use my rupees for anything and will most likely have to show up to things on time. As much as I love being around family and friends at home, I honestly don't want to leave Nepal. I'm going to try and savor the last few days I have here.
P.S. We're going to a meditation center tomorrow for 150 rupees (yes that's $2) :)
Anyway, we're quite tired tonight but are waking up early tomorrow for some trekking and site watching. I'll fill you in on the details later.
In other news, as long as there was no bandh today... Danny started school! Wooooooooo!
It's sort of surreal to know that in less than a week, I'll be back home in the U.S., no longer able to barter for taxis, food or gifts, can't use my rupees for anything and will most likely have to show up to things on time. As much as I love being around family and friends at home, I honestly don't want to leave Nepal. I'm going to try and savor the last few days I have here.
P.S. We're going to a meditation center tomorrow for 150 rupees (yes that's $2) :)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Soul
So yesterday.... we weren't able to finalize things yet with an orphanage for Danny but for the time being, Sam and I have put him in school for this year. We paid for his schooling/uniform/etc. this year and he starts on Friday!!!!!!! Yesterday made my trip and seeing how happy Danny is, makes me realize that spending $200 a year for him is completely worth it. I know this is short and I have a lot more to explain but I just wanted to share with everyone because this was my favorite day here. Also, when we brought Danny home and told his aunt that he'll be going to school everyday and we brought a giant bag (30 kilos) of rice for them, she kissed us. And I teared up a little. This may sound weird but I was nervous earlier on the trip because despite all the sad things we've seen here and experienced, it doesn't make me cry it just makes me want to do something. For some reason this made me think that I possibly had no soul. (That's mostly a joke) but anyway... I've decided I do have a soul! Ha ha.
Hope all is well with everyone. THis might be one of my last blogs here... hope you've enjoyed. Thanks for all the support!
Hope all is well with everyone. THis might be one of my last blogs here... hope you've enjoyed. Thanks for all the support!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Update
A very quick update for you.... We've been in a hurry around here to get some things done and pass off our knowledge to the new volunteers before we leave so this tiny blog is an excerpt from an email to my mom.
If you remember about the boy I mentioned in an earlier blog, Danny...
The past few days Sam and I have been working hard, talking to different people and getting help from Uma on trying to place Danny (the oldest boy at the daycare) into a school. His parents left him and he lives with his great aunt and she does not have any money, barely enough to even feed him or herself. (Some of the only times he eats are at the daycare) Anyway, we've been trying to get the ball rolling and we're hoping that before we leave we've either got him enrolled in school (and we'll fund the first year, planning to fundraise for the rest of his school years) or if we're lucky we can get him into a very nice orphanage which will provide him with everything and then give his aunt the opportunity to work and feed herself as well. I know that sounds crazy probably to you but we've gotten so close to Danny and getting him an education has become Sam and I's mission here.
I will of course write more later but just wanted to update everyone!
If you remember about the boy I mentioned in an earlier blog, Danny...
The past few days Sam and I have been working hard, talking to different people and getting help from Uma on trying to place Danny (the oldest boy at the daycare) into a school. His parents left him and he lives with his great aunt and she does not have any money, barely enough to even feed him or herself. (Some of the only times he eats are at the daycare) Anyway, we've been trying to get the ball rolling and we're hoping that before we leave we've either got him enrolled in school (and we'll fund the first year, planning to fundraise for the rest of his school years) or if we're lucky we can get him into a very nice orphanage which will provide him with everything and then give his aunt the opportunity to work and feed herself as well. I know that sounds crazy probably to you but we've gotten so close to Danny and getting him an education has become Sam and I's mission here.
I will of course write more later but just wanted to update everyone!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Jailbreak
After volunteering today....... actually I didn't go to volunteering today. Before you get upset, realize that I was sick and it wouldn't have been possible to go because my stomach was not agreeing with me. So instead I stayed back and hung out in the bathroom. I know you guys don't want to read about this but if you want a real Nepal blog, this would be much more graphic and talked about much more often. I told a friend, after they asked what the most difficult thing about being here was and I decided that a collective answer would be, getting sick. Whether you try hard or not (like Sam downing vitamins daily) you will get sick here if you spend enough time in Nepal. Most people have stomach problems, it's just a given. It's not that bad unless it lasts for days or weeks on end and you're really tired because you're so dehydrated. However, if you have Uma for a host mom, she'll force you to chug 1L worth of dehydration salt that "tastes" like orange. It's only taken to make you feel better but let me tell you, it tastes TERRIBLE!
Anyway, after all of that, Sam and I continued helping our kids here with their studies. However, at this point, I'm even sick of studying and I'm not even being tested, I can't imagine how these kids feel. Actually I can imagine, it took me almost twice as long just to get Pangum and Sangmu to tell me what subject they have tomorrow. (It's confusing because they were given a schedule last week but the schedule doesn't really matter here because in Nepal you can tend to have bandh (strikes) about three times a week, just another happening here) After studying with them we decided to go to the corner store for a treat. Uma had gone out for a meeting, so we took the kids to the corner store and bought them Kurkure, these delicious spicy cheeto like things. Sam and I had an ice cream sandwich and got one for Nubina as well. It was yummy.
After that, we asked Nubina to show us how to cook and I took notes, chopped veggies, took pictures and observed as she cooked for the children downstairs and as she and Uma collaborated upstairs for our dinner and dessert; fried rice and rice pudding. Would you like some rice pudding with your rice? :) We thought it this was amusing because we have rice every day, twice a day and today, three times! Ha. I took notes and tried to get down as much as I could about the cooking but just like most things here in Nepal, there's no measuring, nothing is exact and you just roll with it. We enjoyed the rice pudding warm with all the children upstairs in the family room. It's a great feeling when all of us are together in the family room before the children go to bed, they usually dance or do goofy things and call us fat cat and it's just fun to be around.
That's mostly all for today, but I thought I'd add some possible blog titles for the future:
-Goodnight Mummy (we hear this everynight, usually from the kids and in unison)
-Your Name is Fat Cat
-This is What?
-Part-Time Boyfriend
Goodnight! I've got to go run and grab my drying clothes from the roof before the nightly monsoon starts :)
Anyway, after all of that, Sam and I continued helping our kids here with their studies. However, at this point, I'm even sick of studying and I'm not even being tested, I can't imagine how these kids feel. Actually I can imagine, it took me almost twice as long just to get Pangum and Sangmu to tell me what subject they have tomorrow. (It's confusing because they were given a schedule last week but the schedule doesn't really matter here because in Nepal you can tend to have bandh (strikes) about three times a week, just another happening here) After studying with them we decided to go to the corner store for a treat. Uma had gone out for a meeting, so we took the kids to the corner store and bought them Kurkure, these delicious spicy cheeto like things. Sam and I had an ice cream sandwich and got one for Nubina as well. It was yummy.
After that, we asked Nubina to show us how to cook and I took notes, chopped veggies, took pictures and observed as she cooked for the children downstairs and as she and Uma collaborated upstairs for our dinner and dessert; fried rice and rice pudding. Would you like some rice pudding with your rice? :) We thought it this was amusing because we have rice every day, twice a day and today, three times! Ha. I took notes and tried to get down as much as I could about the cooking but just like most things here in Nepal, there's no measuring, nothing is exact and you just roll with it. We enjoyed the rice pudding warm with all the children upstairs in the family room. It's a great feeling when all of us are together in the family room before the children go to bed, they usually dance or do goofy things and call us fat cat and it's just fun to be around.
