It is Christmas morning here, and Christmas eve in the States. That's strange.
It feels really weird to be here, but also I am really distracted by everything around me. Darjeeling is really lovely, and we have a beautiful hotel room with a fireplace and a great view. We are at a bakery/internet cafe. I had to see when is the best to call my parents, and check up on the political situation in Goa (where we are headed on the 29th - and get there on the 31st....
Merry Christmas. May it be wonderful, peaceful, and practical.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is so lovely...it is the quietest, cleanest, and most peaceful place I have been in India. There is a large population of Tibetans and Nepalis, which sorta lightens my heart. After traveling in India, my fondness for Nepal has become even stronger.
Also, there are no cows here, which is never the case in India or Nepal...it's a little spooky, but also nice to not have to dodge cow shit every 2 feet. Especially when you are wearing flip-flops, which is all the time for me, it can be a not so fun time.
Our train was only 2 hours late coming to our destination, and the jeep ride 3 hours...getting us to Darjeeling by 6:00pm.
I am just really glad to not have to get on a train for another 5 days, and to chill out. It is going to be a nice place to spend Christmas.
Hopefully we can find a nice hotel for Xmas with a fireplace. There are a couple of them, and we are going to hopefully book something today. The guest house we got for now though is nice and quiet, clean and has great windows. If it clears up, we should be able to see the highest mountain in India (that I cannot remember the name of), Everest, and the huge Everest region. It's pretty foggy though. Being here, in the crisp cold, with overcast, really makes it feel like Christmas though.
Our first Christmas together, and our first apart from our families...bittersweet.
Also, there are no cows here, which is never the case in India or Nepal...it's a little spooky, but also nice to not have to dodge cow shit every 2 feet. Especially when you are wearing flip-flops, which is all the time for me, it can be a not so fun time.
Our train was only 2 hours late coming to our destination, and the jeep ride 3 hours...getting us to Darjeeling by 6:00pm.
I am just really glad to not have to get on a train for another 5 days, and to chill out. It is going to be a nice place to spend Christmas.
Hopefully we can find a nice hotel for Xmas with a fireplace. There are a couple of them, and we are going to hopefully book something today. The guest house we got for now though is nice and quiet, clean and has great windows. If it clears up, we should be able to see the highest mountain in India (that I cannot remember the name of), Everest, and the huge Everest region. It's pretty foggy though. Being here, in the crisp cold, with overcast, really makes it feel like Christmas though.
Our first Christmas together, and our first apart from our families...bittersweet.
Friday, December 19, 2008
trains, trees, and trains
The train that was 3 hours and 40 minutes late, ended up being 10 hours late. That's right, 10 hours. It was 12 hours late arriving in Gaya. Let me tell you how fun it was.
Fun.
The train stations in India are not exactly clean or peaceful. There are countless people, from elders to babies, begging. Sidewalks covered with shit, though that is everywhere in India. People spitting and yelling. And of course the hoards of people starring like crazy at us really strange people with white skin. There is no room for concentration on something like reading a book.
It was a very trying 10 hours.
We ended up getting into Gaya at 2:00am, unsure if we could find anywhere to sleep, or if we would be sleeping at the train station. With any luck there was someone from a hotel in Bodhgaya, 13km away, who had a room "just for us".
At first we were considering changing our tickets to leave Gaya the next day. That meant though, that we would have to change our class to General. General class is where no one is guarenteed a seat and there are people fighting (slapping and beating eachother) to get one. Also, the fears I have of being gropped on the train would become a reality. We decided against that.
Kinda strange to arrive in one place and leave the same day, while checking into a hotel...
We got to our guest house at 3:00am, making waking up at 9:00 really hard.
Our train left Gaya at 1:05, so we had to get a move on.
It was so nice, after all of that chaos, to be in such a serene and powerful place.
To be at the tree and the place where Buddha attained enlightenment, and medidtated for over 3 weeks after being enlightened was...there are no words.
There were hundreds of monks and devotees praying in the fields of gompas around the temple, and walking the temple area.
Ahhhhhhh....how lovely.
We are killing time again waiting in between trains. If our train is on time, we will leave at 10:45pm and arrive in Darjeeling area at 11:45am...but they are usually off schedule, so we will probably get in around 2.
Wish us luck.
Fun.
The train stations in India are not exactly clean or peaceful. There are countless people, from elders to babies, begging. Sidewalks covered with shit, though that is everywhere in India. People spitting and yelling. And of course the hoards of people starring like crazy at us really strange people with white skin. There is no room for concentration on something like reading a book.
It was a very trying 10 hours.
We ended up getting into Gaya at 2:00am, unsure if we could find anywhere to sleep, or if we would be sleeping at the train station. With any luck there was someone from a hotel in Bodhgaya, 13km away, who had a room "just for us".
At first we were considering changing our tickets to leave Gaya the next day. That meant though, that we would have to change our class to General. General class is where no one is guarenteed a seat and there are people fighting (slapping and beating eachother) to get one. Also, the fears I have of being gropped on the train would become a reality. We decided against that.
Kinda strange to arrive in one place and leave the same day, while checking into a hotel...
We got to our guest house at 3:00am, making waking up at 9:00 really hard.
Our train left Gaya at 1:05, so we had to get a move on.
It was so nice, after all of that chaos, to be in such a serene and powerful place.
To be at the tree and the place where Buddha attained enlightenment, and medidtated for over 3 weeks after being enlightened was...there are no words.
There were hundreds of monks and devotees praying in the fields of gompas around the temple, and walking the temple area.
Ahhhhhhh....how lovely.
We are killing time again waiting in between trains. If our train is on time, we will leave at 10:45pm and arrive in Darjeeling area at 11:45am...but they are usually off schedule, so we will probably get in around 2.
Wish us luck.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Back in Varanasi
The train is 3 hours and 40 minutes late out of Varanasi, so we have some time to kill.
Varanasi is still magical. It sucks that we only had time enough to be there for a day, but it was still really nice. We stayed at the cheap place I stayed at before. Spending the day hanging out on the ghats and chillin was really nice. After dinner, we were walking back and there was a puga right above the water (a religious prayer/ceremony). The ceremony was so beautiful, incorporating ritualistic music, movement, and items such as fire, conch shells, water, flowers, peacock feathers, and ash. We sat down with the Indian audience automatically becoming part of this religious offering and ritual. We were given candles to light and passed our flame to the 10 tiered bronze candle 'holder' (for lack of a better word). The Baba (holy man) came to each of us with his lit oil lamp, which we then circled our hands over and brought to our heads and faces. Then we were given flowers and leaves. Once the prayers on the stage reached it's climax we all went down to the Ganges and threw our gifts into the river as an offering to the gods. Many people proceeded to wash themselves in the river and drink the water, but I didn't get past washing my arms and putting some water on my head. Then the music continued, this time with everyone singing and dancing and clapping. People were looking at us like we were these nuts white people trying to fit in, but it was really cool.
It was nice to be here with TJ for many reasons. One of the reasons is being here alone I didn't get to experience late night rituals, as it was dark and unsafe.
Very special to be a part of that.
We shall get to Gaya today, where the tree of Buddha's enlightenment stands, and then we leave tomorrow for Darjeeling.
I won't lie, I am excited to get to one place and chill for a while......not having to get on a train every day.
Though tiring, trains are a great way to jet across and see a lot of things.
Varanasi is still magical. It sucks that we only had time enough to be there for a day, but it was still really nice. We stayed at the cheap place I stayed at before. Spending the day hanging out on the ghats and chillin was really nice. After dinner, we were walking back and there was a puga right above the water (a religious prayer/ceremony). The ceremony was so beautiful, incorporating ritualistic music, movement, and items such as fire, conch shells, water, flowers, peacock feathers, and ash. We sat down with the Indian audience automatically becoming part of this religious offering and ritual. We were given candles to light and passed our flame to the 10 tiered bronze candle 'holder' (for lack of a better word). The Baba (holy man) came to each of us with his lit oil lamp, which we then circled our hands over and brought to our heads and faces. Then we were given flowers and leaves. Once the prayers on the stage reached it's climax we all went down to the Ganges and threw our gifts into the river as an offering to the gods. Many people proceeded to wash themselves in the river and drink the water, but I didn't get past washing my arms and putting some water on my head. Then the music continued, this time with everyone singing and dancing and clapping. People were looking at us like we were these nuts white people trying to fit in, but it was really cool.
It was nice to be here with TJ for many reasons. One of the reasons is being here alone I didn't get to experience late night rituals, as it was dark and unsafe.
Very special to be a part of that.
We shall get to Gaya today, where the tree of Buddha's enlightenment stands, and then we leave tomorrow for Darjeeling.
I won't lie, I am excited to get to one place and chill for a while......not having to get on a train every day.
Though tiring, trains are a great way to jet across and see a lot of things.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Camel Safari
It's 7:56am...do you know where I am?
We are waiting in between train rides, back in Jodhpur. Going to Agra...the site of the famous Taj.
We ended up doing a 2 day, one night, camel safari. It was pretty awesome to ride a camel, though i am more sore now than I was for the entire trek. I had the most unruly camel of the bunch, the pubescent teenager who loves to be rebellious. All of a sudden he would just take off trotting, and pick up speed real fast. On the first day, we were just going along, and my young buckaroo got pretty ahead. The camel drivers (who were awesome, corkey guys) started yelling "STOP! STOP!", so I pulled the reigns, but my dude freaked out. The saddle was falling loose, so I imagine not only was the camel nervous of them yelling, and me pulling, but also very uncomfortable with a loose load and person on his back. He basically bucked, and wiggled, me off. Down I went off the back of him. I was complemented on my nice and swift acrobatic skills though. As soon as I landed on the ground I somersaulted and rolled as far away from the teenage boy as possible...in a bunch of stickers (which was really the worst part).
Not a lot of people can say they have been bucked off of a camel in the desert.
I can.
Other than that episode, it was great. Unfortunately we didn't get too far into the middle of no where...kinda disappointing when you are on what is called a 'safari'. For 98% of the time you could spot wind generators. As unfortunate as that was though, it is pretty cool that there are wind generators on this side of the world (they power the electric fence that runs on the Indo-Pakistani boarder and local villages).
We slept on sand dunes. The sunset was incredible and seemed to stretch across the whole world. And the moon was FULL. She was shinning so bright, you could barely see many stars and you didn't need a flashlight to go pee in the middle of the night.
Must go to catch our train...we arrive in Agra 12 hours later. This is bound to be a fun ride.
We are waiting in between train rides, back in Jodhpur. Going to Agra...the site of the famous Taj.
We ended up doing a 2 day, one night, camel safari. It was pretty awesome to ride a camel, though i am more sore now than I was for the entire trek. I had the most unruly camel of the bunch, the pubescent teenager who loves to be rebellious. All of a sudden he would just take off trotting, and pick up speed real fast. On the first day, we were just going along, and my young buckaroo got pretty ahead. The camel drivers (who were awesome, corkey guys) started yelling "STOP! STOP!", so I pulled the reigns, but my dude freaked out. The saddle was falling loose, so I imagine not only was the camel nervous of them yelling, and me pulling, but also very uncomfortable with a loose load and person on his back. He basically bucked, and wiggled, me off. Down I went off the back of him. I was complemented on my nice and swift acrobatic skills though. As soon as I landed on the ground I somersaulted and rolled as far away from the teenage boy as possible...in a bunch of stickers (which was really the worst part).
Not a lot of people can say they have been bucked off of a camel in the desert.
I can.
Other than that episode, it was great. Unfortunately we didn't get too far into the middle of no where...kinda disappointing when you are on what is called a 'safari'. For 98% of the time you could spot wind generators. As unfortunate as that was though, it is pretty cool that there are wind generators on this side of the world (they power the electric fence that runs on the Indo-Pakistani boarder and local villages).
We slept on sand dunes. The sunset was incredible and seemed to stretch across the whole world. And the moon was FULL. She was shinning so bright, you could barely see many stars and you didn't need a flashlight to go pee in the middle of the night.
Must go to catch our train...we arrive in Agra 12 hours later. This is bound to be a fun ride.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The train ride(s) have been great...no one tried to get in bed with me. The berths aren't ultra comfy, but it's way better than a bus ride. The bathrooms are by far the worst part.
We are in Jaisalmer now...in the dessert. We arrived yesterday and today are just chillin. It's nice to hang out, instead of being on the go constantly. Today we are shopping around for an overnight camel safari, where you sleep in the dessert on the ground, under the stars, in solitary (with you and your guide/camel driver) beauty. It might be a little spendy, like $16 per person, but how often can you go on a camel safari in the dessert of India?
Here and in Jodhpur, where we were prior to Jaisalmer, there are incredible historical architectural structures known as Forts. They are the places where the Kings and Queen's lived, along with their followers. The Forts are on top of huge rock formations, from 85 - 125 meters up from the city. During the times of British takeover, there were many wars that were fought at these monuments.
The fort in Jodhpur was built in the 1400's, while the one in Jaisalmer was built in 1156. There is such amazing attention to detail, and these sandstone creations look as delicate as lace. The Jodhpur fort was by far more impressive, with many gates and buildings that are more grandiose and with such precision. The Jaisalmer Fort is much more commercialized, with many shops, restaurants, hotels, and families still living there. It is actually on the list of 100 World Monuments on the watch, because the sewage system is literally causing it to disintegrate.
Crappy sewage or not, these are such incredible places to see up close and personal.
We are in Jaisalmer now...in the dessert. We arrived yesterday and today are just chillin. It's nice to hang out, instead of being on the go constantly. Today we are shopping around for an overnight camel safari, where you sleep in the dessert on the ground, under the stars, in solitary (with you and your guide/camel driver) beauty. It might be a little spendy, like $16 per person, but how often can you go on a camel safari in the dessert of India?
Here and in Jodhpur, where we were prior to Jaisalmer, there are incredible historical architectural structures known as Forts. They are the places where the Kings and Queen's lived, along with their followers. The Forts are on top of huge rock formations, from 85 - 125 meters up from the city. During the times of British takeover, there were many wars that were fought at these monuments.
The fort in Jodhpur was built in the 1400's, while the one in Jaisalmer was built in 1156. There is such amazing attention to detail, and these sandstone creations look as delicate as lace. The Jodhpur fort was by far more impressive, with many gates and buildings that are more grandiose and with such precision. The Jaisalmer Fort is much more commercialized, with many shops, restaurants, hotels, and families still living there. It is actually on the list of 100 World Monuments on the watch, because the sewage system is literally causing it to disintegrate.
Crappy sewage or not, these are such incredible places to see up close and personal.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Awaiting My First India Train Experience
We got into Delhi at 5:30 am yesterday. Originally we just wanted to find a place to sleep for a couple of hours, till check out at noon...either people didn't get it, or they were being a little money grubbing because we still would have to pay 300+ rs for 4 hours. After not sleeping at all on a bumpy, nauseous ride with other passengers way too close for comfort with horrible gas and breath, and hacking up a lung, we decided to stay in Majnu ka Tilla again for the night.
Yesterday, we got our train tickets for the next 4 trips we will be doing.
Paying for the sleeper class, one of the cheapest options, I find myself a little anxious for what this, or these, nights will hold. I have heard that people in the sitting class will try to get into your berth with you all night, making you fight and push them off. We'll see what happens. All I know is if it is a horrible and uncomfortable ride, I will definitely pay the extra rupees to make sure I have my own bed. I guess we'll cross that road if need be. But a 12 hour train ride of pushing away creepy Indian men sounds like no fun at all...
I will be sure to keep you updated on this event.
Our train leaves tonight at 8:45pm from the Old Delhi train station and we arrive in Jodhpur, Rajastan at 8:00am. We will spend one night in this 'blue city' and then we are going to Jaisalmer for 3 nights to watch the sunset over the rolling dessert, and maybe go on a camel safari depending on prices.
From there we have a ticket to go back to Jodhpur in order to catch another train that day to Agra, the place of the famous Taj Mahal.
I am stoked to leave Delhi, as I am also interested, and a little nervous, for this ride...
Yesterday, we got our train tickets for the next 4 trips we will be doing.
Paying for the sleeper class, one of the cheapest options, I find myself a little anxious for what this, or these, nights will hold. I have heard that people in the sitting class will try to get into your berth with you all night, making you fight and push them off. We'll see what happens. All I know is if it is a horrible and uncomfortable ride, I will definitely pay the extra rupees to make sure I have my own bed. I guess we'll cross that road if need be. But a 12 hour train ride of pushing away creepy Indian men sounds like no fun at all...
I will be sure to keep you updated on this event.
Our train leaves tonight at 8:45pm from the Old Delhi train station and we arrive in Jodhpur, Rajastan at 8:00am. We will spend one night in this 'blue city' and then we are going to Jaisalmer for 3 nights to watch the sunset over the rolling dessert, and maybe go on a camel safari depending on prices.
From there we have a ticket to go back to Jodhpur in order to catch another train that day to Agra, the place of the famous Taj Mahal.
I am stoked to leave Delhi, as I am also interested, and a little nervous, for this ride...
