It was a bit due to unfortunate digestive circumstances, but like my dad said - probably to be expected for a bit. Though as of tomorrow, I have been in Kathmandu for 4 weeks. Nuts!
The only thing that I can do with out right now is (besides the smells) daal bhat - rice and daal which is like an oily, soupy, salty, saucy substance that goes over rice. It is good, but after having it for lunch and dinner basically every night, I'm a little over it. I think that also contributed to the unfortunate digestive issues. I am just not used to having tons of starch and oil in my diet, so...that is my theory anyways.
Teaching is still going really well. Today was a little nuts, as class 3's teacher was absent...and they do not understand much english. I am doing a creative drama curriculum with them, where we go on lots of adventures using ensemble tools and focus, but it was a huge challenge. A big learning experience-that is for sure...which can never be too bad. :)
So, here's a story for you. I was at my friend Erica's house in Thamel area for a Yak cheese lasagna party. We, myself and 5 other ladies, left at like 10 to catch a cab. We got one in front of the Chineese Embassy and as we were bargining prices and 3 scarry huge police men strolled up and were walking around us just starring. So we were like "ok, this cab is great and the price is fine!" Very interesting. So 6 of us cram into a cab that is the size of a Geo metro.
Then we are walking home from the street and there is this huge dog - I mean huge dog - claiming it's territory and barking at us. He scensed my fear and lunged at me with his knarly teeth! SOOOOOOOOOO scarry! Thank god for Tara, who is a dog trainer in Canada, because she stoped him like that. It was crazy. Soooo so so so glad I got the rabies vaccinations! Oh. That is by far the highest my blood pressure has been in Nepal, and the fastest my heart has beat - ever. That could have been really bad.
The good news is, I am great. :) and safe.
I am going out of town for a week tomorrow to Pokhara with Liz, Tara, and Amy. We are going to chill in Pokhara, which is beautiful and you can google it to look at pictures, for a couple of days. Then Liz and I are going trekking to Tatopani (hot springs) for 4 -5 days. Wahoo! I am stoked to get out of the city and go trekking.
So, I won't be able to write for a little over a week. Do not fret over me my loves. I am great, and will be even more so when I am out in nature.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A Panoramic View of Kathmandu
I am glad I got to the internet cafe right after the power came back...people swarmed here. The power goes out basically whenever it feels like it. On Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 -9pm the area I live in has a blackout...it's actually not bad, and kinda nice to sit by candle light and headlamp. :) For 2 hours one of those days, I sat around with Liz, Diebou, Tara and my family making finger puppets and playing games. It was great.
So often, at least a dozen times a day, I say to myself "it's the Nepali way." What with the power going out; the smells - and seeing kids pee right in the middle of the fruit and vegetable market - the smells the smells; the crazzzzzy drivers (I still have my toes!); teachers at school just not showing up to class (yah, I know...no phone calls, no notice - they just don't show up when they feel like it); HA! a National Holiday being called less than 12 hours before the day of the holiday(because of the new President and people in office - only in Nepal!); people constantly being late - on Nepali time (however, I must admit I am completely falling in to that category - not for school or yoga - but other than that, what's the hurry?!); the side to side head nods (which I also must admit I am doing as well) - it can be a little confusing though, especially when teaching. I'll ask them "do you understand?" and the students will give a side to side nod...ummmmmm...is that a 'yes' or a 'no'...so I mostly assume that they don't understand and I will find a more simple way to explain; also the leering men - gross! especially in a group of 3+ foreigners - oh TJ save me :); people just tossing their trash where ever they damn well please.
I find that Nepal is FULL of paradox. The people here talk about making a more safe and healthy environment. Yet, they continue to pile trash on the streets, pee and shit where ever because they gotta go (sorry if that's too much, but it's true), the drivers that are nuts! which cause endless accidents, and probably loose several toes a day. Also the poor dogs...there are so many strays searching through all of the trash, with rib cages bulging out and horrific looking cuts, bites, flee infestations, swollen body parts. It breaks my heart. If I were to live here permanently I would end up adopting so many dogs - and puppies. It's even worse that there is no care, no neutering, so there are more and more dogs by the day...though a lot die as well.