That's mostly all for today, but I thought I'd add some possible blog titles for the future:
-Goodnight Mummy (we hear this everynight, usually from the kids and in unison)
-Your Name is Fat Cat
-This is What?
-Part-Time Boyfriend
Goodnight! I've got to go run and grab my drying clothes from the roof before the nightly monsoon starts :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Threadmaster
One tiny blog for you (warning, this blog is not deep, at all)..
Today after volunteering at the daycare and helping the kids study for their exams, Nubina showed us how everyone here "plucks" their eyebrows. It's called threading, you take a thin string in your hands and wrap around two fingers and hold the other end with the other hand. The string is twisted slightly and you move the string back and forth across hair and it RIPS it out! She showed us on our arms first and then told us she would do it on our eyebrows. It was somewhat painful and the children were laughing as I was wincing in pain. It was fun though and much more efficient then plucking your eyebrows with a tweezer, one at a time. I took pictures of it and a small video that I want to share when I get home. It was really funny actually. Nubina also attemped teaching us to french braid, something neither of us know how to do. I wasn't going to put this but Nubina threaded my eyebrows and Sam's upper lip, that's right I said upper lip. Ha. Sam would like to let you know that her upper lip is quite smooth now, very kissable.
Later Nubina took me right down the street to the beauty parlor where they "threaded" her eyebrows. It cost only ten rupees, that's like 15-20 cents in dollars. I don't know how much waxing is at home, but that's a steal. We also talked to the woman at the shop about doing mehendi (henna) for us sometime this week. We just have to pick a good day and a good design.
Some other tidbits...
-Our other volunteer friends we made here have left :( but we were just told, three more are arriving soon!
-The other day Sam and I enjoyed ice cream on a stoop on Kalamati (the main street in Kathmandu) and had a duel/staring contest with a man beating his drum. It was fun. Don't worry, we won and I took a picture.
-Today I taught Laxmi (a woman at the daycare) English. She said thank you at least five times.
- Next week is the cow festival, Janai Purnima, stay tuned for more on that.
-Sujan, the youngest boy here at the orphange, just farted in front of us and got really embarassed. :)
- I almost got bit by a dog the other day because of Sam. She told me, "She would save me," as she ran away. That was the other day, I don't hate her anymore.
-A small kid at the daycare pooped on the floor today, just another day in the life of a volunteer. Fortunately, one of the ladies working at the daycare, courageously swooped in and picked up the little present with a piece of ripped up book from the floor.
P.S. If you couldn't tell we're feeling quite goofy right now (we haven't eaten dinner yet), a perfect time for blogging.
Today after volunteering at the daycare and helping the kids study for their exams, Nubina showed us how everyone here "plucks" their eyebrows. It's called threading, you take a thin string in your hands and wrap around two fingers and hold the other end with the other hand. The string is twisted slightly and you move the string back and forth across hair and it RIPS it out! She showed us on our arms first and then told us she would do it on our eyebrows. It was somewhat painful and the children were laughing as I was wincing in pain. It was fun though and much more efficient then plucking your eyebrows with a tweezer, one at a time. I took pictures of it and a small video that I want to share when I get home. It was really funny actually. Nubina also attemped teaching us to french braid, something neither of us know how to do. I wasn't going to put this but Nubina threaded my eyebrows and Sam's upper lip, that's right I said upper lip. Ha. Sam would like to let you know that her upper lip is quite smooth now, very kissable.
Later Nubina took me right down the street to the beauty parlor where they "threaded" her eyebrows. It cost only ten rupees, that's like 15-20 cents in dollars. I don't know how much waxing is at home, but that's a steal. We also talked to the woman at the shop about doing mehendi (henna) for us sometime this week. We just have to pick a good day and a good design.
Some other tidbits...
-Our other volunteer friends we made here have left :( but we were just told, three more are arriving soon!
-The other day Sam and I enjoyed ice cream on a stoop on Kalamati (the main street in Kathmandu) and had a duel/staring contest with a man beating his drum. It was fun. Don't worry, we won and I took a picture.
-Today I taught Laxmi (a woman at the daycare) English. She said thank you at least five times.
- Next week is the cow festival, Janai Purnima, stay tuned for more on that.
-Sujan, the youngest boy here at the orphange, just farted in front of us and got really embarassed. :)
- I almost got bit by a dog the other day because of Sam. She told me, "She would save me," as she ran away. That was the other day, I don't hate her anymore.
-A small kid at the daycare pooped on the floor today, just another day in the life of a volunteer. Fortunately, one of the ladies working at the daycare, courageously swooped in and picked up the little present with a piece of ripped up book from the floor.
P.S. If you couldn't tell we're feeling quite goofy right now (we haven't eaten dinner yet), a perfect time for blogging.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ek Dam Ramro
I'm really scatterbrained right now, the children are dancing in the family room and it's been a long day, probably guarantee that this won't make sense. Also, I have a million thoughts so this will be scattered because I'm in a very excited mood as well. I think the best thing to do is tell you what I've done the past week and add some funny, disjointed tid bits.
Since last time we "chatted" Stacy, Sam and I travelled a few hours away to Chitwan, a jungle type place in Nepal. We spent days and two nights there, taking jungle walk, riding/bathing with elephants, riding in canoes, eating delicous food and getting to know some awesome Italians both named Stefano. It was amazing to be out of the city, without pollution and noise and to sit around and watch the sunse. The views were absolutely amazing and it was fun to be on a mini safari. Although riding the elephants were a lot of fun, it was sad to see that the elephants were hit by the riders, it made us quite sad and feeling quite bad about taking part in the activity. However, overall it was full of new experiences, new friends and great relaxing time.
Once we came back to Kathmandu on Saturday, we settled back in by spending time with the kids here at the orphanage and seeing off Stacy as she left for home on Sunday morning, we were very sad. This week Sam and I have been volunteering at our daycare, we have totally fallen in love with these children and I actually miss them if I don't see them for a few days. Most of the kids are babies to two or three years old but one of the boys, Danny, who has no real family is around 6 or 7. (No one knows his actual age because he has no parents and no papers explaining his age or anything). Although it's quite sad, Danny is adorable and fun kid to be around. Unfortunately, he should be in school but he hasn't because no one can take him or financially support him. Sam and I have seriously contemplated funding his schooling for the rest of this year because the woman at the orphanage would make sure he gets to school. If it weren't for these wonderful women working at the daycare, Joti and Laxmi, he would probably be on the streets. Anyway, I was thinking maybe funding him this year and setting up a yearly fundraiser to make sure he makes it all the way through school. Stay tuned for updates on this once I get home, because you know I'll be talking to anyone I know trying to make this happen. Every kid deserves to be happy and to have a education, and it really costs a small amount to make it happen for Danny. Not to lecture but think about all of the things we spend money on (myself included) that we really don't need. That's all I'm saying.
After the daycare we've been coming home for lunch and helping the kids here at our orphanage with their studies because this week is their exam week. Here's a little tidbit for you, the children where we live are very fortunate because they attend a private english boarding school. All of their courses (Science, Social Studies, Math, etc) are taught in English and they have only ONE class devoted to their native tongue, Nepali. Can you imagine that in America? Our kids learning everything in another language, it makes me feel really lazy. Anyway, studying with them is quite rewarding and reminds me everyday not to be selfish. It feels great to hear them yell "Sista sista! Help me!" and know that they really want and need our help because everything is English! They are great students and just great kids all around. Also, it makes me miss the easy days of Class 3 and the easy answers we could give. Then it makes me remember I'm a senior in college, YIKES!
Some disjointed points:
-Rajesh, the oldest boy who I've been tutoring mostly, is amazing at killing flies with his bare hands, beat that Dad.