Saturday, December 6, 2008
In McLeod Gang, which is about 15 min. North of Daramsala. It is really nice to be in a much quieter, cleaner place than Delhi. It has been peaceful and more our pace to walk through this Tibetan refugee area. Yesterday we went to the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. We were able to see them practicing some music routines: think traditional Tibetan music meets the movement of marching band. It was really awesome. They do really great things at TIPA, especially keeping the Tibetan Arts alive and moving. We are going to miss it by 4 days...there is a big performance/celebration for the Dali Lama receiving his Nobel Peace Prize, which they do every anniversary. But, at least we got to hear them and watch them practice. And I got a copy of a synopsis of a traditional Tibetan opera, which I would love to use some how, even just in the class room to dramatize it. Today we are going to the temple and area where the Dali Lama resides. And then we get to go back on the bus!
The bus ride was/is an overnight, 12 hour, no sleep ride...which we get to repeat tonight! Yay! ick.
We have to go back to Delhi...boooooooooooooo!
Turns out you can't ship tea, incense, or cameras...all of which we had packed in the boxes to be shipped. Of course. :) And we very well are not going to just ditch all of that, so we will go back, pick all that up, and get train tickets to go to Jaisalmer, Rajastan. Hopefully.
I find myself worrying about what the hell I am going to do in 2 months, how I will survive on the little money I will have, and what not. But then I don't even know what I will be doing tomorrow or the next day...
So, why worry? It will all work out, right? It's got to.
The bus ride was/is an overnight, 12 hour, no sleep ride...which we get to repeat tonight! Yay! ick.
We have to go back to Delhi...boooooooooooooo!
Turns out you can't ship tea, incense, or cameras...all of which we had packed in the boxes to be shipped. Of course. :) And we very well are not going to just ditch all of that, so we will go back, pick all that up, and get train tickets to go to Jaisalmer, Rajastan. Hopefully.
I find myself worrying about what the hell I am going to do in 2 months, how I will survive on the little money I will have, and what not. But then I don't even know what I will be doing tomorrow or the next day...
So, why worry? It will all work out, right? It's got to.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Last moments in Nepal, and Now
I am already ready to leave Delhi and explore the beautiful parts of India. Luckily we are staying in an area that is quite pleasant...it's called Majnu ka Tila, a Tibetan Refugee area. It is much more quiet and calm than a lot of Delhi. We just packed all of our stuff in boxes that we are shipping home. Of course with my luck I was unable to send my computer, so that will be a pain in the arse to carry, but what can you do? It feels really nice to have all of that stuff gone, but also makes us fairly nervous...and it was expensive!!!! But now I only have a half full backpack and laptop, yay. We have to go back to the Vietnam Embassy to pick up our passports because we applied for our visas yesterday.
Tomorrow we will go to Daramsala, a lovely 12 hour bus ride, another major Tibetan refugee area, where the 14th Dali Lama lives.
After that we are not too sure where we are going, maybe to Rajastan to play in the desert and with a sleepy eyed camel.
It feels like Nepal was forever ago, though it was only 2 days ago we left.
That last 1/2 day was amazing and annoying.
The first part of the day was great. After speaking with my mom (it had been quite some time) I jetted over to school. They have an assembly in the morning where they do some movement exercises and sing some songs. Then we said our farewells. It is tradition in the Hindu culture to give Tikka - the red powder - on your face and send blessings when someone departs. For about 20 minutes I (and TJ!!) were being covered with tikka...it started on the forehead, but by the end of it my entire face and neck was covered (TJ still has some red in his beard). I was showered with flowers, garlands, white scarves, presents, drawn pictures, letters, hugs and kisses. It was so great. Such a nice way to say goodbye to those amazing students. I went from class to class telling them I love them and giving my email...when I got to class 7 I bawled, and cried through several other goodbyes. I didn't mean to make anyone else cry, but I did.
Then saying goodbye at my house was nice, simple, and not too emotional...I just have a gut instinct that I will see them again.
Amma (mom) gave us the traditional tikka (this one only on the top of the forehead) and blessings of food - curd and oranges - as well as white scarves. My family was so amazing and I am forever grateful for being able to live in their home and be accepted as a daughter and sister.
ahhhhhh...soo nice.
Then the airport - dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
So...my whole issue with my visa shit that I explain rather thouroughly in past posts.
I get to customs and apparently there is absolutely no communication between the immigration office and the airport. I almost didn't leave Nepal because I was "in the country for 152 days" - which I was not. I was in Nepal for 147 days because I left for Varanasi SO THAT I wouldn't have an issue. Oh It was frustrating as hell. After about an hour or more of explaining again and again my situation I ended up paying $33 for A DAY visa, so that I could leave. Bullshit. But money really talks, well everywhere, especially in developing countries.
So that was the frustration of my last moments in Nepal.
At least I am here, and everything is working as it should right now.
Tomorrow we will go to Daramsala, a lovely 12 hour bus ride, another major Tibetan refugee area, where the 14th Dali Lama lives.
After that we are not too sure where we are going, maybe to Rajastan to play in the desert and with a sleepy eyed camel.
It feels like Nepal was forever ago, though it was only 2 days ago we left.
That last 1/2 day was amazing and annoying.
The first part of the day was great. After speaking with my mom (it had been quite some time) I jetted over to school. They have an assembly in the morning where they do some movement exercises and sing some songs. Then we said our farewells. It is tradition in the Hindu culture to give Tikka - the red powder - on your face and send blessings when someone departs. For about 20 minutes I (and TJ!!) were being covered with tikka...it started on the forehead, but by the end of it my entire face and neck was covered (TJ still has some red in his beard). I was showered with flowers, garlands, white scarves, presents, drawn pictures, letters, hugs and kisses. It was so great. Such a nice way to say goodbye to those amazing students. I went from class to class telling them I love them and giving my email...when I got to class 7 I bawled, and cried through several other goodbyes. I didn't mean to make anyone else cry, but I did.
Then saying goodbye at my house was nice, simple, and not too emotional...I just have a gut instinct that I will see them again.
Amma (mom) gave us the traditional tikka (this one only on the top of the forehead) and blessings of food - curd and oranges - as well as white scarves. My family was so amazing and I am forever grateful for being able to live in their home and be accepted as a daughter and sister.
ahhhhhh...soo nice.
Then the airport - dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
So...my whole issue with my visa shit that I explain rather thouroughly in past posts.
I get to customs and apparently there is absolutely no communication between the immigration office and the airport. I almost didn't leave Nepal because I was "in the country for 152 days" - which I was not. I was in Nepal for 147 days because I left for Varanasi SO THAT I wouldn't have an issue. Oh It was frustrating as hell. After about an hour or more of explaining again and again my situation I ended up paying $33 for A DAY visa, so that I could leave. Bullshit. But money really talks, well everywhere, especially in developing countries.
So that was the frustration of my last moments in Nepal.
At least I am here, and everything is working as it should right now.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
In Incredible India!
In Delhi right now...we will be here for another day and then we are going to Darmsala.
I just wanted to write really quick to tell you all that we are here safe and sound (and telling everyone we are from Canada). TJ is waiting for me outside, but I will write soon to tell you about my last moments in Nepal; the beautiful and frustrating sides of it all.
I am glad to be on this next part of the adventure!!!!!
I just wanted to write really quick to tell you all that we are here safe and sound (and telling everyone we are from Canada). TJ is waiting for me outside, but I will write soon to tell you about my last moments in Nepal; the beautiful and frustrating sides of it all.
I am glad to be on this next part of the adventure!!!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Last Day in Nepal
Namaste! The last day in Nepal is turning out to be a bitter sweet day. I was supposed to teach all day...that was the plan long before TJ got here and we left for trekking and the like. Some people are just power-grubbing and want to prove their status no matter what. I made a schedule to teach and thought it was all squared away...but Patel (AHHHHHHHHHHHHH) had to throw things the way he wanted, just to prove his power control. So, after telling the students I couldn't wait to have one last drama class with them all, and getting them and myself excited, he decides it's "just not possible". Bullshit.
I had a class with grades 1 and 3...that's it. I just don't understand how people - how he - can be like this. Just so greedy and controlling, and has no qualms with disappointing his students (I know he gives a rats ass about me, but come on! You are the director of a school! Have a little compassion for the children you are educating!)...
I made sure to tell all of the classes that I was planning to teach them, but Mr.Patel thought otherwise. I told them how much I love them, am proud of them, and I will miss them so much. I will go to the morning assembly tomorrow to say the final goodbye and shed some tears and then we hop on the plane to Delhi.
While I am sad to leave Nepal, my family, the students, and friends here, I am also really looking forward to this next chapter of our adventure. I have been here for so long, and packing is not easy. And though I was brought so much joy teaching the students at Pragya, I am also really glad to be leaving this mess. Patel is such a money hog and conniving person, I hope to never have to work with some one like this again. It has been a great learning experience though, I will give him that.
Though there have been unexpected frustrations, in and out of the school, I wouldn't take anything back or change a thing. (Only if there was a way to get Patel fired...but I don't think that's possible.) Nepal has been truly incredible and eye opening in so many ways.
I am looking forward to India, Thailand (with Lindsey!!!) and Vietnam. I am ready for the beaches.
I had a class with grades 1 and 3...that's it. I just don't understand how people - how he - can be like this. Just so greedy and controlling, and has no qualms with disappointing his students (I know he gives a rats ass about me, but come on! You are the director of a school! Have a little compassion for the children you are educating!)...
I made sure to tell all of the classes that I was planning to teach them, but Mr.Patel thought otherwise. I told them how much I love them, am proud of them, and I will miss them so much. I will go to the morning assembly tomorrow to say the final goodbye and shed some tears and then we hop on the plane to Delhi.
While I am sad to leave Nepal, my family, the students, and friends here, I am also really looking forward to this next chapter of our adventure. I have been here for so long, and packing is not easy. And though I was brought so much joy teaching the students at Pragya, I am also really glad to be leaving this mess. Patel is such a money hog and conniving person, I hope to never have to work with some one like this again. It has been a great learning experience though, I will give him that.
Though there have been unexpected frustrations, in and out of the school, I wouldn't take anything back or change a thing. (Only if there was a way to get Patel fired...but I don't think that's possible.) Nepal has been truly incredible and eye opening in so many ways.
I am looking forward to India, Thailand (with Lindsey!!!) and Vietnam. I am ready for the beaches.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello! I hope this finds you with fully satisfied bellies from eating and drinking delicious Turkey Day treats. Being in Nepal, it really does not feel like Thanksgiving...at all. It is still pretty warm here, in the 80's, sunny, and only on occasion do you see colored and fallen leaves. Actually on the trek I had a strange moment of realizing it was fall - after descending from the mountains and getting into nature with vegetation. Even though we were at 17,776 feet and trekking through the snow on the day of the pass, it did not feel like fall.
TJ and I leave for Kathmandu tomorrow, the 28th. Then it's on to India on December 2nd. Now, I know you may be concerned - let's face it, not may be, but you are - with us going to India with such conflict stirring there. I won't lie, I am too. But just to remind you, TJ and I are smart and we'll follow our good instincts - if it is really not seeming like a good idea to stay there, we will leave. There are so many countries I would love to visit in South Asia. Also, we are traveling as low budget as possible, without begging or sleeping on the streets. We never stay at swanky hotels or eat at higher end places - in fact we avoid those areas all together because, well, we simply can't afford it, and it's not our 'style' (if you will). We want to spend as little time as possible in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai...they are disgusting and smell, and there are too many people. Rest assured; or try your darnedest (Parents :) )
It is pretty strange to be leaving Nepal so soon. I have developed such a community and a life here, but I am also excited for what is to come. There have been so many challenges in living here, a developing country; teaching, living with a family, dealing with a money grubbing director (of the school). There have been really trying times, but I have learned more than I expected. Every day has been and continues to be filled with joy, love, laughter, living in the present, and struggle. Struggle with how I fit into the Nepali life, and how I do not in any way. Struggle with the overwhelming senses that fill my nostrils, eyes, ears, and skin. Struggle with teaching students who didn't know how, because they were never given the chance, to utilize their beautiful imaginations. Struggle with eating Dal baht (rice and lentil soup) everyday, twice a day. Struggle with the patriarical ways. Struggle understanding this culture - the caste system, the religion, the ideals on which to build a business...
All of these I wouldn't take back for a second.
In fact, I found myself relishing in these struggles, even when I wanted them to end.
I am thankful for being able to live in this area of the world. In a country that is the 9th poorest in the world; and I come from the most powerful nation in the world. I am thankful for teaching these students and giving them something they have never had. I am thankful for living with a welcoming family. I am thankful I worked my ass off to get here and came independently. I am thankful that Obama is the president, and now there is hope (as an aside, it was amazing to be in this country during the elections...and to see that everyone in the world is really affected by the U.S. government. Everyone.) I am thankful for now having a great travel partner. Mostly I am thankful for my family and friends who continuously support me - in Nepal and in the U.S.
I wish I could have dinner with my 2, or make that 3, families in the States...but I will think of you tonight as I eat mashed potatoes and drink red wine.
Thanks for reading. Lots of Love.
Happy Thanksgiving!
TJ and I leave for Kathmandu tomorrow, the 28th. Then it's on to India on December 2nd. Now, I know you may be concerned - let's face it, not may be, but you are - with us going to India with such conflict stirring there. I won't lie, I am too. But just to remind you, TJ and I are smart and we'll follow our good instincts - if it is really not seeming like a good idea to stay there, we will leave. There are so many countries I would love to visit in South Asia. Also, we are traveling as low budget as possible, without begging or sleeping on the streets. We never stay at swanky hotels or eat at higher end places - in fact we avoid those areas all together because, well, we simply can't afford it, and it's not our 'style' (if you will). We want to spend as little time as possible in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai...they are disgusting and smell, and there are too many people. Rest assured; or try your darnedest (Parents :) )
It is pretty strange to be leaving Nepal so soon. I have developed such a community and a life here, but I am also excited for what is to come. There have been so many challenges in living here, a developing country; teaching, living with a family, dealing with a money grubbing director (of the school). There have been really trying times, but I have learned more than I expected. Every day has been and continues to be filled with joy, love, laughter, living in the present, and struggle. Struggle with how I fit into the Nepali life, and how I do not in any way. Struggle with the overwhelming senses that fill my nostrils, eyes, ears, and skin. Struggle with teaching students who didn't know how, because they were never given the chance, to utilize their beautiful imaginations. Struggle with eating Dal baht (rice and lentil soup) everyday, twice a day. Struggle with the patriarical ways. Struggle understanding this culture - the caste system, the religion, the ideals on which to build a business...
All of these I wouldn't take back for a second.
In fact, I found myself relishing in these struggles, even when I wanted them to end.
I am thankful for being able to live in this area of the world. In a country that is the 9th poorest in the world; and I come from the most powerful nation in the world. I am thankful for teaching these students and giving them something they have never had. I am thankful for living with a welcoming family. I am thankful I worked my ass off to get here and came independently. I am thankful that Obama is the president, and now there is hope (as an aside, it was amazing to be in this country during the elections...and to see that everyone in the world is really affected by the U.S. government. Everyone.) I am thankful for now having a great travel partner. Mostly I am thankful for my family and friends who continuously support me - in Nepal and in the U.S.
I wish I could have dinner with my 2, or make that 3, families in the States...but I will think of you tonight as I eat mashed potatoes and drink red wine.
Thanks for reading. Lots of Love.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 24, 2008
oh my oh my oh my. first of, I will acknowledge that I have been really slacking on my blog...sorry. The internet hasn't been exactly fast, or working at all in some places, or cheap. Any who, here I am.
We are back in Pokhara...just can't get enough. It is really such a nice place, and we were going to make our way back to Kathmandu but what's the rush. Our original plan was to make our way over to the Everest region, but we realized that was a little unpractical. First, it's basically across the country - so we'd spend 4 days at least traveling by bus - and you don't really get views unless you do several - 10 days of hiking. So, we really didn't have the time or money for that. I am so glad I was able to do the Everest flight...thank you again and again, Dad.
We will spend a couple nights at a village, Nagrakot, where you can get views during sunrise and sunset, when the sky''s most clear, or Everest. It will be tiny, but it's better than not seeing it at all.
Our adventures have been amazing. Once leaving Pokhara we went to Chitwan National Park. It was pretty surreal to be in a completely different environment than before: enormous peaks to total jungle with tigers and rhinos and the like.
We went on a 1/2 day walk where we were only so lucky as to see monkeys and birds. Then we went on a 1/2 day jeep safari, where we not only saw those creatures but rhinos! So cool! The next day we went on an elephant safari...I am torn between loving it and hating it, because it really makes me sad to see elephants treated so horribly and to think HOW much money is given to ride some elephants...so sad.
The best and most fun part by far was getting bathed by our elephant. She was so sweet and was dunking us, and spraying us with her trunk...we'd crawl on and she'd make us fall in the river again. So much fun.