Despite all of the negative things, Nepal has such beauty...Kathmandu, not so much. Though the temples are a huge exception, they are phenomenal, and you won't find trash around the temples. I love my house and find it has it's own Nepali charm, probably because I love Didi and Amma so much, and we got hot water - wahoooo! There may be some really nasty men, like in all countries, but there are amazing people here as well. When ever I am in a foul mood, or stressed out walking down the street, if I see a child, I just find myself smiling. And smiles here are contagious. The mother will smile, the children will smile, and that makes up for the desperate fight to keep my toes and the gross men. It is amazing too that considering the conditions of living here, you will always see Nepali's laughing and smiling.
We take so much for granted in America.
As far as the political situation here, the election in April was majority Maoist. That was for seats in the Parliament. They have a majority of seats. There was another election, last week, for President, and Vice, etc. and to vote on that were the people holding seats in the Parliament. The Maoists did not win that. Now they are on the opposition in party (like Democrats vs. Republican, but more extreme), but at least they are still involved and not rioting and being overtly violent. The BIG issue, which caused several strikes, was when the new Vice President gave his acception speech in Hindi which was translated into English, and only spoke to the benefit of the Indian people in Nepal specifically in the Terai Region - close to the Indian boarder. People were pissed, and rightfully so...especially if a Nepali speaks neither Hindi nor English - how the hell are they supposed to understand what their new government official is saying! And there are SO many issues - health care, infrastructure, basic sanitary needs, education, the list goes on - and for him to only speak about the Terai Region regarding people who are not native to this land is, well, it's fucked up. The Parliament was just voting today whether or not the Vice should give his speech again, in Nepali - which I think is obvious - YES! so that is the brief synopsis of what is going on here.
I hope you enjoyed this pamoramic view of Kathmandu.
So often, at least a dozen times a day, I say to myself "it's the Nepali way." What with the power going out; the smells - and seeing kids pee right in the middle of the fruit and vegetable market - the smells the smells; the crazzzzzy drivers (I still have my toes!); teachers at school just not showing up to class (yah, I know...no phone calls, no notice - they just don't show up when they feel like it); HA! a National Holiday being called less than 12 hours before the day of the holiday(because of the new President and people in office - only in Nepal!); people constantly being late - on Nepali time (however, I must admit I am completely falling in to that category - not for school or yoga - but other than that, what's the hurry?!); the side to side head nods (which I also must admit I am doing as well) - it can be a little confusing though, especially when teaching. I'll ask them "do you understand?" and the students will give a side to side nod...ummmmmm...is that a 'yes' or a 'no'...so I mostly assume that they don't understand and I will find a more simple way to explain; also the leering men - gross! especially in a group of 3+ foreigners - oh TJ save me :); people just tossing their trash where ever they damn well please.
I find that Nepal is FULL of paradox. The people here talk about making a more safe and healthy environment. Yet, they continue to pile trash on the streets, pee and shit where ever because they gotta go (sorry if that's too much, but it's true), the drivers that are nuts! which cause endless accidents, and probably loose several toes a day. Also the poor dogs...there are so many strays searching through all of the trash, with rib cages bulging out and horrific looking cuts, bites, flee infestations, swollen body parts. It breaks my heart. If I were to live here permanently I would end up adopting so many dogs - and puppies. It's even worse that there is no care, no neutering, so there are more and more dogs by the day...though a lot die as well.
Despite all of the negative things, Nepal has such beauty...Kathmandu, not so much. Though the temples are a huge exception, they are phenomenal, and you won't find trash around the temples. I love my house and find it has it's own Nepali charm, probably because I love Didi and Amma so much, and we got hot water - wahoooo! There may be some really nasty men, like in all countries, but there are amazing people here as well. When ever I am in a foul mood, or stressed out walking down the street, if I see a child, I just find myself smiling. And smiles here are contagious. The mother will smile, the children will smile, and that makes up for the desperate fight to keep my toes and the gross men. It is amazing too that considering the conditions of living here, you will always see Nepali's laughing and smiling.
We take so much for granted in America.