-We've been very lucky for two things here: 1. Mostly good health (despite a few stomach issues, Sam's mucus and these weird bumps on my armpits?) 2. Even though it's rainy season, we've not witnessed a monsoon or much rain, until this week. It's been raining for two days, but it's cooler and nice out.
-I love ice cream (we all knew this) but they have an interesting nutty flavor here called "Elachi Pista" I don't know what it is but I wish I could buy mass quantities of it and bring it home.
Today Sam and I went with a Nepali friend that we met volunteering at the hospital, to the orphanage he and his wife are helping to run. There are 57 children they and they are amazing and so welcoming. We spent a few hours there playing basketball, eating a delicous bean snack, playing cards and talking with the older chilren. Each child there has their own individual sponsor, and most are sponsored even through college. The kids have an amazing opportunity and in retrospect might even be in a better position than some children with a "typical" family. I know it sounds crazy, to be in a better position as an orphan but that's how it tends to go here. They asked to come back and we really want to. We also got to ride on the microbus for the first time today, it was sweet, we felt like natives.
I realize this blog is short for the amount of time it's supposed to cover but that's a lot of what I've got right now.
Here are some more disjointed thoughts:
-How lucky are our lives at home? How fortunate are we? VERY!
-Education here is such a big deal, I know I'll never take mine for granted again. (For example, some school buses here say: "Education guides people from darkness to light")
-Again, people here are so FRIENDLY. (Everyday walking down the street we get some stares but mostly smiles and millions of "Namastes". --Even the truck drivers are friendly, all of the trucks are beautifully painted and say things like, "See you Later" "Miss you" Love if Life" etc.)
-I'm so happy to hear from friends and family and thankful to anyone who reads even one sentence of this blog. (I really love comments, thanks so much for them!)
-It's sad how backwards Nepal can be socially... for example (There are typically more girls than boys in orphanages because boys have more "value" here) That's a thought I don't swallow to easily and hope to change once I return to Nepal. (That's right mom and dad, I said return)
-Some final thoughts I've had recently about life, that I've realized here and that apply to issues we all have... (Let little things go and be stress free (if possible) --- Don't have large expectations, be open minded. --- We are in control of our own destiny.--- Finally CHOOSE HAPPINESS!! It's not always easy but being here makes me realize how lucky I am, every single day.)
Thanks for reading, sorry for the crazyness of this one. Hope all is well!
Miss you all!
Since last time we "chatted" Stacy, Sam and I travelled a few hours away to Chitwan, a jungle type place in Nepal. We spent days and two nights there, taking jungle walk, riding/bathing with elephants, riding in canoes, eating delicous food and getting to know some awesome Italians both named Stefano. It was amazing to be out of the city, without pollution and noise and to sit around and watch the sunse. The views were absolutely amazing and it was fun to be on a mini safari. Although riding the elephants were a lot of fun, it was sad to see that the elephants were hit by the riders, it made us quite sad and feeling quite bad about taking part in the activity. However, overall it was full of new experiences, new friends and great relaxing time.
Once we came back to Kathmandu on Saturday, we settled back in by spending time with the kids here at the orphanage and seeing off Stacy as she left for home on Sunday morning, we were very sad. This week Sam and I have been volunteering at our daycare, we have totally fallen in love with these children and I actually miss them if I don't see them for a few days. Most of the kids are babies to two or three years old but one of the boys, Danny, who has no real family is around 6 or 7. (No one knows his actual age because he has no parents and no papers explaining his age or anything). Although it's quite sad, Danny is adorable and fun kid to be around. Unfortunately, he should be in school but he hasn't because no one can take him or financially support him. Sam and I have seriously contemplated funding his schooling for the rest of this year because the woman at the orphanage would make sure he gets to school. If it weren't for these wonderful women working at the daycare, Joti and Laxmi, he would probably be on the streets. Anyway, I was thinking maybe funding him this year and setting up a yearly fundraiser to make sure he makes it all the way through school. Stay tuned for updates on this once I get home, because you know I'll be talking to anyone I know trying to make this happen. Every kid deserves to be happy and to have a education, and it really costs a small amount to make it happen for Danny. Not to lecture but think about all of the things we spend money on (myself included) that we really don't need. That's all I'm saying.
After the daycare we've been coming home for lunch and helping the kids here at our orphanage with their studies because this week is their exam week. Here's a little tidbit for you, the children where we live are very fortunate because they attend a private english boarding school. All of their courses (Science, Social Studies, Math, etc) are taught in English and they have only ONE class devoted to their native tongue, Nepali. Can you imagine that in America? Our kids learning everything in another language, it makes me feel really lazy. Anyway, studying with them is quite rewarding and reminds me everyday not to be selfish. It feels great to hear them yell "Sista sista! Help me!" and know that they really want and need our help because everything is English! They are great students and just great kids all around. Also, it makes me miss the easy days of Class 3 and the easy answers we could give. Then it makes me remember I'm a senior in college, YIKES!
Some disjointed points:
-Rajesh, the oldest boy who I've been tutoring mostly, is amazing at killing flies with his bare hands, beat that Dad.
-We've been very lucky for two things here: 1. Mostly good health (despite a few stomach issues, Sam's mucus and these weird bumps on my armpits?) 2. Even though it's rainy season, we've not witnessed a monsoon or much rain, until this week. It's been raining for two days, but it's cooler and nice out.
-I love ice cream (we all knew this) but they have an interesting nutty flavor here called "Elachi Pista" I don't know what it is but I wish I could buy mass quantities of it and bring it home.
Today Sam and I went with a Nepali friend that we met volunteering at the hospital, to the orphanage he and his wife are helping to run. There are 57 children they and they are amazing and so welcoming. We spent a few hours there playing basketball, eating a delicous bean snack, playing cards and talking with the older chilren. Each child there has their own individual sponsor, and most are sponsored even through college. The kids have an amazing opportunity and in retrospect might even be in a better position than some children with a "typical" family. I know it sounds crazy, to be in a better position as an orphan but that's how it tends to go here. They asked to come back and we really want to. We also got to ride on the microbus for the first time today, it was sweet, we felt like natives.
I realize this blog is short for the amount of time it's supposed to cover but that's a lot of what I've got right now.
Here are some more disjointed thoughts:
-How lucky are our lives at home? How fortunate are we? VERY!
-Education here is such a big deal, I know I'll never take mine for granted again. (For example, some school buses here say: "Education guides people from darkness to light")
-Again, people here are so FRIENDLY. (Everyday walking down the street we get some stares but mostly smiles and millions of "Namastes". --Even the truck drivers are friendly, all of the trucks are beautifully painted and say things like, "See you Later" "Miss you" Love if Life" etc.)
-I'm so happy to hear from friends and family and thankful to anyone who reads even one sentence of this blog. (I really love comments, thanks so much for them!)
-It's sad how backwards Nepal can be socially... for example (There are typically more girls than boys in orphanages because boys have more "value" here) That's a thought I don't swallow to easily and hope to change once I return to Nepal. (That's right mom and dad, I said return)
-Some final thoughts I've had recently about life, that I've realized here and that apply to issues we all have... (Let little things go and be stress free (if possible) --- Don't have large expectations, be open minded. --- We are in control of our own destiny.--- Finally CHOOSE HAPPINESS!! It's not always easy but being here makes me realize how lucky I am, every single day.)
Thanks for reading, sorry for the crazyness of this one. Hope all is well!
Miss you all!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Find Your Hustle
I just thought of something else to add on the end of the last blog...