From there we went to Lumbini. It was truly amazing to be at such a place - with such history, religion, and life. Lumbini it self wasn't a great village, dirty, but going into the park full of Buddhist monasteries, temples, meditation centers, and the very site of Buddha's birth was more than great.
We left on the night bus the day we decided to go back to Pokhara. (I love the spontaneity of our adventures, it makes it so much more exciting.) All was well, until I got really really sick. I highly recommend that you never vomit on an overnight bus...it was so miserable. So we are on our 3rd day here, though this is the first day I am actually out and about. And it's taken up quite a bit of energy. Who knows why I got sick? ... brushing my teeth with the water, maybe?
The good news is that I had a full meal this morning, and so far so good.
I will try to keep this sucka up more, promise.
We are back in Pokhara...just can't get enough. It is really such a nice place, and we were going to make our way back to Kathmandu but what's the rush. Our original plan was to make our way over to the Everest region, but we realized that was a little unpractical. First, it's basically across the country - so we'd spend 4 days at least traveling by bus - and you don't really get views unless you do several - 10 days of hiking. So, we really didn't have the time or money for that. I am so glad I was able to do the Everest flight...thank you again and again, Dad.
We will spend a couple nights at a village, Nagrakot, where you can get views during sunrise and sunset, when the sky''s most clear, or Everest. It will be tiny, but it's better than not seeing it at all.
Our adventures have been amazing. Once leaving Pokhara we went to Chitwan National Park. It was pretty surreal to be in a completely different environment than before: enormous peaks to total jungle with tigers and rhinos and the like.
We went on a 1/2 day walk where we were only so lucky as to see monkeys and birds. Then we went on a 1/2 day jeep safari, where we not only saw those creatures but rhinos! So cool! The next day we went on an elephant safari...I am torn between loving it and hating it, because it really makes me sad to see elephants treated so horribly and to think HOW much money is given to ride some elephants...so sad.
The best and most fun part by far was getting bathed by our elephant. She was so sweet and was dunking us, and spraying us with her trunk...we'd crawl on and she'd make us fall in the river again. So much fun.
From there we went to Lumbini. It was truly amazing to be at such a place - with such history, religion, and life. Lumbini it self wasn't a great village, dirty, but going into the park full of Buddhist monasteries, temples, meditation centers, and the very site of Buddha's birth was more than great.
We left on the night bus the day we decided to go back to Pokhara. (I love the spontaneity of our adventures, it makes it so much more exciting.) All was well, until I got really really sick. I highly recommend that you never vomit on an overnight bus...it was so miserable. So we are on our 3rd day here, though this is the first day I am actually out and about. And it's taken up quite a bit of energy. Who knows why I got sick? ... brushing my teeth with the water, maybe?
The good news is that I had a full meal this morning, and so far so good.
I will try to keep this sucka up more, promise.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Namaste! Hola! HEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Back from the trek. It was amazing. Just so surreal and incredible to be surrounded by such gigantic peaks. We ended up only doing the Annapurna Circuit trek, walking mostly everyday and we were gone for 22 days. Now we are in Pokhara chillin by a lake and relaxing, treating ourselves to pizza and wine.
The trek starts in a village called Beshishar. The big 'goal' was the Thorang La Pass at 17,776 feet, after about 10 days of continuous hiking. Not only was the mountains and the nature gorgeous, but walking through villages and meeting people and playing with kids was also wonderful. The first rest day, to acclimatize, was at Manang. I was actually really feeling affects of altitude. I had a headache, and was tired, pretty nauseous, and sometimes felt really dizzy. It is crazy to get out of breath for doing the littlest thing like drinking water, and to feel your heart beating really fast especially when hiking. So we decided to stay in Manang for an extra day to so I could better acclimatize. There is no hurry if you are feeling shitty and a little nervous about getting altitude sickness, HAPE, or HACE. At first I was bummed to stay an extra day, but got over that quick.
Reaching the pass was so rewarding. The day of the pass we had to go up over 2,000feet in elevation and down 6,000 feet...a long day, especially at high elevation. The views were spectacular and it was great to relish in that sense of accomplishment. Until you go down. It's never fun to go down so much, especially with 30 lbs packs. Though it did feel good to go down in elevation, even with shaky legs. When we got to Jomsom, a pretty big village, we realized that we needed cash if we wanted to eat and sleep on the trail for 2.5 more weeks. (It was more expensive than we planned for.) Of course, by the time we checked into a guesthouse and then went to the ATM - the only one on the trail - it was closed. The next day was a holiday. The next day there was low power...but they finally turned it on, so off we went. A couple of days later TJ got really sick, so we were in another village for a couple of days. By the end of that, we decided to cut it short. TJ was really hiked out and recovering from being so sick, and I use it as another excuse to come back and do the Base Camp trek. The only really shitty thing was that TJ's camera broke before the pass. Luckily in Manang we go a little disposable, hopefully they turn out. And we bought a camera in Pokhara for the rest of the trip.
All in all it has been amazing.
Tomorrow we leave to go to the Chitwan National Park, to bathe elephants and go on a jungle safari. I am really stoked, I just hope the elephants are treated kindly or I will probably cry.
After Chitwan we will go to Lumbini; a village right on the boarder of India. The birthplace of Buddha.
Then we'll jet over to the Everest Region to catch some views of the highest mountain in the world.
After that, it's back to Kathmandu. I'll say good-buy to the students at school and my family and friends, and we're off to India.
Back from the trek. It was amazing. Just so surreal and incredible to be surrounded by such gigantic peaks. We ended up only doing the Annapurna Circuit trek, walking mostly everyday and we were gone for 22 days. Now we are in Pokhara chillin by a lake and relaxing, treating ourselves to pizza and wine.
The trek starts in a village called Beshishar. The big 'goal' was the Thorang La Pass at 17,776 feet, after about 10 days of continuous hiking. Not only was the mountains and the nature gorgeous, but walking through villages and meeting people and playing with kids was also wonderful. The first rest day, to acclimatize, was at Manang. I was actually really feeling affects of altitude. I had a headache, and was tired, pretty nauseous, and sometimes felt really dizzy. It is crazy to get out of breath for doing the littlest thing like drinking water, and to feel your heart beating really fast especially when hiking. So we decided to stay in Manang for an extra day to so I could better acclimatize. There is no hurry if you are feeling shitty and a little nervous about getting altitude sickness, HAPE, or HACE. At first I was bummed to stay an extra day, but got over that quick.
Reaching the pass was so rewarding. The day of the pass we had to go up over 2,000feet in elevation and down 6,000 feet...a long day, especially at high elevation. The views were spectacular and it was great to relish in that sense of accomplishment. Until you go down. It's never fun to go down so much, especially with 30 lbs packs. Though it did feel good to go down in elevation, even with shaky legs. When we got to Jomsom, a pretty big village, we realized that we needed cash if we wanted to eat and sleep on the trail for 2.5 more weeks. (It was more expensive than we planned for.) Of course, by the time we checked into a guesthouse and then went to the ATM - the only one on the trail - it was closed. The next day was a holiday. The next day there was low power...but they finally turned it on, so off we went. A couple of days later TJ got really sick, so we were in another village for a couple of days. By the end of that, we decided to cut it short. TJ was really hiked out and recovering from being so sick, and I use it as another excuse to come back and do the Base Camp trek. The only really shitty thing was that TJ's camera broke before the pass. Luckily in Manang we go a little disposable, hopefully they turn out. And we bought a camera in Pokhara for the rest of the trip.
All in all it has been amazing.
Tomorrow we leave to go to the Chitwan National Park, to bathe elephants and go on a jungle safari. I am really stoked, I just hope the elephants are treated kindly or I will probably cry.
After Chitwan we will go to Lumbini; a village right on the boarder of India. The birthplace of Buddha.
Then we'll jet over to the Everest Region to catch some views of the highest mountain in the world.
After that, it's back to Kathmandu. I'll say good-buy to the students at school and my family and friends, and we're off to India.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Namaste.
Tomorrow TJ and I leave for trekking. We get on the bus at 6:30am and head to Besishwar - a lovely 8-9 hour trip. We'll just spend the night there, and get ready for the trekking excursion to begin. Doing the Annapurna Circuit takes about 16-19 days...and we are tagging on the Annapurna Base Camp, another 10 days or so. I cannot wait to be surrounded by enormous mountains, on sunny days, sweating and getting in shape, while enjoying the magnificent aspect of Nepal.
Especially after teaching and having such a routine at school and at home, then the gym, and random things like going to India, it is going to be so nice to get into the routine of trekking some of the highest mountains. Thorung La pass gets to 17, 800 feet...the highest I will be ever, for now.
The only thing that is really frustrating about doing this trek this time of year, THIS year is the elections. We will be in the mountains on election day - I will be going crazy!!! I doubt there will be any access to news, the internent or anything like that...so I will be going nuts for about a week.
GO OBAMA!!!!! GO DOWN CRAZY PALIN!!!!!!!!!!
So, you may not hear from me for a while. But know, and trust, that we are safe and having a great time. (I have been 'praying' to the anti-blister god. I mean, they have to have an anti-blister god since there are 33.3 million gods in the Hindu religion, right?)
Much love...
Especially after teaching and having such a routine at school and at home, then the gym, and random things like going to India, it is going to be so nice to get into the routine of trekking some of the highest mountains. Thorung La pass gets to 17, 800 feet...the highest I will be ever, for now.
The only thing that is really frustrating about doing this trek this time of year, THIS year is the elections. We will be in the mountains on election day - I will be going crazy!!! I doubt there will be any access to news, the internent or anything like that...so I will be going nuts for about a week.
GO OBAMA!!!!! GO DOWN CRAZY PALIN!!!!!!!!!!
So, you may not hear from me for a while. But know, and trust, that we are safe and having a great time. (I have been 'praying' to the anti-blister god. I mean, they have to have an anti-blister god since there are 33.3 million gods in the Hindu religion, right?)
Much love...
Friday, October 17, 2008
All is well...as well as it can be. We are having a great time together. It is lovely being together and playing catch up. It is great to still feel so familiar and comfortable with such a close friend, and to be able to start this new 'chapter'.
The internet is really expensive here, so I am making this short.
Today we went to Bodhnath, my favorite place in Kathmandu. We will leave for trekking on Monday. Last night and tonight we are staying at this really cute guest house...we don't know our plans yet for the rest of the days we are here, but that is nice. I like playing it by ear, and doing what ever we want in the moment.
Another beautiful thing about Nepal.
If you want to follow TJ's adventures (and read about his NOLS course, which sounds and looks amazing) he has a blog: tjinasia.blogspot.com (TJ in Asia)
Until later, live it, love it, and laugh...tons!
The internet is really expensive here, so I am making this short.
Today we went to Bodhnath, my favorite place in Kathmandu. We will leave for trekking on Monday. Last night and tonight we are staying at this really cute guest house...we don't know our plans yet for the rest of the days we are here, but that is nice. I like playing it by ear, and doing what ever we want in the moment.
Another beautiful thing about Nepal.
If you want to follow TJ's adventures (and read about his NOLS course, which sounds and looks amazing) he has a blog: tjinasia.blogspot.com (TJ in Asia)
Until later, live it, love it, and laugh...tons!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
today is the day
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
Today TJ comes to Kathmandu. It is so strange after not seeing him for so long. But I can't wait. I am considering going to the airport with a sign "TJ SEREN"...just in case we don't recognize each other. ;)
As of today, I will be back in the States in 4 months...pretty nuts.
But that I have already been gone 4 months, it seems like it will go by really fast.
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!
Today TJ comes to Kathmandu. It is so strange after not seeing him for so long. But I can't wait. I am considering going to the airport with a sign "TJ SEREN"...just in case we don't recognize each other. ;)
As of today, I will be back in the States in 4 months...pretty nuts.
But that I have already been gone 4 months, it seems like it will go by really fast.
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Breath of Fresh Air
I am back in Kathmandu. I got back 2 days ago. It is nice to be home...in Nepal.
I was spending a lot of time with Amy, her mother and grandmother. It was very nice. They left today. I am so glad I had the chance to meet them.
Yesterday morning, at 6:30am, we boarded a little jet plane that can go the highest elevations, and did the mountain flight. We flew so close to the entire range of spectacular mountains...I felt like I could just reach out and touch Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the rest of the highest peaks in the world. It was very unbelievable, and so incredible to be so near to the mountains that I only saw in movies or my imagination, or read about in books. To be so close to where so many lives have been taken attempting to climb the marvelous peak(s). To be so close to the most grandiose of mother natures creations.
I feel so lucky to be living this life. To have such amazing and supportive parents. To have taught theatre in Nepal. To learn so much about myself and where I stand in this crazy world.
TJ comes to Kathmandu the day after tomorrow...Thursday - or Wednesday night for those of you on the other side of the world. I can't wait to see him. I know we both have learned so much the last 3&1/2 months and it is going to be great to share that with each other.
I was spending a lot of time with Amy, her mother and grandmother. It was very nice. They left today. I am so glad I had the chance to meet them.
Yesterday morning, at 6:30am, we boarded a little jet plane that can go the highest elevations, and did the mountain flight. We flew so close to the entire range of spectacular mountains...I felt like I could just reach out and touch Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the rest of the highest peaks in the world. It was very unbelievable, and so incredible to be so near to the mountains that I only saw in movies or my imagination, or read about in books. To be so close to where so many lives have been taken attempting to climb the marvelous peak(s). To be so close to the most grandiose of mother natures creations.
I feel so lucky to be living this life. To have such amazing and supportive parents. To have taught theatre in Nepal. To learn so much about myself and where I stand in this crazy world.
TJ comes to Kathmandu the day after tomorrow...Thursday - or Wednesday night for those of you on the other side of the world. I can't wait to see him. I know we both have learned so much the last 3&1/2 months and it is going to be great to share that with each other.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Finding something
All is still well with me in one of the holiest cities in India. I am having such an incredible time. 2 days ago I went to the University here, Banaras U. It is HUGE. I mean, really really large and in charge. It is the biggest college in all of Asia, so it damn well better be big. It was like going far away. The campus was gorgeous, with thousands of trees and so green. All of the buildings were ancient looking, and there are 3 of the largest temples there. It was so nice to be able to go 10 minutes and be in quiet (no honking allowed, and I could sit in peaceful green and read. I miss reading in parks so much).
In the evening I walked straight into a procession that was happening for the Durga Festival. It is the largest Hindu festival in India. All over the city, and probably the country, there were tents with statues, made from clay and painted in radiant colors, of the Gods they worship for this festival. Durga is the Goddess who brings forth good fortune for the less fortunate, and prosperity for the year to come. They took all of the statues from the dozens of tents (I am sure there is some sort of better name for them, but I will call them 'tents', as I do not know the more proper/religious/Hindi name for these 'tents') and put them in the bed of trucks. There were men leading the procession playing drums and cymbals, dancing and singing, and playing with fire (again, maybe there is a better word for the 'playing with fire' part). About a hundred people were following the truck, and the dancers, clapping and singing along. I decided to join. It was so fun. There was such an incredible energy radiating through out the city. Full of hope and freedom. And this was just one of the hundreds of processions that was occurring. We - I can be included in this now - went down to Assi Ghat, singing and dancing, clapping and chanting. The men carried the statues down to the water, where they were put on boats. The boats all went to bring the statues to a couple of specific ghats where the following day(s) people go to worship them. Then they are sent down the Ganges River, where the statues (since made of clay) become one again with the earth and those who are also in the heart of the Ganges and the Gods. The cycle is therefore never ending, and can only continue for years to come.
Beautiful.
Yesterday, Friday, I went to Sarnath. Sarnath is a part of Varanasi - but a world of it's own. It is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon and he was then on recognized at a huge religious leader. Marie (my french friend who now lives here) has a friend who has a shop right across from the main gate, Maha Dev. He is an elder Indian with such an incredible spirit and smile, and makes the best Lassi I have ever had in my life. I went to his shop first thing, where I tasted God itself (the banana lassi) and had chai with him. Then I went into the park, where the Mahabodi Temple is. There are disagreements as to the site of the first sermon, though they are all in the same 1km vicinity. This temple though, radiated energy that was vibrating to your soul. I know that sounds cheesy and cliche, but really it was something different than any other place on earth. The temple was made of marble stone, and inside was painted with Buddha and his followers, the temptations of desire and anger, and the enlightened one. Straight when you walk in is a gigantic gold statue of Buddha. For those of you who know me, I am not religious. Spiritual yes, but I have never followed a religion.
For the first time in my life, I prayed. I was compelled to get on my knees and pray. That has never happened to me. Even when some of the most important people in my life died. But yesterday, in the midst of all the people swarming in to see the sight of Buddha's first sermon, and people taking pictures for a donation, I got down and I brought my hands together and I prayed. And I was brought to tears. Not because I was sad or unhappy. They just streamed out of my eyes with no control. I can't explain how I felt. But it was incredible and sublime, and something I have never experienced before.