As far as the political situation here, the election in April was majority Maoist. That was for seats in the Parliament. They have a majority of seats. There was another election, last week, for President, and Vice, etc. and to vote on that were the people holding seats in the Parliament. The Maoists did not win that. Now they are on the opposition in party (like Democrats vs. Republican, but more extreme), but at least they are still involved and not rioting and being overtly violent. The BIG issue, which caused several strikes, was when the new Vice President gave his acception speech in Hindi which was translated into English, and only spoke to the benefit of the Indian people in Nepal specifically in the Terai Region - close to the Indian boarder. People were pissed, and rightfully so...especially if a Nepali speaks neither Hindi nor English - how the hell are they supposed to understand what their new government official is saying! And there are SO many issues - health care, infrastructure, basic sanitary needs, education, the list goes on - and for him to only speak about the Terai Region regarding people who are not native to this land is, well, it's fucked up. The Parliament was just voting today whether or not the Vice should give his speech again, in Nepali - which I think is obvious - YES! so that is the brief synopsis of what is going on here.
I hope you enjoyed this pamoramic view of Kathmandu.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Oh what a world
I haven't updated in a bit, and I apologize. Things are still going well here, especially at school. I am much more at home. Politically things are very interesting...it is an intense, and intriguing time to be in Nepal. They just got a new president at the general population is not too happy at all. There have been many strikes and transportation is down randomly - which is inconvenient. But don't worry I am being safe. Thanks to you all who keep up on my life here. it makes me feel connected, though being so far away. I have to jet because my time is about up at the Internet cafe and I am cheap, and don't want to pay for another hour. Much love, and will write very soon. Promise.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Living is an art...you've got your canvas and I've got mine.
Things are still going just swell. I love love love being in the classroom. I am finding new things about myself as a teacher everyday, and as a person living in this crazy world. I just had a really great class with grade 10...the oldest class at school. I had them yesterday, and they were soooo ridiculously shy and segregated by sex. It actually was quite frustrating. But since the English teacher is still ill, I took them today for their English period to do more, and loosen them up. It was such a relief to have them relax and have fun today. It was great. And I basically told them that segregating themselves by sex will not fly in my classroom. So it got a ton better today already. I did a story drama curriculum with grade 1, and will do it with grade 2 today, and that was amazing! Suda, Mr. Patel's wife, speaks English really well and she came to class to be a translator. It was so helpful - in fact it would have been impossible without her there - and the kids totally loved it. They were a glow the whole class.
Yoga is going really well and I am so happy to have that at the end of my days. I am going Sunday - Wednesday at 5:00pm and then at 6:30am Thursday and Friday. It is about an hour walk, which is also a great workout. The area Patan is where my class is and it is actually really close, closer than I thought, to Koteshwor (which is where I live). It is a very old district and has hundreds of temples all around. Walking can be sort of stressful though, as I would love to keep all of my toes on my feet. Pedestrians don't have the right of way here, and there are only a few sidewalks...which is why people go crazy with their horns. But I have had some really close calls. Especially with the motorbikes. Ha! I can't believe that I was actually thinking of renting a bicycle here!
I must be on my way, to teach grade 9. Then to a conversational English period that Liz and I are holding during their 'Tiffin Time' aka 35minute break.
Much love my friends, much love.
Yoga is going really well and I am so happy to have that at the end of my days. I am going Sunday - Wednesday at 5:00pm and then at 6:30am Thursday and Friday. It is about an hour walk, which is also a great workout. The area Patan is where my class is and it is actually really close, closer than I thought, to Koteshwor (which is where I live). It is a very old district and has hundreds of temples all around. Walking can be sort of stressful though, as I would love to keep all of my toes on my feet. Pedestrians don't have the right of way here, and there are only a few sidewalks...which is why people go crazy with their horns. But I have had some really close calls. Especially with the motorbikes. Ha! I can't believe that I was actually thinking of renting a bicycle here!
I must be on my way, to teach grade 9. Then to a conversational English period that Liz and I are holding during their 'Tiffin Time' aka 35minute break.