In talking about fortune cookies and words of wisdom, I remembered a few things that have inspired me here, that I wouldn't have expected. And then I remembered that it's best not to have huge expectations one way or the other, but to just take things as they are and have the experience. A few things here have really gotten me motivated to help others and make a difference.
A big one is the children we meet and see. Some facts, almost half of the population in Nepal is under the age of 14 and unfortunately many children here suffer through hard times, like no education or being forced for various reasons into child labor. It took me a few days but I realized that all the adorable children I see running on the street or "helping out at the shop" are most likely not in school because their families can't afford it. Once you think about it, taking a picture or saying "aww" doesn't really seem appropriate anymore.
Second motivator, books we've read here. One in particular, Sam let me read her book about a Microsoft exec that left his job to start a non-profit funding schools all over the world, but originally starting in Nepal. Once I read it, all I could think was, can I work then when I graduate? Or now?
Lastly, this one really took my by surprise, but a big motivation for me is Nubina, our host mom Uma's, helper at the orphanage. Even though she's less than ten years older than us, she has so much responsibility on her shoulders and his tired everyday from all the work she does. In addition, she has a daughter, Nitisha, who also stays at the orphanage. Nubina works so hard so Nitisha can finish her education all the way through, even though Nubina's education had been stopped. I didn't even realize when I signed up that I would meet her but she has an impact on me everyday and all I can think these past few days is how can I help her? How can I best reach out, especially when there is a little something called a language barrier.
Overall, I didn't have to come to Nepal to have these motivators but I'm glad instead of reading about it in a book at home, I'm here learning it with my eyes, everyday. Those are the people and the things that keep me motivated everyday. I'm not trying to write a motivational speech here but I've decided to keep this motivation going as long as I can, and to not have it let up when I get home. I encourage any of you guys to do the same, take the time to find what/who motivates you and don't forget about it.
Okay, I'm off my soap box! Thanks for reading.
In talking about fortune cookies and words of wisdom, I remembered a few things that have inspired me here, that I wouldn't have expected. And then I remembered that it's best not to have huge expectations one way or the other, but to just take things as they are and have the experience. A few things here have really gotten me motivated to help others and make a difference.
A big one is the children we meet and see. Some facts, almost half of the population in Nepal is under the age of 14 and unfortunately many children here suffer through hard times, like no education or being forced for various reasons into child labor. It took me a few days but I realized that all the adorable children I see running on the street or "helping out at the shop" are most likely not in school because their families can't afford it. Once you think about it, taking a picture or saying "aww" doesn't really seem appropriate anymore.
Second motivator, books we've read here. One in particular, Sam let me read her book about a Microsoft exec that left his job to start a non-profit funding schools all over the world, but originally starting in Nepal. Once I read it, all I could think was, can I work then when I graduate? Or now?
Lastly, this one really took my by surprise, but a big motivation for me is Nubina, our host mom Uma's, helper at the orphanage. Even though she's less than ten years older than us, she has so much responsibility on her shoulders and his tired everyday from all the work she does. In addition, she has a daughter, Nitisha, who also stays at the orphanage. Nubina works so hard so Nitisha can finish her education all the way through, even though Nubina's education had been stopped. I didn't even realize when I signed up that I would meet her but she has an impact on me everyday and all I can think these past few days is how can I help her? How can I best reach out, especially when there is a little something called a language barrier.
Overall, I didn't have to come to Nepal to have these motivators but I'm glad instead of reading about it in a book at home, I'm here learning it with my eyes, everyday. Those are the people and the things that keep me motivated everyday. I'm not trying to write a motivational speech here but I've decided to keep this motivation going as long as I can, and to not have it let up when I get home. I encourage any of you guys to do the same, take the time to find what/who motivates you and don't forget about it.
Okay, I'm off my soap box! Thanks for reading.
My Butt Hurts...
So I realize that I promised to blog more about the past few days, but today was such an adventure I want to write about it now and then I'll catch up and go back in time.
This morning at 5:45 AM, Sam, Stacy and I woke up to get ready for our three day trip to Chitwan. We got up, got our taxi, got to the bus, waited ten minutes or so and then found out the buses were not running because of bandh. A bandh is a strike, it could really be a strike for anything by anyone, sometimes there are teacher strikes and the children's school is closed, sometimes people are protesting on the streets and the streets are closed, etc. We heard later there was bandh for the Solar Eclipse, which we missed because we were worried about getting on our bus. Anyway, knowing that's just how things go here, we tried not to be too bummed as we headed home, hoping tomorrow we can go on our trip. When we got home, Uma our host mom was sleeping, she shot up in her bed and yelled "What are you doing here?" We starting laughing and told her what happened, then she started laughing.
A few hours later and after breakfast, we decided to on a bike ride. What a good choice it was. Although by the end we were tired and hungry, it was definitely an experience I will never forget. We rented our bikes from Thamel (a touristy area) for 150 rupees each ($2) and were on our way. We just kept riding on the (Mom ignore this sentence) crazy streets until we got far enough out to breathe without all the pollution of Kathmandu. We ended up riding up a rather large hill, stopping at the top in a nice village for a quick mango juice to replenish. The view of the mountains, which we technically were on, was amazing. The air was so fresh, it was just very nice to be out of the city for the day.
We headed back with ease, coasting most of the way, except for the moments of pain from the seats (they were very uncomfortable). Although we didn't make it to Chitwan as planned, we still had a great adventure and got to see a part of Nepal we might not have. As we sat at one of our favorite restaurants afterwards, we reflected a bit and decided we want to adopt the free spirits at home that we have here.
Words of Wisdom (from one of the various fortune cookies Sam and I stumbled upon in the first few days of travel) Be prepared for the unexpected. Even though things don't go the way as planned, just roll with it and keep having a good time.
This morning at 5:45 AM, Sam, Stacy and I woke up to get ready for our three day trip to Chitwan. We got up, got our taxi, got to the bus, waited ten minutes or so and then found out the buses were not running because of bandh. A bandh is a strike, it could really be a strike for anything by anyone, sometimes there are teacher strikes and the children's school is closed, sometimes people are protesting on the streets and the streets are closed, etc. We heard later there was bandh for the Solar Eclipse, which we missed because we were worried about getting on our bus. Anyway, knowing that's just how things go here, we tried not to be too bummed as we headed home, hoping tomorrow we can go on our trip. When we got home, Uma our host mom was sleeping, she shot up in her bed and yelled "What are you doing here?" We starting laughing and told her what happened, then she started laughing.
A few hours later and after breakfast, we decided to on a bike ride. What a good choice it was. Although by the end we were tired and hungry, it was definitely an experience I will never forget. We rented our bikes from Thamel (a touristy area) for 150 rupees each ($2) and were on our way. We just kept riding on the (Mom ignore this sentence) crazy streets until we got far enough out to breathe without all the pollution of Kathmandu. We ended up riding up a rather large hill, stopping at the top in a nice village for a quick mango juice to replenish. The view of the mountains, which we technically were on, was amazing. The air was so fresh, it was just very nice to be out of the city for the day.
We headed back with ease, coasting most of the way, except for the moments of pain from the seats (they were very uncomfortable). Although we didn't make it to Chitwan as planned, we still had a great adventure and got to see a part of Nepal we might not have. As we sat at one of our favorite restaurants afterwards, we reflected a bit and decided we want to adopt the free spirits at home that we have here.
Words of Wisdom (from one of the various fortune cookies Sam and I stumbled upon in the first few days of travel) Be prepared for the unexpected. Even though things don't go the way as planned, just roll with it and keep having a good time.