Next to the temple is a park, and to the side of that is where monasteries were, until they were destroyed with the Muslim control to bring forth Hinduism. In addition to the remains of the monasteries of Buddha were the remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa where it concealed a green marble casket full of human bones, decayed pearls, and a gold leaf. Next to that, the only standing 'monument' is the Dharmekh Stupa, otherwise known as Dharma Chakra Stupa. It is made of 33.5 meters of stone and forms a cylindrical tower...another place that is argued as to where Buddha gave his first sermon. All in all it is incredible. There is so much history there, and such peace. I sat by the sights of the monasteries and meditated for I don't know how long. I have no words to describe how serene this experience was.
After I meditated, I looked over and someone was walking toward me. Maha Dev's son. He asked me if I wanted to see the rest of the temples in Sarnath. Of course! So we hoped on his motorbike and he took me to see the temples and monasteries.
The first place we went to was a Tibetan Monastery. They were praying, performing chants and playing long metal horns and huge drums. It is what you would hear on any film about Tibetan Buddhism...sounding just like that. We were able to sit there, with another gigantic gold Buddha statue in front of us. It is a new monastery, that took 15 years to build. (Apparently the Dali Lama is coming in December to this monastery.)
After sitting in a park by there for a while, we went to the Burmese Vihara, of course, another amazing place.
Following that we went to a place called the Great Light House. I am not too sure what 'faith' this is, as it represented all faiths, along with robots. It does make me curious though (they have a site in Redmond, WA if you are interested).
Then we went to the Thai temple; the Japanese Temple (with some of the most detailed wood work I have ever seen - of Buddha); another, very old, Tibetan monastery; A Shiva Temple (the only one of the Hindu faith); and a Chinese Temple (with my beloved Laughing Buddha).
It was such a powerful day. It is so interesting, and challenging, to be in such a historically religious place. I feel a true connection to Buddhism. Not because I visited all of these places, but because of such an idea of peace within ones' self. I have always been intrigued by this religion; and I have never been so moved my a religion before.
Maybe it is being on this side of the world that is honing this within me. Maybe it is practicing yoga and meditation, and finding such peace. Maybe it is learning more about the religion that makes it even more interesting as to how I can apply the practices into my life practically.
I don't know.
I do know that being in India has been such a different learning experience...and especially because I was able to have this experience on my own. I have learned a lot about myself. Not just in the last 5 days, but in the last 3.5 months. I have learned what I am passionate about, and what I want to change - or morph - about myself.
I want to travel (and not doing volunteer work my whole life, though that would be extremely satisfying I have to eat and live) bringing theatre to those who are not privileged so they can express their lives and hardships. I want to do theatre, so I can express myself and humanity I am surrounded by...humanity that people choose to ignore.
Only time can tell...
I guess we'll see.
In the evening I walked straight into a procession that was happening for the Durga Festival. It is the largest Hindu festival in India. All over the city, and probably the country, there were tents with statues, made from clay and painted in radiant colors, of the Gods they worship for this festival. Durga is the Goddess who brings forth good fortune for the less fortunate, and prosperity for the year to come. They took all of the statues from the dozens of tents (I am sure there is some sort of better name for them, but I will call them 'tents', as I do not know the more proper/religious/Hindi name for these 'tents') and put them in the bed of trucks. There were men leading the procession playing drums and cymbals, dancing and singing, and playing with fire (again, maybe there is a better word for the 'playing with fire' part). About a hundred people were following the truck, and the dancers, clapping and singing along. I decided to join. It was so fun. There was such an incredible energy radiating through out the city. Full of hope and freedom. And this was just one of the hundreds of processions that was occurring. We - I can be included in this now - went down to Assi Ghat, singing and dancing, clapping and chanting. The men carried the statues down to the water, where they were put on boats. The boats all went to bring the statues to a couple of specific ghats where the following day(s) people go to worship them. Then they are sent down the Ganges River, where the statues (since made of clay) become one again with the earth and those who are also in the heart of the Ganges and the Gods. The cycle is therefore never ending, and can only continue for years to come.
Beautiful.
Yesterday, Friday, I went to Sarnath. Sarnath is a part of Varanasi - but a world of it's own. It is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon and he was then on recognized at a huge religious leader. Marie (my french friend who now lives here) has a friend who has a shop right across from the main gate, Maha Dev. He is an elder Indian with such an incredible spirit and smile, and makes the best Lassi I have ever had in my life. I went to his shop first thing, where I tasted God itself (the banana lassi) and had chai with him. Then I went into the park, where the Mahabodi Temple is. There are disagreements as to the site of the first sermon, though they are all in the same 1km vicinity. This temple though, radiated energy that was vibrating to your soul. I know that sounds cheesy and cliche, but really it was something different than any other place on earth. The temple was made of marble stone, and inside was painted with Buddha and his followers, the temptations of desire and anger, and the enlightened one. Straight when you walk in is a gigantic gold statue of Buddha. For those of you who know me, I am not religious. Spiritual yes, but I have never followed a religion.
For the first time in my life, I prayed. I was compelled to get on my knees and pray. That has never happened to me. Even when some of the most important people in my life died. But yesterday, in the midst of all the people swarming in to see the sight of Buddha's first sermon, and people taking pictures for a donation, I got down and I brought my hands together and I prayed. And I was brought to tears. Not because I was sad or unhappy. They just streamed out of my eyes with no control. I can't explain how I felt. But it was incredible and sublime, and something I have never experienced before.
Next to the temple is a park, and to the side of that is where monasteries were, until they were destroyed with the Muslim control to bring forth Hinduism. In addition to the remains of the monasteries of Buddha were the remains of the Dharmarajika Stupa where it concealed a green marble casket full of human bones, decayed pearls, and a gold leaf. Next to that, the only standing 'monument' is the Dharmekh Stupa, otherwise known as Dharma Chakra Stupa. It is made of 33.5 meters of stone and forms a cylindrical tower...another place that is argued as to where Buddha gave his first sermon. All in all it is incredible. There is so much history there, and such peace. I sat by the sights of the monasteries and meditated for I don't know how long. I have no words to describe how serene this experience was.
After I meditated, I looked over and someone was walking toward me. Maha Dev's son. He asked me if I wanted to see the rest of the temples in Sarnath. Of course! So we hoped on his motorbike and he took me to see the temples and monasteries.
The first place we went to was a Tibetan Monastery. They were praying, performing chants and playing long metal horns and huge drums. It is what you would hear on any film about Tibetan Buddhism...sounding just like that. We were able to sit there, with another gigantic gold Buddha statue in front of us. It is a new monastery, that took 15 years to build. (Apparently the Dali Lama is coming in December to this monastery.)
After sitting in a park by there for a while, we went to the Burmese Vihara, of course, another amazing place.
Following that we went to a place called the Great Light House. I am not too sure what 'faith' this is, as it represented all faiths, along with robots. It does make me curious though (they have a site in Redmond, WA if you are interested).
Then we went to the Thai temple; the Japanese Temple (with some of the most detailed wood work I have ever seen - of Buddha); another, very old, Tibetan monastery; A Shiva Temple (the only one of the Hindu faith); and a Chinese Temple (with my beloved Laughing Buddha).
It was such a powerful day. It is so interesting, and challenging, to be in such a historically religious place. I feel a true connection to Buddhism. Not because I visited all of these places, but because of such an idea of peace within ones' self. I have always been intrigued by this religion; and I have never been so moved my a religion before.
Maybe it is being on this side of the world that is honing this within me. Maybe it is practicing yoga and meditation, and finding such peace. Maybe it is learning more about the religion that makes it even more interesting as to how I can apply the practices into my life practically.
I don't know.
I do know that being in India has been such a different learning experience...and especially because I was able to have this experience on my own. I have learned a lot about myself. Not just in the last 5 days, but in the last 3.5 months. I have learned what I am passionate about, and what I want to change - or morph - about myself.
I want to travel (and not doing volunteer work my whole life, though that would be extremely satisfying I have to eat and live) bringing theatre to those who are not privileged so they can express their lives and hardships. I want to do theatre, so I can express myself and humanity I am surrounded by...humanity that people choose to ignore.
Only time can tell...
I guess we'll see.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Magic of Varanasi
Being here is really quite an amazing experience. It is absolutely amazing and surprising. Varanasi is known in India to be one of the holiest cities in India. It is the city of Shiva. Being here offers moksha - liberation from the cycle of birth and death. As I mentioned before, Varanasi is on the Ganges River; a river of salvation and a symbol of everlasting hope to past, present, and future generations. There are what seems like 100's, though probably only several dozen ghats on the river (ghats are where bodies are cremated, and then sent down the river). Today I woke up, had breakfast, and walked from the farthest ghat South, the Assi ghat, almost to the end. The river has been very high because of the monsoon, so it was very muddy. That was interesting time, sloshing through the mud with Indians - it was quite a bonding experience. One woman helped me through, as she saw me almost fall on my ass. Then I dipped my legs into the holy river, and washed away my sins at my feet.
The river is quite ironic, as there is the entire city's, and probably more than Varanasi's, sewage drained into it. There are hundreds, and at times thousands, of people bathing in the river, washing their teeth, and cleaning their bodies with soap - as they are washing with shit and piss. Yummy...so fresh and so clean, clean.
From what I had heard, as a female coming to India alone, I was pretty nervous and slightly uneasy. But the people are so friendly. I met and sat with some people from age 12 - 22 for about 40 minutes and it was great. We were on one of the ghats, shooting a B-B gun, and laughing it up. I think also maybe because I am a little used to the men in this area of the world, I have learned to put up 'blinders' and 'ear muffs' and just go about my business.
All in all it is great.
The only downside it how fucking hot it is here. Shit! It was 36 degrees C today, and sooooooooo humid. It reminds me of being in Mexico, with the heat. The never ending sweat pouring down my face, and always feeling sticky. Maybe that's why people don't care about bathing in the river.
I kid. I kid. It is a truly spiritual place, and holds a certain magic that I have never felt in any city before.
It is so interesting to be here alone. I thought it would kind of suck, and that I would get bored. But I think that having such an independent experience is really allowing me to connect with the people, in a way I probably wouldn't if I was traveling with someone.
The river is quite ironic, as there is the entire city's, and probably more than Varanasi's, sewage drained into it. There are hundreds, and at times thousands, of people bathing in the river, washing their teeth, and cleaning their bodies with soap - as they are washing with shit and piss. Yummy...so fresh and so clean, clean.
From what I had heard, as a female coming to India alone, I was pretty nervous and slightly uneasy. But the people are so friendly. I met and sat with some people from age 12 - 22 for about 40 minutes and it was great. We were on one of the ghats, shooting a B-B gun, and laughing it up. I think also maybe because I am a little used to the men in this area of the world, I have learned to put up 'blinders' and 'ear muffs' and just go about my business.
All in all it is great.
The only downside it how fucking hot it is here. Shit! It was 36 degrees C today, and sooooooooo humid. It reminds me of being in Mexico, with the heat. The never ending sweat pouring down my face, and always feeling sticky. Maybe that's why people don't care about bathing in the river.
I kid. I kid. It is a truly spiritual place, and holds a certain magic that I have never felt in any city before.
It is so interesting to be here alone. I thought it would kind of suck, and that I would get bored. But I think that having such an independent experience is really allowing me to connect with the people, in a way I probably wouldn't if I was traveling with someone.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I am here!
Few! I am here!
In India, that is.
I just got to my little guest house, and an internet place, cheap restaurant, and money exchange are all right across from where I am staying. So convenient.
I was feeling really quite crazy before leaving today. I got to the airport and as I was waiting in line to check in I met a really nice young lady, like myself, who has lived here for 3 years now. Marie. Meeting Marie eased a lot of my anxiety and made me feel much better about coming to Varanasi.
The flight was only 45 minutes...just as long as the cab ride to get to this part of the city. I feel so tired now. She showed me to this cute, clean, affordable guest house - and I had to look no further. It is simple. Nothing extravagant.
It is nice to be somewhere and have to orient myself. I am really starting to like this feeling. I really have the traveling bug.
I also love not knowing where I will go tomorrow, what I will see and explore, but I know that I will see something great. I don't know what. I just trust it. I know it may sound a lil nuts...but I will.
Well, it is getting dark, and I have to get some grub.
I will be sure to update tomorrow and tell all about my adventure in my first full day in India.
In India, that is.
I just got to my little guest house, and an internet place, cheap restaurant, and money exchange are all right across from where I am staying. So convenient.
I was feeling really quite crazy before leaving today. I got to the airport and as I was waiting in line to check in I met a really nice young lady, like myself, who has lived here for 3 years now. Marie. Meeting Marie eased a lot of my anxiety and made me feel much better about coming to Varanasi.
The flight was only 45 minutes...just as long as the cab ride to get to this part of the city. I feel so tired now. She showed me to this cute, clean, affordable guest house - and I had to look no further. It is simple. Nothing extravagant.
It is nice to be somewhere and have to orient myself. I am really starting to like this feeling. I really have the traveling bug.
I also love not knowing where I will go tomorrow, what I will see and explore, but I know that I will see something great. I don't know what. I just trust it. I know it may sound a lil nuts...but I will.
Well, it is getting dark, and I have to get some grub.
I will be sure to update tomorrow and tell all about my adventure in my first full day in India.
Monday, October 6, 2008
India, and Nepal's Festivals
I got my plane ticket today. I am leaving tomorrow at 2:10pm, so for the airport at about 11:30; and I come back to Nepal on Sunday at 1:20pm. The great thing is it's only a 40 minute flight - vs. a 2 day bus ride! Sweet!
I am going by my self. Some one was possibly going to join me, but it didn't work out. Right now is the festival Dashain, so all Nepalis are very busy with the rituals of the festival.
Dashain is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal, celebrated mostly by Hindus. It reminds me a lot of Christmas. They go to temple and do the religious aspect of it - it is a festival to have the opportunity to repent your sins. The reason it reminds me of Christmas is that during this festival every one goes out and shops and buys new things. People seem much more happy and uplifted - which usually is the case in Christmas (and the getting new things is definitely Christmas!). There are a lot of people out and about, but there are also a lot of shops that are closed. Which is interesting to me, because I see this as an opportunity to make some dough, for those shop keepers. But a lot of people get out of Kathmandu and go to their villages to visit with family. They take Tika - ritual of Hinduism - and eat and pray and laugh and love with their family...which also reminds me of the holidays I celebrate with my family (not so much the Tika and the praying, but everything else :) ). Another ritual aspect of Dashain is the slaughtering of goats. Families will slaughter goats, at the temples or in their own homes, and have the meat and the innards for the entire festival month. They find ways to utilize all of the parts of the animal, which I support. The reason they slaughter goats is it is said that when you slaughter a goat you do it in the presence of the Gods, and therefore you are able to wash away your sins. The more goats a family has, the higher status they have (maybe more sins??? - kidding!). I hate killing animals, but there is something about the ritual aspect that appeals to me. I won't eat goat, and I get sad to see SO many around this week (because I know what is going to happen to them), but some how it seems to be for good of the people. Every one is just so happy and seems so fulfilled these days. It is really a lovely festival. It goes on for 10 days total, 5 more to go. Then there is a 10 day gap until the next largest festival in Nepal, Tigge (butchering the spelling). The later festival is also known as the lighting festival...which I know will really remind me of the Holidays in the States. Everyone puts up 'Christmas' lights and goes around singing and dancing and collecting money, and feasting with family. I am excited about that one, and talking to all of my Nepali friends, this is the festival they are most thrilled by.
I think there will also be a lot going on in Varanasi (I think I spelled it wrong last time) because it is a very religious place. On the Ganges River which always has people swimming, washing away their sins. It sounds like an interesting place. I am really excited actually. I will get back, spend some more time with Amy and her lovely mother and grandmother, and then before I know it TJ will be here (ahhhhh!! yay! )! Right now I feel pretty frantic, just getting my shit together, but I am totally up for the adventure of going to India by myself for 6 days. There is a yoga and meditation center that I plan to go to everyday, and a spa that I might treat myself to a massage at. Also, there might be theatre happening too!! It is during September through October that they perform the Hindi version of Ramayana, one of the most famous and classic Sanskrit plays written. They perform a different part every day, for 30 days. I hope I will be able to see some of it. That would be amazing. I am pretty sure there will be internet there...so I will update when I am there.
Sending you all my love.
I am going by my self. Some one was possibly going to join me, but it didn't work out. Right now is the festival Dashain, so all Nepalis are very busy with the rituals of the festival.