Much love my friends, much love.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gokarna - Kopan - Bodhnath
Hey friends! This weekend, well yesturday I guess since we only get one day off that is considered the 'weekend', I went with Liz and Diebou to Gokarna, Kopan, and Bodhnath. We had to take a bus, then a tuk-tuk (which is a really small transportation device that, like every other transportation device, stuffs bodies into it so you get the pleasure of being up close and personal with a strangers sweaty body or bodies), and then another bus to get to Gokarna. There is a really beautiful temple there that has a lot of history. It was built in 1582 and stands on the bank of te Bagmati River. There are tons of sculpture and reliefs all around the site. We couldn't walk in the temple as it is only for Hindis. After walking around there we hiked to Kopan and went to the Kopan Monastery, which was absolutly breath taking and some of the most amazing architecture and art I have ever seen. We met fellow volunteers Mira and Tara there, had lunch, and walked all around the Monastery, the stupa, and the area there. We were allowed to enter the Monastery. On Saturday's they open it up to Westerners from 3:00 - 4:00 - so we had great timing. It was spectacular! Right when you enter, you are looking at a 20 - 25 foot gold statue of Buddha. On either side, there are about 5 other statues of different Buddha's that descended in height from the center out. They were all gold and incredibly detailed. There was painting of raidient colors all over the walls and ceilings, of Bhudda and also flowers, and magnificent shapes. Of course, there was no photography allowed. I left my camera at home today, but I will really try to download some pictures, as even the outside was amazing as well as the stupa behind the Monastery. It was so peaceful, and so refreshing. I was just trying to fill my lungs with as much fresh and clean air as possible before going to Kathmandu. And relish in the fact that there were no rancid smells that I could not escape.
After Kopan we hiked to Bodhnath where there is a Stupa that is said to be one of the oldest in Nepal, and some believe there is a bone of Buddha that is buried within the stupa. There were hundreds, it seemed, of people - from Buddhist monks to beggars - milliing around, all walking clockwise, holding their prayer beads and chanting their prayers.
In both this stupa and at the Kopan monastary, the feeling of energy was so potent and peaceful. It was radiating through out the space, therefore creating peace within the people, and myself.
What a great experience. Again, "oh, what a feeling...what a lovely little feeling." Thanks Clinton Fearon
After Kopan we hiked to Bodhnath where there is a Stupa that is said to be one of the oldest in Nepal, and some believe there is a bone of Buddha that is buried within the stupa. There were hundreds, it seemed, of people - from Buddhist monks to beggars - milliing around, all walking clockwise, holding their prayer beads and chanting their prayers.
In both this stupa and at the Kopan monastary, the feeling of energy was so potent and peaceful. It was radiating through out the space, therefore creating peace within the people, and myself.
What a great experience. Again, "oh, what a feeling...what a lovely little feeling." Thanks Clinton Fearon
Friday, July 18, 2008
Teacher's Day!!!!!!!!!
Today was teacher celebration day! It was soooo much fun! We were blessed with abire, which is the red powder, all over our faces. Different students blessed me, aka doused me with abire, and my entire face was colored bright red. We danced and played and laughed all afternoon, with all 350 students, teachers and volunteers. We got all sweaty and the red powder turned into a nice liquid that was dripping all over the place. It's a good thing I don't really care about the quality of my clothes. :) But really, I can't believe how much fun it was. These kids saved up money to buy us all cards and the abire, there were two stereos - two dance floors - kids playing drums, and so many people having a blast. Talk about a great way for teachers and students to bond! These kids are absolutely amazing!
On another note, the creative drama class from yesterday was awesome! They loved it! I am so glad, because even though there were 18 3rd graders, they were all in the palm of my hand - and had a great time. Again, (I know I keep repeating myself but) they have never done anything like this - and it is really so rewarding as a teaching artist to bring this to these wonderful kids. The 8th grade class also was superb, and I couldn't ask for anything more.
I went to yoga today, and it is totally different than any kind of practice I have ever studied. There was a lot of different breathing, focusing exercises. In fact I felt pretty faint for a bit there, just doing an exercise that I have never done before. It is so interesting the way your body reacts to techniques you are not used to. There is also a lot of meditation, which is something I wanted to focus on while in Nepal. I know this practice will be very beneficial to me both physically and mentally - and help to balance out my life here. I am going to go 7 days a week, unless I choose to go trekking for the weekend. I created my schedule so that I have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off - which is very freeing. All of the volunteers really want to explore and trek and do as much as we can here, so that is awesome!
All in all, things are really great here. I miss my love, TJ that is, more than I can even express...I hope these 3 months go by guicker than the last 2.5 weeks.
There are some stresses with the school, as to concerns of the money being used properly...but that is another huge topic and story that I would rather not dive into right now. But at least I am doing what I came here to do...and it is beneficial and rewarding to the students, the school, the teachers here, and myself.
To quote Clinton Fearon, "Oh, what a feeling...what a lovely little feeling."
On another note, the creative drama class from yesterday was awesome! They loved it! I am so glad, because even though there were 18 3rd graders, they were all in the palm of my hand - and had a great time. Again, (I know I keep repeating myself but) they have never done anything like this - and it is really so rewarding as a teaching artist to bring this to these wonderful kids. The 8th grade class also was superb, and I couldn't ask for anything more.