Monday, July 20, 2009
You Say You Want a Revolution
I'm attempting to keep all adventures in order and if I had my way I'd blog about everyday but that would be very difficult! Anyway, i'm going to make this one quick and very compacted!
Last Thursday, Sam, Stacy and I went to the hospital again to volunteer. We went right up to the AIDS clinic to administer meds to patients and re-write in the new book of listed patients. We weren't there for very long before a large group of patients/social workers came in and we very loud. Of course all of the conversation was in straight Nepali so KC/KP (another volunteer from Nepal but who studied in the US and helps us with the translations) was trying to communicate with everyone in the clinic in Nepali, meanwhile explaining to us what was going on in English. For some reason there is a new policy at the clinic where you need a certain form before you can get your medication and people don't like this, they just want their medicine. Anyway, feeling as though we were in the way, Sam and I left to go help out the rest of the morning at the daycare, as we had planned. We finished out the morning at the daycare with Josh and Amanda, most of it spent moving things across the street to the new location. In the middle we went to KCQ cafe for a quick eat, Sam and I took on an adventure by ordering a milkshake (milk is not typically consumed here in the summer) It was delicious of course! I carried some blankets in things, rolled up and over my back, holding the tie above my head, I felt like a true native, that's how they carry anything heavy here. After resting up, all of the volunteers and I went to Thamel, a touristy area with a lot of shops, restaurants and bars. We ate at this hip restaurent, owned by Israelis with amazing food! I had hummus, mmmmmmmm. After that we met up with Josh's (and our new) friend, Kisor, probably the happiest person I've ever met. Later we went to the Shisha to listen to music and meet up with out friend Bishnu and later to the Funky Buddha, where we are definitely known for the Americans with crazy dance moves.
I just realized it's impossible for me to be short winded and I'm hungry so I'm going to stop now. However, I hope that soon I'll blog about last Friday at the Kanti Children's hospital, our Saturday momo party, Sunday with Josh and Amanda's farewell and Chitwan in the days to come!
P.S. The blog title this time refers to the children at the daycare today. At one point they all started yelling in amazement as we turned the lights off and on. Then later they all formed a line and starting rocking against the door, after repeat attempts to stop them. Maybe they saw the Maoists protesting earlier in the morning, or maybe they were revolting because Josh and Amanda left. Either way, it was quite amusing.
Miss you all!
Last Thursday, Sam, Stacy and I went to the hospital again to volunteer. We went right up to the AIDS clinic to administer meds to patients and re-write in the new book of listed patients. We weren't there for very long before a large group of patients/social workers came in and we very loud. Of course all of the conversation was in straight Nepali so KC/KP (another volunteer from Nepal but who studied in the US and helps us with the translations) was trying to communicate with everyone in the clinic in Nepali, meanwhile explaining to us what was going on in English. For some reason there is a new policy at the clinic where you need a certain form before you can get your medication and people don't like this, they just want their medicine. Anyway, feeling as though we were in the way, Sam and I left to go help out the rest of the morning at the daycare, as we had planned. We finished out the morning at the daycare with Josh and Amanda, most of it spent moving things across the street to the new location. In the middle we went to KCQ cafe for a quick eat, Sam and I took on an adventure by ordering a milkshake (milk is not typically consumed here in the summer) It was delicious of course! I carried some blankets in things, rolled up and over my back, holding the tie above my head, I felt like a true native, that's how they carry anything heavy here. After resting up, all of the volunteers and I went to Thamel, a touristy area with a lot of shops, restaurants and bars. We ate at this hip restaurent, owned by Israelis with amazing food! I had hummus, mmmmmmmm. After that we met up with Josh's (and our new) friend, Kisor, probably the happiest person I've ever met. Later we went to the Shisha to listen to music and meet up with out friend Bishnu and later to the Funky Buddha, where we are definitely known for the Americans with crazy dance moves.
I just realized it's impossible for me to be short winded and I'm hungry so I'm going to stop now. However, I hope that soon I'll blog about last Friday at the Kanti Children's hospital, our Saturday momo party, Sunday with Josh and Amanda's farewell and Chitwan in the days to come!
P.S. The blog title this time refers to the children at the daycare today. At one point they all started yelling in amazement as we turned the lights off and on. Then later they all formed a line and starting rocking against the door, after repeat attempts to stop them. Maybe they saw the Maoists protesting earlier in the morning, or maybe they were revolting because Josh and Amanda left. Either way, it was quite amusing.
Miss you all!
Friday, July 17, 2009
There are some sexy monks in here...
As corny as it sounds, I can't get over how friendly, warm and beuatiful the people here are. In the past few days we've met/hung out with some very great people. Dr. Pandey is the doctor who took us in the first few days we started volunteering at the hospital and on Wednesday, he spent most of the day with Stacy, Sam, and I. He invited us all to go with him to his lecture on rabies at a nearby clinic. At first I wasn't sure about going but then after a few hours in the AIDS clinic, where we contemplate life and hand out medication (a scary thought right) the three of us decided that we're taking a new approach to our trip. Volunteering here can be a little frustrating when you're program is not ultra organized to go along with the fact that Nepal is not really organized itself. This country is in so much need, including volunteers, but it's hard to find places that know how to use them. Anyway, we decided that instead of stressing about our volunteer sites, we will accept the fact that this trip is not only to volunteer, but to learn and observe. As we see it, we're "assessing the situation here" for the next we come back more prepared, hopefully with a little more money and some more education as well.
Seeing as our new philosophy here is to fly by the seat of our pants, I decided to ride along on the trip to Dr. Pandey's lectures. We drove in his car about twenty or so minutes away to Schechen Clinic (I could and most likely am spelling that wrong) This clinic was the complete opposite of Teku hospital where we volunteer. The building was beautiful and clean, there different portions of the building sectioned off for various services and even the landscaping was gorgeous. This specific clinic is sponsored by certain French people, who also volunteer there as well. We were fed there and given a chance to walk around. After eating we headed to the monastery right next door where Dr. Pandey was giving his first lecture. Just like the clinic, the monastery was equally beautiful and somewhat breathtaking. I was not prepared for what came next, we walk into a room full of 200 monks who were just as excited and shocked to see us as we were to see them. Then one or a few of them whistled/cat called/whatever you want to call it, at us. I was pretty sure that had to be against some monk rules but what do I know. Either way, just sitting in that room was awesome, then we got to learn about rabies, sort of, Dr. Pandey gave the lecture in Nepali so I didn't catch most of it but still felt enligtened.
Later on, Dr. Pandey gave his lecture at the actual clinic to the doctors and nurses there, powerpoint in English included. Before he started we all had some hot dudh chiyaa (milk tea) to cool us down after sweating all day. It's not that funny but Sam almost spit her chiyaa everywhere because it was a lot hotter than she thought. At home, I may not have laughed that much, but here I did, which just goes along with the humor here. People tend to laugh at things that may seem childish at home, but it just goes with the easy going, happy atmosphere here. Anyway, after the lectur Dr. Pandey took us to a small cafe for a quick snack, momos and garlic chicken. It was delicious of course. Dr. Pandey had spent so many hours with us and it was just a nice new experience. We made a friend with a Nepali coordinator for the clinic who gave us her number and told us she would give us a real tour of the clinic and monastery if we wanted. We will definitely be back. That's another fact about the people here, they always are willing to give you their contact and ask for yours, assuming right away that you're friends. People at home I feel are very apprehensive to do this. That's another thing I want to add to my list of things to implement at home, and they are:
Enforce strict rules about taking off shoes in the home, being barefoot is way more fun!