Dashain is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal, celebrated mostly by Hindus. It reminds me a lot of Christmas. They go to temple and do the religious aspect of it - it is a festival to have the opportunity to repent your sins. The reason it reminds me of Christmas is that during this festival every one goes out and shops and buys new things. People seem much more happy and uplifted - which usually is the case in Christmas (and the getting new things is definitely Christmas!). There are a lot of people out and about, but there are also a lot of shops that are closed. Which is interesting to me, because I see this as an opportunity to make some dough, for those shop keepers. But a lot of people get out of Kathmandu and go to their villages to visit with family. They take Tika - ritual of Hinduism - and eat and pray and laugh and love with their family...which also reminds me of the holidays I celebrate with my family (not so much the Tika and the praying, but everything else :) ). Another ritual aspect of Dashain is the slaughtering of goats. Families will slaughter goats, at the temples or in their own homes, and have the meat and the innards for the entire festival month. They find ways to utilize all of the parts of the animal, which I support. The reason they slaughter goats is it is said that when you slaughter a goat you do it in the presence of the Gods, and therefore you are able to wash away your sins. The more goats a family has, the higher status they have (maybe more sins??? - kidding!). I hate killing animals, but there is something about the ritual aspect that appeals to me. I won't eat goat, and I get sad to see SO many around this week (because I know what is going to happen to them), but some how it seems to be for good of the people. Every one is just so happy and seems so fulfilled these days. It is really a lovely festival. It goes on for 10 days total, 5 more to go. Then there is a 10 day gap until the next largest festival in Nepal, Tigge (butchering the spelling). The later festival is also known as the lighting festival...which I know will really remind me of the Holidays in the States. Everyone puts up 'Christmas' lights and goes around singing and dancing and collecting money, and feasting with family. I am excited about that one, and talking to all of my Nepali friends, this is the festival they are most thrilled by.
I think there will also be a lot going on in Varanasi (I think I spelled it wrong last time) because it is a very religious place. On the Ganges River which always has people swimming, washing away their sins. It sounds like an interesting place. I am really excited actually. I will get back, spend some more time with Amy and her lovely mother and grandmother, and then before I know it TJ will be here (ahhhhh!! yay! )! Right now I feel pretty frantic, just getting my shit together, but I am totally up for the adventure of going to India by myself for 6 days. There is a yoga and meditation center that I plan to go to everyday, and a spa that I might treat myself to a massage at. Also, there might be theatre happening too!! It is during September through October that they perform the Hindi version of Ramayana, one of the most famous and classic Sanskrit plays written. They perform a different part every day, for 30 days. I hope I will be able to see some of it. That would be amazing. I am pretty sure there will be internet there...so I will update when I am there.
Sending you all my love.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
This week Amy's mother, Lisa and grandmother, Mary, came to Nepal. Isn't that awesome! It makes me jealous and wish that my family could come here. But it is great to meet them and hang out with them. They are amazing people.
So I am going to India 100% sure now. I will be going to Vanarsai on Tuesday till Sunday. I was set on taking a bus there, which would make a 4 day bus trip both ways.
But there are some who are just too incredibly kind.
I just met Lisa. As in 3 days ago.
She insisted on buying me a flight to India.
WHAT!!!???!!!
I know.
It's really too much. It's so sweet. I nearly refused because I of course feel obligated to pay her back. But she insisted that I don't have to repay her the money, but maybe she'll come to Seattle and I can show her around...she trusts we will 'get even'. Which we will. I will do anything and everything to return this phenomenal favor.
It is just a reminder that there really is so much good in this world. And, yeah, if someone does a nice gesture, then that person to receive will do a nice gesture - and hopefully the cycle will continue. Of course in a perfect world.
I must go now...to pick up my air plane ticket...but I will write soon.
Love
So I am going to India 100% sure now. I will be going to Vanarsai on Tuesday till Sunday. I was set on taking a bus there, which would make a 4 day bus trip both ways.
But there are some who are just too incredibly kind.
I just met Lisa. As in 3 days ago.
She insisted on buying me a flight to India.
WHAT!!!???!!!
I know.
It's really too much. It's so sweet. I nearly refused because I of course feel obligated to pay her back. But she insisted that I don't have to repay her the money, but maybe she'll come to Seattle and I can show her around...she trusts we will 'get even'. Which we will. I will do anything and everything to return this phenomenal favor.
It is just a reminder that there really is so much good in this world. And, yeah, if someone does a nice gesture, then that person to receive will do a nice gesture - and hopefully the cycle will continue. Of course in a perfect world.
I must go now...to pick up my air plane ticket...but I will write soon.
Love
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Going to India.
SO.........................
Turns out I am 95% going to India.
I just got back from the immigration office - the guy, Robel, I met there didn't really have a connection that was any different that who I already spoke to. My option there was to get a different kind of visa, but that would take about 3 weeks. Since TJ is here in 15 days (yay!!!!) I don't have time to wait around to MAYBE have a different kind of visa - plus it would take about 20,000 rupees. That's a lot.
So, I got the multiple entry visa for $140 US dollars...and unless some magic occurs, I am going to India.
What an adventure.
This will make my free(er) time much more interesting. I really don't mind, I think it's going to be an interesting independent adventure. I want to go some where North and safe, and not in a city. I think it would be great to hang out in some villages for a couple of days.
The only downfall is money - of course - but this is my cheapest option at this point (about rs2,500 each way + money for food - FYI right now the currency is fluctuating between 74 - 72 rs to the dollar).
Also I won't be able to go to the gym for 6-7 days...the other pit of the situation.
It takes about 2 days to get there by bus, and I have to be out of the country for 2 days, but 3 days would guarantee that I won't get any shit from anyone about my Nepali visa.
The good news is that I already have my Indian visa.
Maybe deep down, subconsciously, I knew that I would have to go to India.
That is the status on my crazy visa situation. I really like STA, and liked my travel agent...but if you go through them be sure to do the math yourself because they are not very good at that.
By 2 days! That's what gets me! And I found out that the last day you are here you don't need a visa for...so technically 1 day - 1 day - less and I would be totally kosher.
What can you do?
Life is one big adventure, especially in a third world country.
Turns out I am 95% going to India.
I just got back from the immigration office - the guy, Robel, I met there didn't really have a connection that was any different that who I already spoke to. My option there was to get a different kind of visa, but that would take about 3 weeks. Since TJ is here in 15 days (yay!!!!) I don't have time to wait around to MAYBE have a different kind of visa - plus it would take about 20,000 rupees. That's a lot.
So, I got the multiple entry visa for $140 US dollars...and unless some magic occurs, I am going to India.
What an adventure.
This will make my free(er) time much more interesting. I really don't mind, I think it's going to be an interesting independent adventure. I want to go some where North and safe, and not in a city. I think it would be great to hang out in some villages for a couple of days.
The only downfall is money - of course - but this is my cheapest option at this point (about rs2,500 each way + money for food - FYI right now the currency is fluctuating between 74 - 72 rs to the dollar).
Also I won't be able to go to the gym for 6-7 days...the other pit of the situation.
It takes about 2 days to get there by bus, and I have to be out of the country for 2 days, but 3 days would guarantee that I won't get any shit from anyone about my Nepali visa.
The good news is that I already have my Indian visa.
Maybe deep down, subconsciously, I knew that I would have to go to India.
That is the status on my crazy visa situation. I really like STA, and liked my travel agent...but if you go through them be sure to do the math yourself because they are not very good at that.
By 2 days! That's what gets me! And I found out that the last day you are here you don't need a visa for...so technically 1 day - 1 day - less and I would be totally kosher.
What can you do?
Life is one big adventure, especially in a third world country.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Visa update
I went to the lawyer dude today, who could maybe help me with my visa situation. Turns out...maybe not.
I know something is going to work out. Maybe that sounds naive of me, but I really think it's going to be OK. I mean it has to work out.
Worst case scenario I have to get a but to India and stay there for like 3 or 4 days. I don't quite know yet.
I am going to the immigration office tomorrow morning with another friend with 'connections' (I put this one in captions because I am not too sure about him...maybe he is just trying to act cool.) I am going to get a multiple entry visa. With this I can leave and come back, and for the amount of time I am gone it will be added to the date of when I can leave.
So...I will give you an update on this situation very shortly...
Until then, I am signing off.
I know something is going to work out. Maybe that sounds naive of me, but I really think it's going to be OK. I mean it has to work out.
Worst case scenario I have to get a but to India and stay there for like 3 or 4 days. I don't quite know yet.
I am going to the immigration office tomorrow morning with another friend with 'connections' (I put this one in captions because I am not too sure about him...maybe he is just trying to act cool.) I am going to get a multiple entry visa. With this I can leave and come back, and for the amount of time I am gone it will be added to the date of when I can leave.
So...I will give you an update on this situation very shortly...
Until then, I am signing off.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
What I miss & What I love
It has been a little while...sorry...I don't really have a great excuse.
I have just been hanging out, going to the gym everyday, and playing the days by ear.
I have been helping out with the music festival, though I am still not quite sure what my direct role is yet...but this festival is with 260 performers, so they can use help. I think mostly I'll be writing, and maybe helping out with logistical things like organizing space and what not.
That radio interview never happened because she just didn't show up. She called the next day to say she was in India...oh Nepal and Nepali people.
There is still so much I love about living here. More than anything I am so glad I have been able to have the opportunity to live here. If I were to come to Nepal for only a couple of weeks, or even a month, I am sure my perspective on life here and the people would be much different. It is just like any where else in the world, there are amazing, beautiful people, and there are disgusting, horrible people.
I am still not a fan of the staring.
It is still hard when you are adapting to the completely different environment and culture, but the environment and people don't adapt to you.
I miss things like reliable electricity...there is supposed to be a schedule, but I don't think it is followed. There is no power for at least 3 hours a day (which does make updating your blog more challenging) and of course it is when you have time or want to go to the Internet cafe. If electricity went out this much in the States, everyone would be living in their bomb shelters...and let's not talk about what the stock market would be doing!
I miss watching the news and reading about what is going on in the world. I feel so out of the loop.
I miss clean air.
I miss my family.
I miss inclusion and non-racist people.
I miss calling whoever, whenever.
I miss fast internet.
I miss going to a coffee shop in Seattle eating a fresh scone and drinking delicious coffee.
I miss the Seattle Children's Theatre.
I miss drinking water from the tap.
I miss ice cubes.
I miss going to parks and reading a book...there are no parks in Kathmandu.
I miss cooking what I want when I want it.
I miss not feeling like I have to be home at a decent hour(even 11/12 is pushing it).
I love my Nepali family.
I love the great people I have met here, and the community I have.
I love the cheaper prices.
I love the Himalayas.
I love the students at school.
I love the food (especially since my stomach has adjusted!).
I love Nepali tea.
I love the festivals.
I love the dress here...totally my style.
I love the neighborhood kids.
I love not wearing makeup.
I love not serving at a restaurant.
I love the amazing people I have met in villages.
I love the rice fields, and the greenest green - in the hills surrounding the valley, and that exists everywhere out of Kathmandu.
I love learning more about Hinduism and Buddhism.
I the music and the dance here.
I love eating on the floor and using my hands.
I learning...and so, even the most unkind and greedy people I have come across here I appreciate, because they have taught me a lot too -
I love that the great people and the shitty people have inspired me to write theatre.
I love that the love of my life is going to be here in 18 days - not that I am counting, of course.
I have just been hanging out, going to the gym everyday, and playing the days by ear.
I have been helping out with the music festival, though I am still not quite sure what my direct role is yet...but this festival is with 260 performers, so they can use help. I think mostly I'll be writing, and maybe helping out with logistical things like organizing space and what not.
That radio interview never happened because she just didn't show up. She called the next day to say she was in India...oh Nepal and Nepali people.
There is still so much I love about living here. More than anything I am so glad I have been able to have the opportunity to live here. If I were to come to Nepal for only a couple of weeks, or even a month, I am sure my perspective on life here and the people would be much different. It is just like any where else in the world, there are amazing, beautiful people, and there are disgusting, horrible people.
I am still not a fan of the staring.
It is still hard when you are adapting to the completely different environment and culture, but the environment and people don't adapt to you.
I miss things like reliable electricity...there is supposed to be a schedule, but I don't think it is followed. There is no power for at least 3 hours a day (which does make updating your blog more challenging) and of course it is when you have time or want to go to the Internet cafe. If electricity went out this much in the States, everyone would be living in their bomb shelters...and let's not talk about what the stock market would be doing!
I miss watching the news and reading about what is going on in the world. I feel so out of the loop.
I miss clean air.
I miss my family.
I miss inclusion and non-racist people.
I miss calling whoever, whenever.
I miss fast internet.
I miss going to a coffee shop in Seattle eating a fresh scone and drinking delicious coffee.
I miss the Seattle Children's Theatre.
I miss drinking water from the tap.
I miss ice cubes.
I miss going to parks and reading a book...there are no parks in Kathmandu.
I miss cooking what I want when I want it.
I miss not feeling like I have to be home at a decent hour(even 11/12 is pushing it).
I love my Nepali family.
I love the great people I have met here, and the community I have.
I love the cheaper prices.
I love the Himalayas.
I love the students at school.
I love the food (especially since my stomach has adjusted!).
I love Nepali tea.
I love the festivals.
I love the dress here...totally my style.
I love the neighborhood kids.
I love not wearing makeup.
I love not serving at a restaurant.
I love the amazing people I have met in villages.
I love the rice fields, and the greenest green - in the hills surrounding the valley, and that exists everywhere out of Kathmandu.
I love learning more about Hinduism and Buddhism.
I the music and the dance here.
I love eating on the floor and using my hands.
I learning...and so, even the most unkind and greedy people I have come across here I appreciate, because they have taught me a lot too -
I love that the great people and the shitty people have inspired me to write theatre.
I love that the love of my life is going to be here in 18 days - not that I am counting, of course.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
With all this free time now...
It is strange to be done with teaching...I miss the students already - even the too cool ones. At least I get one more time to teach with them before I say goodbye and bawl like a baby.
I have been just chillin, reading, and doing productive things like laundry and going to the gym. Amy and I joined a gym just a tuk tuk ride away. The first day we went it was great, there were only like 4 people there, including ourselves. Then the next time we went there were like 20 men, no women except us, and no white people except us. So that was a little awkward. We are going to go this afternoon to see if it is any better.
Also I joined a bouldering/climbing gym which is awesome. It feels good to be climbing, and I have had the place to myself which is nice. They also have an elliptical type of machine which is really great. I am disciplining myself to go to at least one of the gyms everyday (or both) because if I don't I will die on the trek in one month. I don't want to die yet. Especially on a beautiful hike. TJ is going to be in such amazing shape after doing his course, so I need to be able to keep up.
It is nice developing a routine here though, that is not going to school everyday. Sleep in - and sleeping in here for me is till like 8:30 or 9:00 - have coffee and breakfast while reading a book (right now I am reading The Time Travelers Wife, it is really good!) and then go to a gym(s) or the internet cafe if the electricity is on...and just play the day by ear. I have made a list of places I want to go before TJ gets here. So, that is great and will keep me busy. I think I will be able to do most all of it, but I might save Lumbini for when he's here, because I think we may have time to go there. Lumbini is the place of Buddha's birth. It is supposed to be incredibly beautiful and spiritual.
Tomorrow I have a radio interview through the School of Media in Kathmandu about my experience in Nepal being an American, and also about working at the school and teaching theatre. It should be interesting. I get a copy of the interview, which is cool. I know that I will be asked about the challenges working at the school - and of course the first thing that comes to mind is Mr. Douche Bag, so I am thinking of how I can be honest without ruining the schools reputation, for the students' sake.
Also, I am going to be helping my friend Aria (the one with connections and is helping me with my visa situation) organize the largest music festival in Nepal - which will be taking place when I am gone = bummer!! I'm going to start helping him out tomorrow, doing what exactly? I don't know. But that is the way we roll in Nepal. Never really knowing, and learning to play things by ear.
(I must say my patience has become much more...well, existent.)
I have been just chillin, reading, and doing productive things like laundry and going to the gym. Amy and I joined a gym just a tuk tuk ride away. The first day we went it was great, there were only like 4 people there, including ourselves. Then the next time we went there were like 20 men, no women except us, and no white people except us. So that was a little awkward. We are going to go this afternoon to see if it is any better.
Also I joined a bouldering/climbing gym which is awesome. It feels good to be climbing, and I have had the place to myself which is nice. They also have an elliptical type of machine which is really great. I am disciplining myself to go to at least one of the gyms everyday (or both) because if I don't I will die on the trek in one month. I don't want to die yet. Especially on a beautiful hike. TJ is going to be in such amazing shape after doing his course, so I need to be able to keep up.
It is nice developing a routine here though, that is not going to school everyday. Sleep in - and sleeping in here for me is till like 8:30 or 9:00 - have coffee and breakfast while reading a book (right now I am reading The Time Travelers Wife, it is really good!) and then go to a gym(s) or the internet cafe if the electricity is on...and just play the day by ear. I have made a list of places I want to go before TJ gets here. So, that is great and will keep me busy. I think I will be able to do most all of it, but I might save Lumbini for when he's here, because I think we may have time to go there. Lumbini is the place of Buddha's birth. It is supposed to be incredibly beautiful and spiritual.
Tomorrow I have a radio interview through the School of Media in Kathmandu about my experience in Nepal being an American, and also about working at the school and teaching theatre. It should be interesting. I get a copy of the interview, which is cool. I know that I will be asked about the challenges working at the school - and of course the first thing that comes to mind is Mr. Douche Bag, so I am thinking of how I can be honest without ruining the schools reputation, for the students' sake.
Also, I am going to be helping my friend Aria (the one with connections and is helping me with my visa situation) organize the largest music festival in Nepal - which will be taking place when I am gone = bummer!! I'm going to start helping him out tomorrow, doing what exactly? I don't know. But that is the way we roll in Nepal. Never really knowing, and learning to play things by ear.