I went to yoga today, and it is totally different than any kind of practice I have ever studied. There was a lot of different breathing, focusing exercises. In fact I felt pretty faint for a bit there, just doing an exercise that I have never done before. It is so interesting the way your body reacts to techniques you are not used to. There is also a lot of meditation, which is something I wanted to focus on while in Nepal. I know this practice will be very beneficial to me both physically and mentally - and help to balance out my life here. I am going to go 7 days a week, unless I choose to go trekking for the weekend. I created my schedule so that I have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off - which is very freeing. All of the volunteers really want to explore and trek and do as much as we can here, so that is awesome!
All in all, things are really great here. I miss my love, TJ that is, more than I can even express...I hope these 3 months go by guicker than the last 2.5 weeks.
There are some stresses with the school, as to concerns of the money being used properly...but that is another huge topic and story that I would rather not dive into right now. But at least I am doing what I came here to do...and it is beneficial and rewarding to the students, the school, the teachers here, and myself.
To quote Clinton Fearon, "Oh, what a feeling...what a lovely little feeling."
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Classes are going so well. I worked with grade 4 yesterday and it was really amazing. They are so creative, and now they have a channel to put their creativity to use. It is so rewarding to be in the classroom and giving these kids an opportunity they have never had. The younger grades are so used to repeating what the teacher says, especially in English, Nepali, and diction, so they would be repeating what I was saying, as I am giving directions. They are so cute. Also, yesterday the teacher whose period it was (my scedule is basically: in one class a week for each grade - 1 through 10 - I will be replacing their given class with theatre) came to class with me. It was a HUGE help, as I do not speak much Nepali and they are used to having her in the classroom, as far as discipline goes. So when the students were not understanding somehting I was saying, she could just translate it. Also, with a new face and a new classroom experience I am sure it is sooo exciting to be the student...and the teacher. However, excitment can easily be turned into chaos. So having the teacher in the room to assist makes a major difference.
At first I was weary about using specific teaching techniques, like rubbing your hands together when you have an idea - vs. the standard raise your hand - but they totally latched on and it worked like magic.
Today I am working with grades 3 and 8. With grade 3 I have a creative drama curriculum planned...we will see how it works. They love books, so I decided to create a curriculum that we go to the library and visit the librarian who happens to have magic books. When you open the books (book about Animals, food, colors, shapes, the alphabet, etc.) you can travel to the land where the book is set. My idea is to just try it out today and see how it works - and if it works great today then next class, once we travel to the library, the books have all gone missing. So we will have to to through all of the books and find out how to get the books back, and who took the books. Wish me luck! I hope it works, and I hope the teacher will attend because it is such a huge help.
At first I was weary about using specific teaching techniques, like rubbing your hands together when you have an idea - vs. the standard raise your hand - but they totally latched on and it worked like magic.
Today I am working with grades 3 and 8. With grade 3 I have a creative drama curriculum planned...we will see how it works. They love books, so I decided to create a curriculum that we go to the library and visit the librarian who happens to have magic books. When you open the books (book about Animals, food, colors, shapes, the alphabet, etc.) you can travel to the land where the book is set. My idea is to just try it out today and see how it works - and if it works great today then next class, once we travel to the library, the books have all gone missing. So we will have to to through all of the books and find out how to get the books back, and who took the books. Wish me luck! I hope it works, and I hope the teacher will attend because it is such a huge help.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
yay teaching! 1st day!
I started my teaching today, and it was great! It is so refreshing to be in the classroom and to be doing what I came here for. I am in love with the students, mostly. Grade 2 was pretty nuts! Because they have never been exposed to any theatre or drama before, I thought it would be good to start with learing the basic tools of and actor: body, voice, and imagination. Boy they latched on to the voice part! It was so cute though, they couldn't say imaginaation at first so I had to break it down syllable by syllable...adorable. I think they are used to repeating the teachers, which was hilarious, but a little much at times. They were so excited to be there - so enthusiastic - but very distracting, and we didn't really get that much done. I mean, really, how much can you get done in 40 minutes? But they really latched on to their imaginations. We were 'picking fruit from the tree' and I asked one boy what his fruit was and he said "a fish", I asked "oh, what does it taste like?" he said "a apple!" SO cute! So I now know that I need to do creative drama, possibly even story drama...which I think I will try first.