Give my contact out to people who may want it, or not, it just makes people feel more welcome
Learn how to make dudh chiyaa and offer it to any visitors
Attempt eating at a low table, who needs chair anyway?
That's all I can think of for now but I'm sure I'll think of more later..
Soon to come, blogging about our day at the clinic (pre fight over medications) and the daycare, also our day at the Kanti Children's Hospital and Mr. Bishop.
Miss you all!
Seeing as our new philosophy here is to fly by the seat of our pants, I decided to ride along on the trip to Dr. Pandey's lectures. We drove in his car about twenty or so minutes away to Schechen Clinic (I could and most likely am spelling that wrong) This clinic was the complete opposite of Teku hospital where we volunteer. The building was beautiful and clean, there different portions of the building sectioned off for various services and even the landscaping was gorgeous. This specific clinic is sponsored by certain French people, who also volunteer there as well. We were fed there and given a chance to walk around. After eating we headed to the monastery right next door where Dr. Pandey was giving his first lecture. Just like the clinic, the monastery was equally beautiful and somewhat breathtaking. I was not prepared for what came next, we walk into a room full of 200 monks who were just as excited and shocked to see us as we were to see them. Then one or a few of them whistled/cat called/whatever you want to call it, at us. I was pretty sure that had to be against some monk rules but what do I know. Either way, just sitting in that room was awesome, then we got to learn about rabies, sort of, Dr. Pandey gave the lecture in Nepali so I didn't catch most of it but still felt enligtened.
Later on, Dr. Pandey gave his lecture at the actual clinic to the doctors and nurses there, powerpoint in English included. Before he started we all had some hot dudh chiyaa (milk tea) to cool us down after sweating all day. It's not that funny but Sam almost spit her chiyaa everywhere because it was a lot hotter than she thought. At home, I may not have laughed that much, but here I did, which just goes along with the humor here. People tend to laugh at things that may seem childish at home, but it just goes with the easy going, happy atmosphere here. Anyway, after the lectur Dr. Pandey took us to a small cafe for a quick snack, momos and garlic chicken. It was delicious of course. Dr. Pandey had spent so many hours with us and it was just a nice new experience. We made a friend with a Nepali coordinator for the clinic who gave us her number and told us she would give us a real tour of the clinic and monastery if we wanted. We will definitely be back. That's another fact about the people here, they always are willing to give you their contact and ask for yours, assuming right away that you're friends. People at home I feel are very apprehensive to do this. That's another thing I want to add to my list of things to implement at home, and they are:
Enforce strict rules about taking off shoes in the home, being barefoot is way more fun!
Give my contact out to people who may want it, or not, it just makes people feel more welcome
Learn how to make dudh chiyaa and offer it to any visitors
Attempt eating at a low table, who needs chair anyway?
That's all I can think of for now but I'm sure I'll think of more later..
Soon to come, blogging about our day at the clinic (pre fight over medications) and the daycare, also our day at the Kanti Children's Hospital and Mr. Bishop.
Miss you all!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Spider Killer with a Peanut Butter Spoon
Today was our second day volunteering in the hospital for infectious disease. It's amazing the comparisons between hospitals in Nepal and hospitals at home. We asked if the patients get baths from the nurses and were told that they weren't, visitors come to bath them, which I find interesting, in a good way. Even though by most Americans standards, they would think this hospital is unsanitary, to an extend it is but they make the best of what they have. One thing I actually truy enjoy is the beds with the X-ray images hanging off the side. At any American hospital there would be some nice box or place to put the x-rays but here they recycled old boxes, cut the top off, and right X-ray in marker. To me, it's really cool because I know they're only doing this because they have to but it's one small item like that, that is the opposite of wasting. Why do we have to have everything perfect and new in every hospital, who cares what we put the X-rays in? Sorry I'm ranting a little.
Anyway, we may be switching volunteer sites soon because I personally want to work closely with kids and when you put Sam and I together, there's a lot of passion to make a difference and utilize the short time we have here. We have a million ideas, it's just finding the right schools and children where we can help and using our small vocab of Nepali to the best of our ability. We really want to start a Girl's Circle at one of the schools here ( a volunteer project Sam and I do throughout the school year together) and are working hopefully with a friend of a friend here to make it happen. The longer we're here the more we want to help in any way we can. For example, there really isn't any formalized sex education here, but seeing as how many people come through the AIDS clinic at the hospital everyday, there's clearly some knowledge lacking. I'm not expert but there are some basic things most people should that most people here don't know. One of the volunteers at the AIDS clinic told us that a man came in a few days, who had a college degree, and didn't realize that he could get AIDS from unprotected sex. He had a college degree!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I should wrap this up with, Sam, myself and all the other volunteers want to everything and anything we can to make a difference here, even if it's on a small scale and I realize everyday more and more, to never take things for granted, like education.
P.S. I apologize about not uploading pics, it won't seem to work here.
P.S.S. The title of this one refers to the heroic effort Sam and Josh put forth last night around 2AM trying to murder a spider, we were only partly successful.
Anyway, we may be switching volunteer sites soon because I personally want to work closely with kids and when you put Sam and I together, there's a lot of passion to make a difference and utilize the short time we have here. We have a million ideas, it's just finding the right schools and children where we can help and using our small vocab of Nepali to the best of our ability. We really want to start a Girl's Circle at one of the schools here ( a volunteer project Sam and I do throughout the school year together) and are working hopefully with a friend of a friend here to make it happen. The longer we're here the more we want to help in any way we can. For example, there really isn't any formalized sex education here, but seeing as how many people come through the AIDS clinic at the hospital everyday, there's clearly some knowledge lacking. I'm not expert but there are some basic things most people should that most people here don't know. One of the volunteers at the AIDS clinic told us that a man came in a few days, who had a college degree, and didn't realize that he could get AIDS from unprotected sex. He had a college degree!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I should wrap this up with, Sam, myself and all the other volunteers want to everything and anything we can to make a difference here, even if it's on a small scale and I realize everyday more and more, to never take things for granted, like education.
P.S. I apologize about not uploading pics, it won't seem to work here.
P.S.S. The title of this one refers to the heroic effort Sam and Josh put forth last night around 2AM trying to murder a spider, we were only partly successful.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Street Children
Once again, this is mostly rambling...
Children here go to school Sunday-Friday, those are the ones who actually get to go. I can’t stress enough how unfair it is that certain children have less opportunity because of where they live. Obviously education is important here, their children only get one day of break from school and typically go to school for about 11 months, with a one month break. To me it’s just not fair that some of these kids who care so much about school and the opportunity to go, could fall behind because of the lack of resources. It makes me think of how different our set up is in
Then there’s the street children of
I tried posting a picture, if it worked... it should be of the children in the orphanage we're living at, these were their outfits for the zoo. :)
Sista!
I'm going to apologize right now, most posts are out of order and may not make much sense, but I basically scribble down what I can when I can and when I can actually remember. So most things may seem weird but I hope it's somewhat enjoyable to read. Here's something I wrote the other day (hopefully there's not too many spelling mistakes):
Today was our first Saturday in Bafal (the area where we are staying) We woke up to our usual breakfast, an egg sunny side up, white toast, and tea. Then we chatted about the adventures we’ll be taking soon: The zoo with the children today, the casino for foreigners tonight, a day trip to Thamel some shipping and roof top café(ing), Chitwan to hit up the national park, maybe some trekking. I’m very excited for all the adventures to come to add to the ones we’ve already had. After breakfast we went downstairs to help was the kids up. The little ones shower outside in their undies, we soap them help and help scrub off the dirt which adds up quite fast and then pour buckets of cold water over them to rinse. You can see the goosebumps all over their little arms and legs but I think they like when we help them wash up. I do my best to not scrub too hard but they’re used to it. I also try to make some fun noises and joke around so they have a little fun washing up. I’ve decided it would be totally sweet to have someone wash me, but probably really awkward.