(I must say my patience has become much more...well, existent.)
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Presentation Day
Oh Boy!
I just had to start with that.
The presentation went pretty well. The students on stage did such a great job and were having so much fun. I am so proud of them. It was the first time they had done a school presentation...98% of them the first time to present anything other than giving some speeches. Which, don't get me wrong, is tough to do, but is also much different than presenting theatre. It was so great to have that moment with all the beautiful studnets I have worked with (most of them...more on this later) and to see their shinning faces and imaginations, and how far they have come in 2 months with using their bodies, imaginations, and voices - and to do it 'on stage'.
As far as them being audience members, they are horrible. And the teachers didn't really help either.
So first thing, I had talked the teachers through how to stay with their class of the 2nd to last period - keep them as a group - and that I wanted them to sit with their class - class 1 on the right through class 7 on the left, and some benches for 8 through 10. Well. It was a disaster. All the kids came running to the courtyard - all 280-or-so of them!!!!!!!!!!! WOAH! They were not together as a class at all, and most of the teachers came strolling behind after them. I was appalled and really stressed out. At this point there was 12 minutes before family and/or friends were to show up.
Chaos at its finest ladies and gentlemen.
So I was doing different techniques to try to get them to sit down, at this point just find a seat, and be quiet. I understand: they were so excited. This was something they have never done before, so they don't know what to expect. Also they have never been taught to be a good audience.
Finally Amy came to my rescue to help, then Dipendra, a science teacher, and Mr. Prem the social studies and Nepali teacher. But 4 adults trying to get 280-or-so students to settle down and focus is still really challenging. I was so shocked that the other 6 or so teachers were just standing there, even after I asked for help. And Mr. Patel. Oh, Douch Bag Patel. He was sitting, no lounging really, on the side of the stage, facing the audience - where he can shine in his illuminous glory - smirking. I actually saw the asshole smirking. Can you believe that? He has no real authority at the school, he is never there and has probably never seen all of 'his' students before, so I understand why he didn't help.
He never does anything so why should he start to help now?!?
So we finally get them settled, but at this point all the students are sitting on the benches, where the family/friends are to sit...so, we had to move them once they were calm...another disaster. It's 3:45 by the time they are where they were to be in the begining. 15 minutes after family/friends were to come in and we were to start. Fffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww! It took about a 1/2 an hour to do it, but we did it.
I told them that if they wanted to present with their class they had to be a good and respectful audience member, or they would have to back to their classroom. I hate making threats like that, but it worked - for about 2 seconds.
I started with class one and just went straight up the class order. (For more information on what they are presenting, please refer to the 'school-eschool' post : ) )
Like I said, they have never been taught to be a good audience. They all passed in the presenting department, but in the audience department all but 3 students would have failed.
Failed hard.
If I were to keep to the original 'threat' I made, there would have been 3 from different classes to perform. So, that went straight through the shitter.
That part was really disappointing, especially since there were only 4 of us doing anything about it.
And the illuminous Mr. Douch Bag did not set a good example. He was talking on his cell phone durning class 9's presentation. Right were he is as clear as day to all of the students, teachers, family and friends. Just ridiculous this man is. I will say that this event absolutly took away any ounce or inkling of reserve I had left for him. I have not passionatly disliked anyone as much as him since Treez-to-the-top. For those of you who have heard about Treez, you know that is a tough act to follow...I think Mr. Douch might actually surpass that disgust and dislike I had for Treez.
I am still very proud of my students. It is just unfortunate that they are not taught, or shown examples of, how to be a respectful audience member. I think maybe some of them learned about it though - by being on stage when the audience is being so loud you know they can not possibly be hearing a thing you are saying. Hopefully they will see that it is important to be quiet and attentive.
So, about my, '(more on this later)'.
I was supposed to meet class 10 during the begining of tiffen (break) time...they all knew about it. I go to their class, and only one sweet student, Manju, is there. I could tell something was wrong.
I go search for the rest of the students (there were only 8 in class- all week their were 7 or 8 students, which is so strange because exams are this coming week) and find them all nearly hiding from me; so I call after them and they come to class.
It was so clear that something was wrong. I just flat out asked, "What is going on?! Do you not want to do this?" One of the too cool kids, Samir, says "No, Miss." I asked, "do you all feel this way?" No anwser. So I said, "I am not forcing you to present, I thought you wanted to do this because you all told me before that you wanted to perform...so if you really don't want to present today [at this point it is 2 hours away] then you can just leave the classroom."
The 3 too cool kids left.
Biswash kept looking at me and them, me and them, and pushed by peer pressure, he left.
I was there with 4 students, one boy and three girls. I couldn't help but feel really hurt that they actually walked out. It's hard when you have come to know these students and they started letting me in, but they still left - not only me, but their peers.
And then I felt bad and some how a tad guilty towards the ones who stayed.
I asked them if they wanted to present, they didn't want to if it was just the 4 of them.
Shitty.
So, I sent them back to class and at this point I am in tears.
To cut the story short, the 4 plus Biswash (yeah-screw peer pressure!!!!) ended up doing a scene with class 9. I am glad that it worked out for them to present something.
Man, being too cool must suck.
That was my exciting and jampacked day yesterday. At least it didn't rain. At least there are 280-or-so minus 3 students who wanted to be there and had a chance to do something very new to them...and they did so well up there.
I decided that I want to teach one more class to each grade - maybe combine 9 and some peeches from 10 - in the end of November when TJ and I are back in Kathmandu before we fly to India.
I just couldn't bear to say good-bye today.
I just had to start with that.
The presentation went pretty well. The students on stage did such a great job and were having so much fun. I am so proud of them. It was the first time they had done a school presentation...98% of them the first time to present anything other than giving some speeches. Which, don't get me wrong, is tough to do, but is also much different than presenting theatre. It was so great to have that moment with all the beautiful studnets I have worked with (most of them...more on this later) and to see their shinning faces and imaginations, and how far they have come in 2 months with using their bodies, imaginations, and voices - and to do it 'on stage'.
As far as them being audience members, they are horrible. And the teachers didn't really help either.
So first thing, I had talked the teachers through how to stay with their class of the 2nd to last period - keep them as a group - and that I wanted them to sit with their class - class 1 on the right through class 7 on the left, and some benches for 8 through 10. Well. It was a disaster. All the kids came running to the courtyard - all 280-or-so of them!!!!!!!!!!! WOAH! They were not together as a class at all, and most of the teachers came strolling behind after them. I was appalled and really stressed out. At this point there was 12 minutes before family and/or friends were to show up.
Chaos at its finest ladies and gentlemen.
So I was doing different techniques to try to get them to sit down, at this point just find a seat, and be quiet. I understand: they were so excited. This was something they have never done before, so they don't know what to expect. Also they have never been taught to be a good audience.
Finally Amy came to my rescue to help, then Dipendra, a science teacher, and Mr. Prem the social studies and Nepali teacher. But 4 adults trying to get 280-or-so students to settle down and focus is still really challenging. I was so shocked that the other 6 or so teachers were just standing there, even after I asked for help. And Mr. Patel. Oh, Douch Bag Patel. He was sitting, no lounging really, on the side of the stage, facing the audience - where he can shine in his illuminous glory - smirking. I actually saw the asshole smirking. Can you believe that? He has no real authority at the school, he is never there and has probably never seen all of 'his' students before, so I understand why he didn't help.
He never does anything so why should he start to help now?!?
So we finally get them settled, but at this point all the students are sitting on the benches, where the family/friends are to sit...so, we had to move them once they were calm...another disaster. It's 3:45 by the time they are where they were to be in the begining. 15 minutes after family/friends were to come in and we were to start. Fffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww! It took about a 1/2 an hour to do it, but we did it.
I told them that if they wanted to present with their class they had to be a good and respectful audience member, or they would have to back to their classroom. I hate making threats like that, but it worked - for about 2 seconds.
I started with class one and just went straight up the class order. (For more information on what they are presenting, please refer to the 'school-eschool' post : ) )
Like I said, they have never been taught to be a good audience. They all passed in the presenting department, but in the audience department all but 3 students would have failed.
Failed hard.
If I were to keep to the original 'threat' I made, there would have been 3 from different classes to perform. So, that went straight through the shitter.
That part was really disappointing, especially since there were only 4 of us doing anything about it.
And the illuminous Mr. Douch Bag did not set a good example. He was talking on his cell phone durning class 9's presentation. Right were he is as clear as day to all of the students, teachers, family and friends. Just ridiculous this man is. I will say that this event absolutly took away any ounce or inkling of reserve I had left for him. I have not passionatly disliked anyone as much as him since Treez-to-the-top. For those of you who have heard about Treez, you know that is a tough act to follow...I think Mr. Douch might actually surpass that disgust and dislike I had for Treez.
I am still very proud of my students. It is just unfortunate that they are not taught, or shown examples of, how to be a respectful audience member. I think maybe some of them learned about it though - by being on stage when the audience is being so loud you know they can not possibly be hearing a thing you are saying. Hopefully they will see that it is important to be quiet and attentive.
So, about my, '(more on this later)'.
I was supposed to meet class 10 during the begining of tiffen (break) time...they all knew about it. I go to their class, and only one sweet student, Manju, is there. I could tell something was wrong.
I go search for the rest of the students (there were only 8 in class- all week their were 7 or 8 students, which is so strange because exams are this coming week) and find them all nearly hiding from me; so I call after them and they come to class.
It was so clear that something was wrong. I just flat out asked, "What is going on?! Do you not want to do this?" One of the too cool kids, Samir, says "No, Miss." I asked, "do you all feel this way?" No anwser. So I said, "I am not forcing you to present, I thought you wanted to do this because you all told me before that you wanted to perform...so if you really don't want to present today [at this point it is 2 hours away] then you can just leave the classroom."
The 3 too cool kids left.
Biswash kept looking at me and them, me and them, and pushed by peer pressure, he left.
I was there with 4 students, one boy and three girls. I couldn't help but feel really hurt that they actually walked out. It's hard when you have come to know these students and they started letting me in, but they still left - not only me, but their peers.
And then I felt bad and some how a tad guilty towards the ones who stayed.
I asked them if they wanted to present, they didn't want to if it was just the 4 of them.
Shitty.
So, I sent them back to class and at this point I am in tears.
To cut the story short, the 4 plus Biswash (yeah-screw peer pressure!!!!) ended up doing a scene with class 9. I am glad that it worked out for them to present something.
Man, being too cool must suck.
That was my exciting and jampacked day yesterday. At least it didn't rain. At least there are 280-or-so minus 3 students who wanted to be there and had a chance to do something very new to them...and they did so well up there.
I decided that I want to teach one more class to each grade - maybe combine 9 and some peeches from 10 - in the end of November when TJ and I are back in Kathmandu before we fly to India.
I just couldn't bear to say good-bye today.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
school - eschool
Tomorrow (Thursday) is the day of the theatre presentation, grades 1 through 10. I am so excited, and the students are too.
For class one, we are doing part of a 'story drama' curriculum from the book Pancakes, Pancakes!!! Class 2 is also 'story drama' from Are You My Mother?
Class 3 and I will do parts of our creative drama adventure of finding the Librarian's Magic library books...we will visit the Dream Garden (they grow like trees, where the books were buried...then the pages were empty), the Musician (who made them be in his great band to get the magic pages back, that he had to have for his songs...but he gave them to his boss - the pirate), the Pirate (never fails to have some fun with!), and finally in Space - on the Moon to be precise.
Class 4 will do a movement/sound exercise that they are awesome and hilarious at, and a 7 sentence story.
Class 5 has 2 seven sentence stories...15 in each group (they are a handful!!!).
Class 6 is doing a choral poem, titled Her Head.
Class 7 is acting out a story that I got from this great book of African folktales called The Girl Who Married a Lion. They are amazing! So hilarious, and not afraid to be silly, but are still very focused.
Class 8 wrote me their favorite stories...they are acting out 2 of the stories, and 2silly jokes.
Class 9 will do basic stage combat (I know, it's pretty cool:) ) and 4 scenes from the play I wrote for them.
Class 10 shines when they have fun...for a lot of them saying lines - especially the too cool kids - ended up not being that fun for them...which I fine. So, we are doing Yah!, a great game that is guaranteed to make them smile, and one scene in the play I wrote that is fun for them to do.
I hope that a lot of parents come. We sent them home with some invitations at the end of the day today, so hopefully there will be a decent sized audience.
It has been such an amazing experience and great pleasure to work here and with these students. I wish you all could meet them.
Don't get me wrong, white kids are cute too...but there is something about the children here, and in Mexico, and I am sure I will say this about every country I visit that is not dominantly white...but these kids are too cute, just beautiful.
Except for when they are greedy one's and steel. Today, we discovered that things from the library were stolen. Some notebooks, pencils, prizes for the are competition (there is also an art exhibition tomorrow), books, balls, dinosaurs, cars...a lot of stuff. Such a huge bummer. It is so horrible to think that some of the kids I teach here could be kids who stole something. It sort of baffles me. I wrote about before, how people seem to be fairly greedy here. Even the children. I guess that is all over the world. It's just disappointing, and baffling, because I having drama, art, and a library is new to them...but they take advantage of it and don't see it as a privilege. Not all of the students...there are a lot of students that I can tell genuinely appreciate it all, even having the chance to come to school at all. But, then there are others who I can tell don't have that same respect - to things, education, and with people.
All in all, all is well though. And I can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!!
For class one, we are doing part of a 'story drama' curriculum from the book Pancakes, Pancakes!!! Class 2 is also 'story drama' from Are You My Mother?
Class 3 and I will do parts of our creative drama adventure of finding the Librarian's Magic library books...we will visit the Dream Garden (they grow like trees, where the books were buried...then the pages were empty), the Musician (who made them be in his great band to get the magic pages back, that he had to have for his songs...but he gave them to his boss - the pirate), the Pirate (never fails to have some fun with!), and finally in Space - on the Moon to be precise.
Class 4 will do a movement/sound exercise that they are awesome and hilarious at, and a 7 sentence story.
Class 5 has 2 seven sentence stories...15 in each group (they are a handful!!!).
Class 6 is doing a choral poem, titled Her Head.
Class 7 is acting out a story that I got from this great book of African folktales called The Girl Who Married a Lion. They are amazing! So hilarious, and not afraid to be silly, but are still very focused.
Class 8 wrote me their favorite stories...they are acting out 2 of the stories, and 2silly jokes.
Class 9 will do basic stage combat (I know, it's pretty cool:) ) and 4 scenes from the play I wrote for them.
Class 10 shines when they have fun...for a lot of them saying lines - especially the too cool kids - ended up not being that fun for them...which I fine. So, we are doing Yah!, a great game that is guaranteed to make them smile, and one scene in the play I wrote that is fun for them to do.
I hope that a lot of parents come. We sent them home with some invitations at the end of the day today, so hopefully there will be a decent sized audience.
It has been such an amazing experience and great pleasure to work here and with these students. I wish you all could meet them.
Don't get me wrong, white kids are cute too...but there is something about the children here, and in Mexico, and I am sure I will say this about every country I visit that is not dominantly white...but these kids are too cute, just beautiful.
Except for when they are greedy one's and steel. Today, we discovered that things from the library were stolen. Some notebooks, pencils, prizes for the are competition (there is also an art exhibition tomorrow), books, balls, dinosaurs, cars...a lot of stuff. Such a huge bummer. It is so horrible to think that some of the kids I teach here could be kids who stole something. It sort of baffles me. I wrote about before, how people seem to be fairly greedy here. Even the children. I guess that is all over the world. It's just disappointing, and baffling, because I having drama, art, and a library is new to them...but they take advantage of it and don't see it as a privilege. Not all of the students...there are a lot of students that I can tell genuinely appreciate it all, even having the chance to come to school at all. But, then there are others who I can tell don't have that same respect - to things, education, and with people.
All in all, all is well though. And I can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
staying safe
just wanted to say that I am staying safe here. All is well. Things have sort of calmed down, though you can feel the tension in the air.
It has been strange having 3 days off of school and not being able to get out of the city to do some exploring.
Amy, Liz and I were doing a contest - this is kind of gross, so prepare yourselves - to see who could grow the longest armpit hair in 3.5 weeks. Amy won. :)
We finally got to shave yesterday.
So, last night Liz and I took her out to dinner. Pretty hilarious though. We plucked our hairs, some from each arm and took the average length.
HA!!!
This is what we do in Kathmandu...see, we're staying out of trouble. :)
Things have been closing really early here though, like 10pm...so that kind of sucks when you are in the mood to go out.
It is good though. They are doing it to control crime and violence - stopping people from getting too drunk long into the evening is a good way to go about it.
Last night we had a sleepover at Liz and Diebou's and watched Night at the Roxbury.
I love that movie!
Then today we got delicious breakfast, and went to this place called Heed Nepal. It is an organization run by women, and women and children in villages fund their schools by making amazing things from recycled trash.