Grade 9 was awesome! Again, having no exposure to drama before, they were happy to be there and out of their desks. It took a little warming up, but they really got going. They were very giggly the first while, which I let be the first bit - because, hey, being giggly is fun. But they also got when it is okay to laugh, and when laughing can be disrespectful to eachother and themselves. They started being pretty shy, and ended happy, talking loudly, making big physical choices, and learning objective and obstacle...of course as well as the actor's tools. Overall, it was a wonderful time and already such a learning experience.
I got a sari that all of the women teachers wear, so I think the students liked that, and got a laugh from seeing a white woman in a sari. They are so complicated to put on. I had to have Didi help me put it on, and probably will again tomorrow. It is just a really long fabric that wraps and folds and wraps and folds and wraps and folds. Underneath you wear a 'peticoat', like a long skirt, and a blouse, a really tight top.
I am looking forward to teaching here, and working with these great students. It is a big challenge, and you have to speak slowly, and ask the students many times if they understand. If they stare at me blankly, I know they do not understand and I have to phrase it in a more simple way. I know that working here will make me a much stronger teacher, and I am so happy to be challenging myself in such a positive way. It is just so great to know you are really changing these students, especially them not ever being able to experience taking a drama class, or even to see a live performance. Oh, what a feeling!
Grade 9 was awesome! Again, having no exposure to drama before, they were happy to be there and out of their desks. It took a little warming up, but they really got going. They were very giggly the first while, which I let be the first bit - because, hey, being giggly is fun. But they also got when it is okay to laugh, and when laughing can be disrespectful to eachother and themselves. They started being pretty shy, and ended happy, talking loudly, making big physical choices, and learning objective and obstacle...of course as well as the actor's tools. Overall, it was a wonderful time and already such a learning experience.
I got a sari that all of the women teachers wear, so I think the students liked that, and got a laugh from seeing a white woman in a sari. They are so complicated to put on. I had to have Didi help me put it on, and probably will again tomorrow. It is just a really long fabric that wraps and folds and wraps and folds and wraps and folds. Underneath you wear a 'peticoat', like a long skirt, and a blouse, a really tight top.
I am looking forward to teaching here, and working with these great students. It is a big challenge, and you have to speak slowly, and ask the students many times if they understand. If they stare at me blankly, I know they do not understand and I have to phrase it in a more simple way. I know that working here will make me a much stronger teacher, and I am so happy to be challenging myself in such a positive way. It is just so great to know you are really changing these students, especially them not ever being able to experience taking a drama class, or even to see a live performance. Oh, what a feeling!
Monday, July 14, 2008
hey
Sorry it's been a couple days, I was horribly sick yesturday with my first case of travelers sickness. It was rough. All I did was get sick, sleep, and read all day and 2 nights. but I am feeling so much better. thank goodness!
Saturday, before I got sick, I went with my friends to Thamel in Kathmandu. There are tons of shops and resturants to explore, I got some really nice things - for cheap. That is was I love most so far - everything is soooo cheap! We were having lunch and it started pouring rain, so we spent a lot of time at the resturant and at a book shop. It got a Nepali play for 50rs - 69rs to a US dollar - hell yeah!
So today, I was pretty frustrated with the whole teaching situation and what not. So I was blunt as hell and just expressed how I was feeling about it all. Long story short, I finally got a schedule worked out with teaching theatre. At first Mr. Patel was trying to figure out my English class schedule...and I was like "No. Let's do theatre first since that is why I am here!" So that was really good and I feel so much better about the situation. I am starting teaching to classes 2 and 9 tomorrow. Theatre that is. I decided I will be going to be attending as many English classses as I have the energy for -- as a resourse for both the teacher and the students. As a co-teacher. So that is wonderful. A big weight off of my chest. Well, I will keep you posted as to how my classes go.
Much love.
Saturday, before I got sick, I went with my friends to Thamel in Kathmandu. There are tons of shops and resturants to explore, I got some really nice things - for cheap. That is was I love most so far - everything is soooo cheap! We were having lunch and it started pouring rain, so we spent a lot of time at the resturant and at a book shop. It got a Nepali play for 50rs - 69rs to a US dollar - hell yeah!