After washing up Nubina grabbed me and told me to come with her, I was still in my pj’s but came anyway. I didn’t realize we’d be going down the street to the market but that’s where we ended up. I usually listen to Nubina when she tells me to do something, even though I don’t understand her English very well. We went down the street to the butcher shop to buy some buff. It’s so nice to be here and to see how everyday life runs. It’s fantastic to feel how much of a community you live in after only being here only a week. Even though I haven’t gotten to know Uma’s neighbors very well yet or anything, we’ve made friends with the man who runs the cyber net down the street, we’re basically regulars there; the families who run the shops down the street from us, we all buy snacks from there and I think they’re getting used to seeing white people around. Most significantly, I’m completely fond of the family we’ve created here at the orphanage. I feel like I’ve already known these people for a long time and I just met them a week ago. Everything decision made is made within the group and everything we do is together. I can’t remember what it was like before when I made most decisions on my own, it’s way better this way.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Grey's Anatomy
Yesterday Sam and I went with Josh and Amanda to the daycare to help out for a little bit. It was the cutest thing I think I've seen yet. (although I keep claiming that)
Today is our first day volunteering at the hospital! I'll let you know how it goes soon!
Today is our first day volunteering at the hospital! I'll let you know how it goes soon!
Friday, July 10, 2009
This One Won't Make Any Sense.. :)
Sorry I haven’t updated recently, it’s hard to keep up with the internet here. I’m also not doing well with keeping my attention because all of the volunteers and I are sitting around the living room listening to Sam talk about being an ogre as a child and Josh freaking out at the age of 12 because he realized he couldn’t play in the balls at McDonald’s anymore. Sam and I just found out that we’ll be volunteering at a hospital starting on Monday. Even though we’ve only been here for less than a week, our days and nights have been long and it feels as though we’ve been here for weeks. So far we’ve had Nepali language lessons from our guru Rubindra, every day for about three hours. Most of the lessons end in him laughing at us because we’re really horrible at speaking Nepali. To the contrary we have mastered counting from zero to twelve in Nepali! I’m also slowly learning how to bargain with the street vendors over how many rupees I’m willing to spend. (In case I didn’t mention it 75 rupees is about the same as $1) The electricity randomly turns off in the mall, it did three times in about 1.5 hours the other day. The other day we went on a tour of Pashupati, the most holy Hindu temple in Nepal, which is offset by an amazing scenery. We sat at the top of the hill and watched the monkeys as they perused around, hoping to find some human to mess with. While we were there we saw some babas, a type of community of people in Nepal. Then we watched a cremation. I know that sounds crazy and it might have been but it was actually peaceful to watch.
I’m really horrible at putting down words right now but here are a few other things we’ve done so far: visited a nice Buddhist temple, ate momo (it’s like a dumpling stuffed with various vegetables and meat if you want, my favorite is buff) fit too many people into one cab, went to a hookah bar in Thamel and the crazy buddah, ate chaat (I couldn’t explain what this is but it looks like every food put together and is very spicy, tried dudh chiyaa (milk tea) which is my new favorite drink, went to the vegetable market down the street, went to a forum on child labor in Nepal, which included a dance show put on by children in Nepal, and that’s all I can think of for now.
Random Blog Titles I've Been Thinking of:
I want some magic masala
Dudh where’s my chiyaa
I just pooped my pants, no it’s a blog title
Beavers aren’t tall
Leprechaun curtains
I almost peed
TOday we helped the kids wash up, it was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'll let you know in a later blog more about our Saturday...
I’m really horrible at putting down words right now but here are a few other things we’ve done so far: visited a nice Buddhist temple, ate momo (it’s like a dumpling stuffed with various vegetables and meat if you want, my favorite is buff) fit too many people into one cab, went to a hookah bar in Thamel and the crazy buddah, ate chaat (I couldn’t explain what this is but it looks like every food put together and is very spicy, tried dudh chiyaa (milk tea) which is my new favorite drink, went to the vegetable market down the street, went to a forum on child labor in Nepal, which included a dance show put on by children in Nepal, and that’s all I can think of for now.
Random Blog Titles I've Been Thinking of:
I want some magic masala
Dudh where’s my chiyaa
I just pooped my pants, no it’s a blog title
Beavers aren’t tall
Leprechaun curtains
I almost peed
TOday we helped the kids wash up, it was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. I'll let you know in a later blog more about our Saturday...
Thai Chili Sauce
All I'm going to say is, Nepalese children are the most adorable children on this earth. And I know all the names of the kids in the orphanage now, booyah. Also, chip flavors here are funny, like magic masala, and american cream cheese and onion. Mmmm. If anyone has any requests for chips to be brought home please let me know.
Today we went to the monkey temple, the view was incredible and tomorrow we're taking the kids to the zoo!
Love
Molly
Today we went to the monkey temple, the view was incredible and tomorrow we're taking the kids to the zoo!
Love
Molly
Mangal Baar
Hello All,
Sorry I have not been blogging recently, I'm not that great at keeping up and access to a computer for a decent amount of time is rare for me. It's amazing to think we only arrived a week ago, it feels like so much longer. Mainly because we've been out and about quite a bit since we've arrived. Today we went to Swayambhu, the monkey temple. The view was incredible. I wish I could explain it to you but the best way is through a picture. However, my camera has died so I'll have to try and post some pictures from other sites we've seen. It's funny because when I thought of coming to Nepal, I wasn't really picturing a city. However, I really enjoy Kathmandu for it's mix of city life but the fact that it's like no city back home. One moment I could be walking down the street with motorcycles and cars zipping by and the next watching our neighbors wash their clothes by hand outside. It really makes you appreciate the things you have in your life that make it easy to live and how nice it is to rely on others in the community for help. The balcony (which is quite small) overlooks some "hills" in the background, with the backdrop of Kathmandu in the front. I wish I could wake up to this everyday, I really wish evreyone could see this. It's amazing how much a beautiful scenery can change the way you feel in a matter of minutes.
I'm very scatter brained right now but I'm doing my best to make some sense out of this blog. Today we finished our final Nepali lesson and I'm totally fluent. Not really but it's a fun language to speak, or attempt to. I really love saying very very raamro (raamro means good) it kind of sounds like it should be a song when you say it fast. Last night some of the other volunteers and I attended a forum on child labor put on by an Israeli volunteer group here. First there was a dance show but on my schoolchildren in the area. It was a mix of traditional dance as well as hip hop too. I took some video and can't wait to share it when I get home. I really wanted to blog more right now since I feel bad about not blogging too much but the other volunteers are downstairs playing with the kids and I can't stand sitting in front of the computer any longer.
Hope all is well,
Namaste,
Molly
P.S. I've decided I could have some sweet nicknames since coming here.
1. Momo, it's a type of dumpling made here, it's DELICIOUS!
2. Mangal Baar (which means Tuesday) I like tuesday but also monday is som baar and that's Sam's new name so I wanted a fun one too.
Cheerio!