I love the idea, and their stuff is just great.
I love you all, and again, I am staying safe.
It has been strange having 3 days off of school and not being able to get out of the city to do some exploring.
Amy, Liz and I were doing a contest - this is kind of gross, so prepare yourselves - to see who could grow the longest armpit hair in 3.5 weeks. Amy won. :)
We finally got to shave yesterday.
So, last night Liz and I took her out to dinner. Pretty hilarious though. We plucked our hairs, some from each arm and took the average length.
HA!!!
This is what we do in Kathmandu...see, we're staying out of trouble. :)
Things have been closing really early here though, like 10pm...so that kind of sucks when you are in the mood to go out.
It is good though. They are doing it to control crime and violence - stopping people from getting too drunk long into the evening is a good way to go about it.
Last night we had a sleepover at Liz and Diebou's and watched Night at the Roxbury.
I love that movie!
Then today we got delicious breakfast, and went to this place called Heed Nepal. It is an organization run by women, and women and children in villages fund their schools by making amazing things from recycled trash.
I love the idea, and their stuff is just great.
I love you all, and again, I am staying safe.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Human Rights. ???
School was cancelled today, due to strikes.
This is fucked up.
In Kathmandu it is illegal to ride a motorbike without a helmet...and to drive anything without a license. At night there are police checkpoints, where the corrupt police will pull over random people and check their licence and papers.
2 nights ago, there was a guy driving a motorbike and was carrying his helmet, not wearing it...and he didn't have his license on him. Two police beat him to death with bamboo sticks. Now, understandingly, there are strikes. Yesterday, and today. Today though everything is shut down and there is almost no one driving on the roads. According to some grade 10 students, there are never any repercussions to police. There is such a different understanding of human rights here, than what I grew up with.
It makes me sick.
Another story, that happened about a month ago.
In Nepal, the way 'insurance' goes for getting in an accident is: if you are responsible for the accident and the person who you injured is still alive you are responsible for paying their medical bills for the rest of that person's life. If that person dies, well you don't have any thing to be responsible for as far as money goes.
So about a month ago (and this is not uncommon) a bus driver hit a man on a motorbike. He went to check if he was still alive...he was. So the bus driver sits back down, and goes to reverse - to kill the man. Once the people on the bus realized what he was doing, they all got up and started beating the shit out of the driver. The driver got away and booked his ass as fast as he could. The people burned his bus down. (GOOD!)
NUTS!!!!!
Now, I know you may be worried for me after reading this...don't be. I am safe. I don't go anywhere near the strikes, and stay as far away from these police as possible. We never get home too late, even when we go out.
I just had to tell these stories, because it really shows how things are here, and how corrupt things are. So full of paradox. Talk about change, talk about growth and wanting to build a stronger nation, talk all you want. But when the under lying system is so corrupt, that is the reason why nothing changes. Why nothing can change.
To have that 'insurance' policy in the first place is just asking for trouble. People here can't afford to take themselves to the doctor, let alone pay for someone else their whole lives. The average family in Nepal lives on 2 US dollars a day. The average family in Nepal has at least 3 children.
Life is hard for the people here, in many ways. I can sense that citizens want change. Nepali's tell me so on a daily basis, especially when they ask where I am from. However, having life based on their systems here, does not help. The government is trying to change. But they have been relying on the help of other countries, and the UN, for so long they don't know how to do it on their own.
Every day I have been here I have learned something huge. This is changing the way I view the world. It is so unfortunate that things are the way they are here, and that there is only talking being done.
I guess it's part of the Nepali way.
This is fucked up.
In Kathmandu it is illegal to ride a motorbike without a helmet...and to drive anything without a license. At night there are police checkpoints, where the corrupt police will pull over random people and check their licence and papers.
2 nights ago, there was a guy driving a motorbike and was carrying his helmet, not wearing it...and he didn't have his license on him. Two police beat him to death with bamboo sticks. Now, understandingly, there are strikes. Yesterday, and today. Today though everything is shut down and there is almost no one driving on the roads. According to some grade 10 students, there are never any repercussions to police. There is such a different understanding of human rights here, than what I grew up with.
It makes me sick.
Another story, that happened about a month ago.
In Nepal, the way 'insurance' goes for getting in an accident is: if you are responsible for the accident and the person who you injured is still alive you are responsible for paying their medical bills for the rest of that person's life. If that person dies, well you don't have any thing to be responsible for as far as money goes.
So about a month ago (and this is not uncommon) a bus driver hit a man on a motorbike. He went to check if he was still alive...he was. So the bus driver sits back down, and goes to reverse - to kill the man. Once the people on the bus realized what he was doing, they all got up and started beating the shit out of the driver. The driver got away and booked his ass as fast as he could. The people burned his bus down. (GOOD!)
NUTS!!!!!
Now, I know you may be worried for me after reading this...don't be. I am safe. I don't go anywhere near the strikes, and stay as far away from these police as possible. We never get home too late, even when we go out.
I just had to tell these stories, because it really shows how things are here, and how corrupt things are. So full of paradox. Talk about change, talk about growth and wanting to build a stronger nation, talk all you want. But when the under lying system is so corrupt, that is the reason why nothing changes. Why nothing can change.
To have that 'insurance' policy in the first place is just asking for trouble. People here can't afford to take themselves to the doctor, let alone pay for someone else their whole lives. The average family in Nepal lives on 2 US dollars a day. The average family in Nepal has at least 3 children.
Life is hard for the people here, in many ways. I can sense that citizens want change. Nepali's tell me so on a daily basis, especially when they ask where I am from. However, having life based on their systems here, does not help. The government is trying to change. But they have been relying on the help of other countries, and the UN, for so long they don't know how to do it on their own.
Every day I have been here I have learned something huge. This is changing the way I view the world. It is so unfortunate that things are the way they are here, and that there is only talking being done.
I guess it's part of the Nepali way.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I am teaching so much this week. I have a break right now, so I thought I would catch up on my blog. This week I am teaching all together 23 classes - next week 28 - really crazy and soooo tiring. But amazing. It is so great to work with these students and to see them grow and how far they have come from less than 2 months ago. I am really looking forward to having the theatre presentaton, along with an art exhibition, next week. I think it will be interesting to have all the teachers, parents and friends of the students see what they have been doing, and how imaginative they are. In the begining it was so hard for them to trust their ideas and to use their imaginations...every one in every grade has come such a far way - and I have too. Teaching here has really taught me a lot about being flexable and patient with students but more especially with faculty.
Two days ago the teacher leader came to me and told me that there have been complaints about me taking classes. There are exams the week after next and a lot of the teachers STILL have a lot of material to teach. The teachers here are pretty wonderful, but I think they don't really understand how much planning and thought needs to go into a class - for the term, for the week, and for the day. So now they are having their OH SHIT moments and cramming a ton of information. Some of the exams are given by the government, so there is certain material that must be taught. But this whole time I was only having one class a week with all of the classes. Now I am meeting 8,9,and 10 before, during break, or after school (their preferance) so that does not interfere with any class...and there are other teachers who have approached me to see if I could teach with them, since they are either done with the material or they do not have exams for their class (no exams for classes like dictation or physical education). What upset me about being told that I am interfering is that the teachers didn't approach ME; and it is evident that drama is benificial to the studnts in thinking different ways, using their bodies and voices, and in being confident with speaking english. So then I spoke to the individual teacher that I am working with - most particularly the English teachers - and they said it was ok that I still teach with them, and in their class. In fact one person who was said to have complained the most ended up saying that I can have 2 classes a week - instead of 1 - which is awesome, but still frustrating...why complain in the first place?...why send a messenger?...why????? Communication in this school is so indirect. No one wants to hurt other people, and in this culture if something is really bothering you it is not really OK to say what is really on your mind. Its like there are 20 different lines of communication and none of them have a similar meeting point, so everything just gets jumbled up and confusing - and miscommunicated.
It is such a great learning experience to live here and to work here. Really. In so many ways...
Two days ago the teacher leader came to me and told me that there have been complaints about me taking classes. There are exams the week after next and a lot of the teachers STILL have a lot of material to teach. The teachers here are pretty wonderful, but I think they don't really understand how much planning and thought needs to go into a class - for the term, for the week, and for the day. So now they are having their OH SHIT moments and cramming a ton of information. Some of the exams are given by the government, so there is certain material that must be taught. But this whole time I was only having one class a week with all of the classes. Now I am meeting 8,9,and 10 before, during break, or after school (their preferance) so that does not interfere with any class...and there are other teachers who have approached me to see if I could teach with them, since they are either done with the material or they do not have exams for their class (no exams for classes like dictation or physical education). What upset me about being told that I am interfering is that the teachers didn't approach ME; and it is evident that drama is benificial to the studnts in thinking different ways, using their bodies and voices, and in being confident with speaking english. So then I spoke to the individual teacher that I am working with - most particularly the English teachers - and they said it was ok that I still teach with them, and in their class. In fact one person who was said to have complained the most ended up saying that I can have 2 classes a week - instead of 1 - which is awesome, but still frustrating...why complain in the first place?...why send a messenger?...why????? Communication in this school is so indirect. No one wants to hurt other people, and in this culture if something is really bothering you it is not really OK to say what is really on your mind. Its like there are 20 different lines of communication and none of them have a similar meeting point, so everything just gets jumbled up and confusing - and miscommunicated.
It is such a great learning experience to live here and to work here. Really. In so many ways...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
On my mind.......
Great news! So...with the visa thing...I decided to try plan D. I was in Thamel where Aria owns a restaurant - Aria is the new Nepali friend who has connections. It never hurts to ask - so I told him about my situation - and turns out everything is going to get worked out just peachy keen and as swell as can be. So, that is amazing. It will only take a phone call from his end, and $6 vs. $100 on my end (and nothing for TJ) which is fabulous. It couldn't be better, as far as this whole stressful situation. YAY! He is a great person to know in Nepal.
I am going on my 2nd to last week of teaching - really nuts.
I need to find ways to keep myself busy or I will just be thinking of October 16th, the day TJ comes to Kathmandu.
Hopefully Amy and myself will be helping on construction on the school once school is out for their month break. They have a break for the festival season. Our hope is to brick the other yard that is now a disgusting swamp area that no one can use...if (and hopefully when) we brick the yard, there will be another area for the 350 students to play in and run around. Another volunteer arrived a couple days ago from Canada, Vincent. He likes to go hiking. That is great, as I can't go hiking by myself here - it's just not safe. So I hope I will do quite a bit of hiking too before my love gets here.
TJ left yesterday for his NOLS course in India. It is so crazy because we are SO much closer as far a latitude and longitude goes, but we won't talk for 6 weeks...until he gets here in 39 days - not that I am counting.
I knew it would be hard to be away from him for 3&1/2 months but I didn't think it would be like this. We have been together for 3 years now, pretty nuts!!!!!!! It is great to have this independent experience, for both of us, for being so young and being together for quite a while. I know I have grown a lot and learned a lot already from my experiences here. I know that the rest of my time abroad, I will continue to learn and grow. Being apart does have it's advantages, as far as being able to explore myself and this world in a different way than I would while traveling with another person. But I am so glad, and feel so lucky to have TJ as a best friend and a boyfriend, and that we get to bring what we have learned and gained independently into our relationship. I know I am being sappy right now, but this is something that has been on my mind a lot.
Like I said though...I need to keep myself occupied...or I will only be thinking of October 16th.
I am going on my 2nd to last week of teaching - really nuts.
I need to find ways to keep myself busy or I will just be thinking of October 16th, the day TJ comes to Kathmandu.
Hopefully Amy and myself will be helping on construction on the school once school is out for their month break. They have a break for the festival season. Our hope is to brick the other yard that is now a disgusting swamp area that no one can use...if (and hopefully when) we brick the yard, there will be another area for the 350 students to play in and run around. Another volunteer arrived a couple days ago from Canada, Vincent. He likes to go hiking. That is great, as I can't go hiking by myself here - it's just not safe. So I hope I will do quite a bit of hiking too before my love gets here.
TJ left yesterday for his NOLS course in India. It is so crazy because we are SO much closer as far a latitude and longitude goes, but we won't talk for 6 weeks...until he gets here in 39 days - not that I am counting.
I knew it would be hard to be away from him for 3&1/2 months but I didn't think it would be like this. We have been together for 3 years now, pretty nuts!!!!!!! It is great to have this independent experience, for both of us, for being so young and being together for quite a while. I know I have grown a lot and learned a lot already from my experiences here. I know that the rest of my time abroad, I will continue to learn and grow. Being apart does have it's advantages, as far as being able to explore myself and this world in a different way than I would while traveling with another person. But I am so glad, and feel so lucky to have TJ as a best friend and a boyfriend, and that we get to bring what we have learned and gained independently into our relationship. I know I am being sappy right now, but this is something that has been on my mind a lot.
Like I said though...I need to keep myself occupied...or I will only be thinking of October 16th.
Friday, September 5, 2008
changing the flight
I have decided to change my ticket for November 30th - the day my visa would expire. I am so grateful for my amazing boyfriend who is willing to cough up the dough and change his ticket with me. So sweet.
I went to the airport today, just like they said I could when I called to check, to go to Jet Airways to change my ticket. Well, I get there at 1ish, and there is no one in the office who can help me, says a man sitting at the desk. I am to come back at
4:00, and will be helped then. Sorry for the inconvienence. See you soon.
I go back. Hmmm...turns out they can't help me at that office - I have to go to another one. Oh, annoying. Luckily I live only 15 -20 minutes from the airport, but still it's pretty obnoxious.
Nepali's never want to tell you no...like the guy at 1:00, I wonder if he knew I would have to go to a different office, but didn't want to be the one to break the news. When I went back, at least the people were super friendly - even offered me pastries, a sandwich, and a drink - and appologized profusly. That was nice of them...but still a tiny large bit of annoying.
They said there were over 100 seats available, which is what I was worried about. So, that is good. I just hope that when I make it to the other office, it is the right and final one.
It will all work out just peachy...a little frustrating to deal with, especially because I am not making any money and living on what I saved. But I guess this is a good place to be when you are on a budget.
And, we have a couple more days in India.
Oh, that reminds me - I have to change my hostel. Thinking out loud - or writing out loud - what ever.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. :)
I went to the airport today, just like they said I could when I called to check, to go to Jet Airways to change my ticket. Well, I get there at 1ish, and there is no one in the office who can help me, says a man sitting at the desk. I am to come back at
4:00, and will be helped then. Sorry for the inconvienence. See you soon.
I go back. Hmmm...turns out they can't help me at that office - I have to go to another one. Oh, annoying. Luckily I live only 15 -20 minutes from the airport, but still it's pretty obnoxious.
Nepali's never want to tell you no...like the guy at 1:00, I wonder if he knew I would have to go to a different office, but didn't want to be the one to break the news. When I went back, at least the people were super friendly - even offered me pastries, a sandwich, and a drink - and appologized profusly. That was nice of them...but still a tiny large bit of annoying.
They said there were over 100 seats available, which is what I was worried about. So, that is good. I just hope that when I make it to the other office, it is the right and final one.
It will all work out just peachy...a little frustrating to deal with, especially because I am not making any money and living on what I saved. But I guess this is a good place to be when you are on a budget.
And, we have a couple more days in India.
Oh, that reminds me - I have to change my hostel. Thinking out loud - or writing out loud - what ever.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. :)
Some Pic's
The picture with Liz and Myself is, well, Liz and Myself.
The one on the stair case is of Amy and all of our neighborhood friends. The kids in the neighborhood are amazing...they are the only one's who do not stare with open mouths - they run to us with open arms. They are so sweet. It is a blast to play with them. Actually, it does help the neighborhood situation quite a bit. The parents see how awesome we are playing with their kids :) and the parents smie at us...
This picture is at Tara and Eve's going away party that we had for them, but mostly for the children in our neighborhood. Some of them go to Pragya, some are just friendly kids on our block. They were so amazing at the party - clapping for every lttle thing: when we took out the juice, when we took out the cups to put the juice in, and when we poured the juice. When we opend the chip bag - clap clap clap - when we opened up cookies - clap clap clap - when we sat down - clap clap clap - when we opened up the cake CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!!!!!!!! They wanted us to sing a song, it is a usual request of them as well as dancing, the only one we thought we all would know was America's National anthem. So we sang the anthem. I must say the Canadian, Tara, was the most enthusiastic singer of us all.
The other shot is taken at my house. That's my living room. Those are my friends. Diebou, Tara, Liz, Amy, Eve, and Didi - the one who looks Nepali. :) Good Times.
Day of the Women's Festival
Sari's are oh so flattering.
This is with Nissa, my families sister/daughter, and Amy.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Woman's Jatra
This week there was no school...there was a women's festival!!!
Monday night we feasted - a common thing to do here - and talked and talked and did henna, or mendi, on our hands. We had to feast, because Tuesday was a fasting day.