So today, I was pretty frustrated with the whole teaching situation and what not. So I was blunt as hell and just expressed how I was feeling about it all. Long story short, I finally got a schedule worked out with teaching theatre. At first Mr. Patel was trying to figure out my English class schedule...and I was like "No. Let's do theatre first since that is why I am here!" So that was really good and I feel so much better about the situation. I am starting teaching to classes 2 and 9 tomorrow. Theatre that is. I decided I will be going to be attending as many English classses as I have the energy for -- as a resourse for both the teacher and the students. As a co-teacher. So that is wonderful. A big weight off of my chest. Well, I will keep you posted as to how my classes go.
Much love.
Friday, July 11, 2008
If I were a pirate, I would say ARGH!!!!
the last one didn't work...so here is Dhilulakhel area. The pictures at the temple (with prayer flags) is Namo Bhudda.
school school school
well, I started observing classes today and it went fairly well. It is just so entirely different from the education I am used to. I was supposed to be observing English classes today. And I did observe one class, grade 9. It is unfortunate because the teacher is not really allowing the students to speak and practice their English...so how are they going to learn it? I feel like they do know the language, at least the basics and enough to hold conversations, but since they are not given the opportunity in their 40 minute class to practice, they feel very un-confident and unsure about what they are saying. The first class I was to observe was grade 10, the highest in the school, and the teacher, Mr. Rakesh, (also vice Principal, who speaks pretty broken english himself) was not in class! So I went to his office, and he was "doing so work...and has a headache" so he was not going to class!!!! I was baffled...these kids are sitting in class waiting for their teacher! So, with 20 minutes left in class, I went to class; I talked to the students about their English: what is the most challenging thing for them, what would they like to work on most, and why is it important for them to be studying English? It took them about 15 minutes for them to warm up to me, and finally when they were starting to - class was over. Man oh man! Then I go to the next class, and like I said, the students were being spoken to and not getting a chance to speak...then about 10-15 minutes to class being over - Mr. Rakesh said he 'had to leave' so all of a sudden I was teaching class. I was thrown off, but also a little relieved so that I could do some exercises for the students to write dialog on the board and speak it - and that's all we had time for. I don't know quite how to feel about this situation. Of course it is frustrating and sad, and also makes me feel so lucky to have grown up in the place I did...I feel like, however, the only way I really want to teach these classes is if Mr. Rakesh sits in on all of the classes so he too can learn. I do want to teach these kids English, especially after my experience today, but I don't want Mr. Rakesh to get a 'get out of jail free card' and not come to class...then everything I will do for these 3+ months will be lost. So I think that will be my proposal. I am starting on Sunday...I think I will make a short quiz just to see where the students are at, and also create some speaking exercises. The good thing is I will be able to implement my theatre training and teaching into the English classroom. None the less, it was a very interesting experience.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Namaste!
I am back in Kathmandu. It is great to be back only because that means that I will starting school and teaching very soon. First Dhilukhel (which I butchered the spelling of on the previous post) was phenomonal. It is the Nepal I dreamed about. It was a small town of 9,500 people with many temples and surrounded by mountains and rice fields. The people were so nice and friendly...they kind of look at you - us white folk- like we are aliens, and then once we say 'Namaste' they return your greeting with a wonderful smile. It was so nice to go there and find my center. I feel rejuvenated after being so overwhelmed by culture shock. The first day we were there, on the 8th we explored the little town, ate at great places (SO cheap!), did a little gift shopping, and went to a local art gallery. I bought a painting of a older Nepali woman that really captures the women here. We stayed both nights at a guest house that you had to do a mini hike to get to, through a the Shiva temple, and throgh forest. We were the only people staying there besides the family that lives there so we got the best room around with amazing views. The rooftop was a flight of stairs above us that was also just phenomonal. They made organic pancakes with organic honey and coffee. On the 9th we went on a great hike, about 11K, up 1,000 stairs - literaly - to the Kali Temple, which is now being 'protected' by Maoists. (Which seems of absolutly no threat now that they have control of the government.) We continued through several villages, and many caste systems, to a Tibetan town Namo Bhudda where we stopped to eat lunch and went to a beautiful beautiful beautiful monestary. Then we continued through more villages, and more caste systems, and tons of rice fields to Panoti which is said to have the oldest temples and architecure in Nepal - and it looked to be true. We caught the bus to a town Banepa and there another bus back to Dhilukhel. It was so great. By the end of the day by cheeks were sore from smiling so much.