Sorry I have not been blogging recently, I'm not that great at keeping up and access to a computer for a decent amount of time is rare for me. It's amazing to think we only arrived a week ago, it feels like so much longer. Mainly because we've been out and about quite a bit since we've arrived. Today we went to Swayambhu, the monkey temple. The view was incredible. I wish I could explain it to you but the best way is through a picture. However, my camera has died so I'll have to try and post some pictures from other sites we've seen. It's funny because when I thought of coming to Nepal, I wasn't really picturing a city. However, I really enjoy Kathmandu for it's mix of city life but the fact that it's like no city back home. One moment I could be walking down the street with motorcycles and cars zipping by and the next watching our neighbors wash their clothes by hand outside. It really makes you appreciate the things you have in your life that make it easy to live and how nice it is to rely on others in the community for help. The balcony (which is quite small) overlooks some "hills" in the background, with the backdrop of Kathmandu in the front. I wish I could wake up to this everyday, I really wish evreyone could see this. It's amazing how much a beautiful scenery can change the way you feel in a matter of minutes.
I'm very scatter brained right now but I'm doing my best to make some sense out of this blog. Today we finished our final Nepali lesson and I'm totally fluent. Not really but it's a fun language to speak, or attempt to. I really love saying very very raamro (raamro means good) it kind of sounds like it should be a song when you say it fast. Last night some of the other volunteers and I attended a forum on child labor put on by an Israeli volunteer group here. First there was a dance show but on my schoolchildren in the area. It was a mix of traditional dance as well as hip hop too. I took some video and can't wait to share it when I get home. I really wanted to blog more right now since I feel bad about not blogging too much but the other volunteers are downstairs playing with the kids and I can't stand sitting in front of the computer any longer.
Hope all is well,
Namaste,
Molly
P.S. I've decided I could have some sweet nicknames since coming here.
1. Momo, it's a type of dumpling made here, it's DELICIOUS!
2. Mangal Baar (which means Tuesday) I like tuesday but also monday is som baar and that's Sam's new name so I wanted a fun one too.
Cheerio!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Nerts!
So it's day three in Nepal and we're off to a good start, or at least an early one. Sam and I jogged/walked early this morning around Kathmandu and checked out the vegetable market. We came back and watched the children (Sam and I, along with 5 other volunteers, stay with our host mom Uma, in the orphanage she runs for about 8 children right now) Anyway... every morning before school the children get up and meditate and do their prayers and stretch, and eat and have this long, but calming routine before school. Observing them really makes me think I should start something like that at school, it would definitely be a much better way to start the morning than my usual, wake up a little late, brush teeth, possibly eat, get on my bike and if I'm lucky and don't wipe out on any icy, curbs or run into any cars, make to class about 5 minutes late.
It's hard to blog here because I'm writing in my journal each day but there are so many things I could write on here it's hard to remember them all. So I think I might start throwing out some random thoughts... Yesterday we went to a mall and had some black forest cake ice cream, two scoops for aobut the equivalent of 75 cents, beat that MooTown. On the way out we saw some monkeys chillin' on some wires. The amazing mountain view we have from our house is not even the Himalayas, I wish I could show you all. You never use your left hand here, I'll tell you why later. The children call us "dede" which means sister. There isn't really cheese here, Not sure how long I will last with that. However, there is some amazing spreadable cheese here, it blows Laughing Cow out of the water. Our taxi got bumped by a bus yesterday. There are no streetlights.
That's all I've got for now! Peace out.
It's hard to blog here because I'm writing in my journal each day but there are so many things I could write on here it's hard to remember them all. So I think I might start throwing out some random thoughts... Yesterday we went to a mall and had some black forest cake ice cream, two scoops for aobut the equivalent of 75 cents, beat that MooTown. On the way out we saw some monkeys chillin' on some wires. The amazing mountain view we have from our house is not even the Himalayas, I wish I could show you all. You never use your left hand here, I'll tell you why later. The children call us "dede" which means sister. There isn't really cheese here, Not sure how long I will last with that. However, there is some amazing spreadable cheese here, it blows Laughing Cow out of the water. Our taxi got bumped by a bus yesterday. There are no streetlights.
That's all I've got for now! Peace out.
Are those Nunchuks in Our Room?
We have arrived! Late afternoon on Independence Day, Sam and I arrived in Nepal and then took a nap! We were definitely jetlagged. The internet cafe I'm using is very slow so this first one will be very short! I just wanted to shout out a few things:
1. I really enjoy not having a cell phone, a t.v., or any need for a watch.
2. I also enjoy the fact that our room has nunchuks in the corner, we eat sitting on the floor and aren't wearing shoes most of the time.
3. Kathmandu is a crazy place but the people are beautiful and the children are plentiful and adorable!
More to come later.
Love to all.
1. I really enjoy not having a cell phone, a t.v., or any need for a watch.
2. I also enjoy the fact that our room has nunchuks in the corner, we eat sitting on the floor and aren't wearing shoes most of the time.
3. Kathmandu is a crazy place but the people are beautiful and the children are plentiful and adorable!
More to come later.
Love to all.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dirty Dublin
Keep it simple, stupid. These were the few words of advice I managed to get out of, David, the nice older Irishmen we met at Gravedigger's Pub last night. Although it took me a few minutes to get used to his accent, it took longer for me to understand what he was trying to tell us, I think he'd been drinking a little bit. The people here are so overwhemingly friendly, it makes you want to stay as long as you can. However, for Sam and I that's not the case. In less than 24 hours we will be boarding a plane from Dublin to London. Then a plane to New Delhi and finally, a plane to Kathmandu! Our final destination! Soon enough I can tell you all about the sherpa's I meet in Nepal and all of the trekking we'll be doing. Until then I'll leave you with a final thought from David, "Be true to yourself." (In a thick Irish accent, don't worry I'm working on adding to my accent repertiore very soon.) Until then, Cheers!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
I Invented the Internet
Sam and | are kickin' it in Dublin City Centre and using a internet cafe, my first time on one, woot. After spending our first day touring around with Lizzie and seeing A LOT (more to come at a later blog date) we went out on the town and hit up the touristy but fun Temple Bar District. We drank and sang American Pie with Liz's housemates and some Kiwi friends drinking Bulmer's hard cider.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sweeter than Mango!
Sam and I are leaving the country tomorrow! I'm up doing some last minute things like putting music on my new tiny SanDisk Clip mp3 player. Wooo. I'm so excited to go exploring. I know you can't see how excited I am, but I'm really excited! (Even more excited than when my parent's bought me a bike for my 20th birthday :) ) I will try to check my email and post on here as much as possible while I'm away so send me message if you'd like. Check back in soon for some exciting life stories!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Packing?
Although I'm not Catholic, I guess G-unit (that's Dad) must have had some effect on me in that department because I have a confession to make: Even though I'm leaving the country on Monday, I haven't really been packing for it. I've made a lot of lists but haven't really been moving things around. Anywho, I just thought for my first post I'd share the strength of my procrastination skills!
However, in the days to come there will be much more exciting things to blog about besides buying insect repellent and deciding between which anti-malaria pills have the least amount of side effects. Before we arrive in Nepal, Sam (my travel buddy and friend) will leave Cincinnati for Dublin, Ireland to meet up with my good friend Liz Katz. We'll tour the city's great landscapes and stop by a few pubs on the way before arriving in Nepal on July 4th! Can't wait to share with all of you our experiences!
However, in the days to come there will be much more exciting things to blog about besides buying insect repellent and deciding between which anti-malaria pills have the least amount of side effects. Before we arrive in Nepal, Sam (my travel buddy and friend) will leave Cincinnati for Dublin, Ireland to meet up with my good friend Liz Katz. We'll tour the city's great landscapes and stop by a few pubs on the way before arriving in Nepal on July 4th! Can't wait to share with all of you our experiences!
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