It was actually really nice to not eat for almost a full day. I didn't even get hungry. You are not supposed to drink water either, which I had to cheat on. I did pretty well, and then started to get dizzy and caved. Every woman wore red sari's - even yours truly - and went to the temples and danced, sang, danced and danced. It was hot as Hell on Tuesday, so that, dancing and dehydration were an intense combo. When the sun set we could drink water, and ate fruits. We had this interesting and acquired tasting concoction of hot water, butter, sugar, and black peppercorns to drink after eating. Yuck! It is supposed to be good for your stomach after a day of fasting...I don't know...I was trying to hide that I was gaging.
Needless to say, I slept like a little baby that night.
Wednesday, and Thursday (today) are still celebration days of ritual, worship, feasting, and rest.
The festival is to wish women for good husbands and/or a happy life and healthy relationship with your husband or future husband.
I just think it is soo awesome that there is a festival to celebrate women...especially in this culture. It does revolve around the idea of having a good husband, which kind of sucks (haha), but it is still so amazing to see women get together and unite. For only women to be allowed to dance and celebrate. I hope that in such a confining culture for women (though it is getting better)this is a free feeling and expressive time for women to have the chance to celebrate.
Monday night we feasted - a common thing to do here - and talked and talked and did henna, or mendi, on our hands. We had to feast, because Tuesday was a fasting day.
It was actually really nice to not eat for almost a full day. I didn't even get hungry. You are not supposed to drink water either, which I had to cheat on. I did pretty well, and then started to get dizzy and caved. Every woman wore red sari's - even yours truly - and went to the temples and danced, sang, danced and danced. It was hot as Hell on Tuesday, so that, dancing and dehydration were an intense combo. When the sun set we could drink water, and ate fruits. We had this interesting and acquired tasting concoction of hot water, butter, sugar, and black peppercorns to drink after eating. Yuck! It is supposed to be good for your stomach after a day of fasting...I don't know...I was trying to hide that I was gaging.
Needless to say, I slept like a little baby that night.
Wednesday, and Thursday (today) are still celebration days of ritual, worship, feasting, and rest.
The festival is to wish women for good husbands and/or a happy life and healthy relationship with your husband or future husband.
I just think it is soo awesome that there is a festival to celebrate women...especially in this culture. It does revolve around the idea of having a good husband, which kind of sucks (haha), but it is still so amazing to see women get together and unite. For only women to be allowed to dance and celebrate. I hope that in such a confining culture for women (though it is getting better)this is a free feeling and expressive time for women to have the chance to celebrate.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sorry I haven't written in a while. Last week was super busy at school and I have been working my butt off. It is great though.
On Thursday I went to a student's birthday party, Barsha - in grade 9 - and it was so much fun. The party was with Patel, Sudha, Barsha's wonderfully hospitable family and myself. The father played an old school accordion, the brother played the drums, the mother played the cymbals, and everyone was singing and clapping. It was so great to be a part of. They sang songs, accompanied by performing a ritual, to Krishna, Shiva, and about birth. We ate papaya, chocolate, and these soft deserts that are I think just flour, water, and sugar-water soaked (so rich!). Then we went to the other room, took pictures, drank tea, laughed and talked - until selfish Patel asked for the remote and turned the television on, I know, he is so dumb and inconsiderate - then we ate dinner. Lots of it.
That is one thing that is sooooo hard to do here - eat. It is an insult to not ask for seconds, and eat fast, and even more of an insult if you don't eat it all of your food. In the US I would not eat this much in my first helping if I was the one filling my plate - here I am eating soooo much more!!! Another thing about it is that it is a ton of starch - rice or roti and potatoes for every meal, some times even for breakfast. AND our dinner is always late. Amy and I have asked for it to be at 7 or 7:30, which happens for a couple of days, and then is at 9 - 9:30 again...ahhhhh! I am going to the gym now though, which is awesome.
I wish that it was safe for me to go hiking by myself. If it was I would go on every day I have off. Liz and I went to Sivapuri National Park yesterday to do a day hike. It was so refreshing to breath in fresh air and move around in nature. Not so refreshing though that I have a huge blister on my left heal. Not as big as my mutilated feet from a couple of years ago. (Some of you know what I am talking about.) But large and in charge nonetheless. Why??!! I have such bad luck, or some thing, I just don't get it. But I still love hiking; not only to get exercises but to get out of the city.
Living here has made me realize that when I do work again out of the US, I want to do it some where more remote. I am so sick of the city. I am sick of the pollution, the hacking and spiting, the honking and the traffic, the trash, the smells, the busy feeling, and most especially the stares. It's bad. It's really annoying. A lot of people here just have no shame and have no qualms about how they treat other people. Reading in the lonely planet that you should never raise your voice, touch some ones head, or stare at some one is a total joke - they are implying that is not appropriate in the Nepali culture, things they don't do and you should follow as well. People yell all the time. People are always hitting each other - oh it is hard in class some times. Parents are constantly smacking their children upside the head - not all parents of course, but not a day has gone by that I haven't seen it at least 3 times. And people stare. Maybe it is because I am white. Maybe because I live in a very non-tourist area, there seems to be a lot of it. Maybe people just stare because they like to stare. I don't know, but it does get annoying. I am one to people watch...I always have been. But there is a difference when you are watching some one, they see you watching them, and you avert your eyes or smile. Here people - men are the worst, but women and children definitely do it - stare with gaping black holes of mouths and if you look at them they just keep on keepin on. I mock their faces, and that usually makes them stop, for a few seconds. Long enough for them to register that I am mocking them...but then once you look away, there they are with their big gaping mouths - ready to catch a fly.
Don't get me wrong, I still love it here. It just gets to be a lot some times.
On Thursday I went to a student's birthday party, Barsha - in grade 9 - and it was so much fun. The party was with Patel, Sudha, Barsha's wonderfully hospitable family and myself. The father played an old school accordion, the brother played the drums, the mother played the cymbals, and everyone was singing and clapping. It was so great to be a part of. They sang songs, accompanied by performing a ritual, to Krishna, Shiva, and about birth. We ate papaya, chocolate, and these soft deserts that are I think just flour, water, and sugar-water soaked (so rich!). Then we went to the other room, took pictures, drank tea, laughed and talked - until selfish Patel asked for the remote and turned the television on, I know, he is so dumb and inconsiderate - then we ate dinner. Lots of it.
That is one thing that is sooooo hard to do here - eat. It is an insult to not ask for seconds, and eat fast, and even more of an insult if you don't eat it all of your food. In the US I would not eat this much in my first helping if I was the one filling my plate - here I am eating soooo much more!!! Another thing about it is that it is a ton of starch - rice or roti and potatoes for every meal, some times even for breakfast. AND our dinner is always late. Amy and I have asked for it to be at 7 or 7:30, which happens for a couple of days, and then is at 9 - 9:30 again...ahhhhh! I am going to the gym now though, which is awesome.
I wish that it was safe for me to go hiking by myself. If it was I would go on every day I have off. Liz and I went to Sivapuri National Park yesterday to do a day hike. It was so refreshing to breath in fresh air and move around in nature. Not so refreshing though that I have a huge blister on my left heal. Not as big as my mutilated feet from a couple of years ago. (Some of you know what I am talking about.) But large and in charge nonetheless. Why??!! I have such bad luck, or some thing, I just don't get it. But I still love hiking; not only to get exercises but to get out of the city.
Living here has made me realize that when I do work again out of the US, I want to do it some where more remote. I am so sick of the city. I am sick of the pollution, the hacking and spiting, the honking and the traffic, the trash, the smells, the busy feeling, and most especially the stares. It's bad. It's really annoying. A lot of people here just have no shame and have no qualms about how they treat other people. Reading in the lonely planet that you should never raise your voice, touch some ones head, or stare at some one is a total joke - they are implying that is not appropriate in the Nepali culture, things they don't do and you should follow as well. People yell all the time. People are always hitting each other - oh it is hard in class some times. Parents are constantly smacking their children upside the head - not all parents of course, but not a day has gone by that I haven't seen it at least 3 times. And people stare. Maybe it is because I am white. Maybe because I live in a very non-tourist area, there seems to be a lot of it. Maybe people just stare because they like to stare. I don't know, but it does get annoying. I am one to people watch...I always have been. But there is a difference when you are watching some one, they see you watching them, and you avert your eyes or smile. Here people - men are the worst, but women and children definitely do it - stare with gaping black holes of mouths and if you look at them they just keep on keepin on. I mock their faces, and that usually makes them stop, for a few seconds. Long enough for them to register that I am mocking them...but then once you look away, there they are with their big gaping mouths - ready to catch a fly.
Don't get me wrong, I still love it here. It just gets to be a lot some times.
Fuck.
Fuck. I just got back from the immigration office to renew my visa. First let me express how shitty, stupid, frustrated, and pissed off I am. Now let me tell you why.
I am in Nepal for 2 too many days...little did I know that you could only be here for a grand total of 150 days on a tourist visa in one stay. so...this sucks balls (grand parents, and any one who is offended I apologize)- big ones. Now I have some options:
A)Go to India, or somewhere (I already have a valid Indian visa) for 15 days(=$$$)
B)be daring and don't do anything, until the day my final visa here expires and go to the department of departure - where I will have to pay $40 just to go to, and then a fine which I won't know until the day I go and would be a minimum of rs1000. (=$$$)
C)change my plane ticket to leave sooner (=$$$)
D) talk to a new friend, Aria, who has some serious connections with all of Nepal, literally, and was talking the other night about how easy it is to get around things especially with the duration you are here (=$$$, but I don't know how much)
So, now do you see why I feel shitty, stupid, frustrated, and pissed off (and cried in the immigration office).
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. I really don't want a lecture about how I should have figured all this out sooner; I know I know I know.
I am in Nepal for 2 too many days...little did I know that you could only be here for a grand total of 150 days on a tourist visa in one stay. so...this sucks balls (grand parents, and any one who is offended I apologize)- big ones. Now I have some options:
A)Go to India, or somewhere (I already have a valid Indian visa) for 15 days(=$$$)
B)be daring and don't do anything, until the day my final visa here expires and go to the department of departure - where I will have to pay $40 just to go to, and then a fine which I won't know until the day I go and would be a minimum of rs1000. (=$$$)
C)change my plane ticket to leave sooner (=$$$)
D) talk to a new friend, Aria, who has some serious connections with all of Nepal, literally, and was talking the other night about how easy it is to get around things especially with the duration you are here (=$$$, but I don't know how much)
So, now do you see why I feel shitty, stupid, frustrated, and pissed off (and cried in the immigration office).
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. I really don't want a lecture about how I should have figured all this out sooner; I know I know I know.
Monday, August 25, 2008
you know...the life
All in all, all is well. I have decided to pick up some MORE classes, so in total I will be teaching 19 classes in 4 days...a little nuts. But like I said in my last post, I want to give these kids as much drama as they, and I, can handle.
I am in my last week of going to yoga class; it's bittersweet. I love going, and learning more and every time getting more focused in yoga and meditation. However, we (Liz and I that is) are almost done learning the entire sets of series, and I will still be doing it every morning. I will probably go to her house when I can to practice, as it is quieter and more neutral...or I will wake up early and do it on my roof. Every one wakes up so early here, so I sort of feel like the (one of the two) white lady in the neighborhood putting on a yoga show...which makes it a little more difficult to concentrate. The plus is that I won't have to wake up at 5:20, catch a tuk tuk, walk to yoga, and then after being so relaxed and feeling so great, going in to crazy Patan, where people stare, hork, honk, and almost drive your toes off - this is when all of the breathing and relaxation exercises go into complete reverse.
So, I am writing the script for classes 9 and 10 and I decided to write something that deals with many issues prevalent in Nepal: race (it is baffling!!!!!!!! there is whitening cream for the skin, and black and Indian people are stared at with horrific faces made to them...I have never seen discrimination like this before. Actually, it is quite disgusting.), religion, education in Kathmandu and in villages - and lack of education, the country's infrastructure, government control, lack of means to transportation, electricity, and clean water all around the country. I am hopeful that this will really challenge these students and make them think about themselves and their position here and how they want to form themselves in this struggling country. The awesome thing is that all of these ideas came from them. I did a mind map around education in Nepal, and there is so much that would be considered a disaster in America that is the back bone of the system here. No matter what the issue is, be it government, economics, sanitation issues, race, technology, family, or religion, I believe it ALL starts with education. Nothing will improve if the people are not educated and are not willing to be educated.
These students are.
I hope that by them speaking the words in this script, they will be more educated and informed about the dire situation(s) here, and that they will be willing to make a change, somehow.
I am in my last week of going to yoga class; it's bittersweet. I love going, and learning more and every time getting more focused in yoga and meditation. However, we (Liz and I that is) are almost done learning the entire sets of series, and I will still be doing it every morning. I will probably go to her house when I can to practice, as it is quieter and more neutral...or I will wake up early and do it on my roof. Every one wakes up so early here, so I sort of feel like the (one of the two) white lady in the neighborhood putting on a yoga show...which makes it a little more difficult to concentrate. The plus is that I won't have to wake up at 5:20, catch a tuk tuk, walk to yoga, and then after being so relaxed and feeling so great, going in to crazy Patan, where people stare, hork, honk, and almost drive your toes off - this is when all of the breathing and relaxation exercises go into complete reverse.
So, I am writing the script for classes 9 and 10 and I decided to write something that deals with many issues prevalent in Nepal: race (it is baffling!!!!!!!! there is whitening cream for the skin, and black and Indian people are stared at with horrific faces made to them...I have never seen discrimination like this before. Actually, it is quite disgusting.), religion, education in Kathmandu and in villages - and lack of education, the country's infrastructure, government control, lack of means to transportation, electricity, and clean water all around the country. I am hopeful that this will really challenge these students and make them think about themselves and their position here and how they want to form themselves in this struggling country. The awesome thing is that all of these ideas came from them. I did a mind map around education in Nepal, and there is so much that would be considered a disaster in America that is the back bone of the system here. No matter what the issue is, be it government, economics, sanitation issues, race, technology, family, or religion, I believe it ALL starts with education. Nothing will improve if the people are not educated and are not willing to be educated.
These students are.
I hope that by them speaking the words in this script, they will be more educated and informed about the dire situation(s) here, and that they will be willing to make a change, somehow.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Not too much is new...I am back in school today to talk to Grade 9 and 10, and get started on the writing. I wish my computer was in working condition...it's a little annoying especially since the library at school is not the best creative thinking environment.
It was Amy's birthday on Friday, so we celebrated Friday and last night. Here, if you are from the states, your birthday is a day and a half! On Friday we went to Pashupatinath, which is outside of the busy part of the city. Hindus go here when they have lost some one, and this is where they cremate their bodies and mourn. The body is sent down the river after the cremation and religious rituals. There are, what seems like 100's, of temples and shrines. It was very interesting to be there. After that we went to Bodnath stupa, I wrote about this great place last month. Following Bodnath, we went to Thamel and had some drinks - I had coffee, as waking up at 5:20 every morning catches up to me, and I haven't really wanted to drink alcohol here - at a restaurant called Rom Doodle. The walls are covered in feet, with writing from people all over the world who trekked in Nepal. It was pretty awesome, and there was live music which always makes it better.
Yesterday, Malai alchi lageo, I was feeling lazy. I did yoga in the a.m. followed by lunch and reading. Then we went out to an awesomely tasting dinner, where there was live jazz and blues. There was reggae night at Sam's, but I was pretty disappointed with the out come. I wanted to dance, but every one was just in their own personal conversation world, except for my friends and I. Some of us danced, but is was not quite what I expected. All in all a great couple of days, and now I am ready to get to teaching.
I am picking up some extra classes which I am really happy about. It is a lot, but we end this term on the 19th of September, and maybe sooner for me as the students have to prepare for their exams. So really that is not much time at all and I want to give these students all the drama they can handle. :)
It was Amy's birthday on Friday, so we celebrated Friday and last night. Here, if you are from the states, your birthday is a day and a half! On Friday we went to Pashupatinath, which is outside of the busy part of the city. Hindus go here when they have lost some one, and this is where they cremate their bodies and mourn. The body is sent down the river after the cremation and religious rituals. There are, what seems like 100's, of temples and shrines. It was very interesting to be there. After that we went to Bodnath stupa, I wrote about this great place last month. Following Bodnath, we went to Thamel and had some drinks - I had coffee, as waking up at 5:20 every morning catches up to me, and I haven't really wanted to drink alcohol here - at a restaurant called Rom Doodle. The walls are covered in feet, with writing from people all over the world who trekked in Nepal. It was pretty awesome, and there was live music which always makes it better.
Yesterday, Malai alchi lageo, I was feeling lazy. I did yoga in the a.m. followed by lunch and reading. Then we went out to an awesomely tasting dinner, where there was live jazz and blues. There was reggae night at Sam's, but I was pretty disappointed with the out come. I wanted to dance, but every one was just in their own personal conversation world, except for my friends and I. Some of us danced, but is was not quite what I expected. All in all a great couple of days, and now I am ready to get to teaching.
I am picking up some extra classes which I am really happy about. It is a lot, but we end this term on the 19th of September, and maybe sooner for me as the students have to prepare for their exams. So really that is not much time at all and I want to give these students all the drama they can handle. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