OK so now my computer is not working at all (Bryan, I will be talking/asking you about this when I call tomorrow night)...the power turns on, but there is nothing on the screen. So frustrating! So, I am going to see about downloading pictures on another computer at school, because I have so really great pictures and I last left you all with such a beautiful pic of me. :)
OK so now my computer is not working at all (Bryan, I will be talking/asking you about this when I call tomorrow night)...the power turns on, but there is nothing on the screen. So frustrating! So, I am going to see about downloading pictures on another computer at school, because I have so really great pictures and I last left you all with such a beautiful pic of me. :)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Things are getting much better and more comfortable here. I had a little bit of a break down yesterday dealing with the adjustment and getting used to living here. Talking to my mom, dad, and TJ really helped to ease the stress. Also, I am really connecting with my fellow volunteers and roommates. They are amazing. Dioubu who is from France, Tara from Canada, Liz from the States, Malu from Portugal, Tim from Belgium, Eve from France and Mira from Poland. We are a kick ass group. I am getting anxious to start teaching. Friday and Sunday I will observe classes (only day off is Saturday) and then hopefully begin on Monday. It is a little frustrating as I do not yet know what grades I am teaching and have no clue as to what my schedule will be. I am going to Diulakel, a small town about 2 hours NW of Kathmandu, with Tara tomorrow - might as well take advantage of the time we have and go explore Nepal.
I am living at a 'home stay' with two amazing families. It is definitely not what I expected...but you live and you learn, right? I am just really happy that I am surrounded by such amazing and supportive people. Already I feel much more 'in my element' and able to be my goofy self around them. I finally feel adjusted to the time, and my tummy is getting used to the food. It helps that Didi (meaning older sister) who lives above me is a wonderful cook. Ama (mother) lives with us too and she is just the sweetest lady, who speaks no English. She rings a bell on every hour and does a ritual of incense, flowers and paint the doorways in the mornings. It is beautiful and lovely to be around such a ritual.
This morning we did yoga on the rooftop - I am determined to make this a daily ritual for us.
I have been at the school almost all day today organizing the library here...the really tiny library. I still have not been able to get my computer connected with the Internet at school (annoying!) but I WILL and i will put pictures on as soon as I can. My love to you all. Thank you for your support. My next post will be in a couple days after my lil trip.
Until then.
I am living at a 'home stay' with two amazing families. It is definitely not what I expected...but you live and you learn, right? I am just really happy that I am surrounded by such amazing and supportive people. Already I feel much more 'in my element' and able to be my goofy self around them. I finally feel adjusted to the time, and my tummy is getting used to the food. It helps that Didi (meaning older sister) who lives above me is a wonderful cook. Ama (mother) lives with us too and she is just the sweetest lady, who speaks no English. She rings a bell on every hour and does a ritual of incense, flowers and paint the doorways in the mornings. It is beautiful and lovely to be around such a ritual.
This morning we did yoga on the rooftop - I am determined to make this a daily ritual for us.
I have been at the school almost all day today organizing the library here...the really tiny library. I still have not been able to get my computer connected with the Internet at school (annoying!) but I WILL and i will put pictures on as soon as I can. My love to you all. Thank you for your support. My next post will be in a couple days after my lil trip.
Until then.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I'm here!
I arrived two days ago. Internet connection is sparce here, and right now the electricity is not working, so I will make this post short.
It is definitely a culture shock! With the smells, constant sounds, dogs eating trash piled on the streets, crazy driving (literally no street laws - except use your horn to make people get the fuck out of your way), squating toilets, soo many people, not speaking but a tiny bit of the language, not knowing my way around yet, the food and the time traveling. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy to be here, but I also cannot wait to know my way arond, have a routine of going to school, and learn more Nepali.
I will write more a.s.a.p. and try to get some pics on here!
Best!
It is definitely a culture shock! With the smells, constant sounds, dogs eating trash piled on the streets, crazy driving (literally no street laws - except use your horn to make people get the fuck out of your way), squating toilets, soo many people, not speaking but a tiny bit of the language, not knowing my way around yet, the food and the time traveling. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy to be here, but I also cannot wait to know my way arond, have a routine of going to school, and learn more Nepali.
I will write more a.s.a.p. and try to get some pics on here!
Best!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Jet laggggggg
I am now in Doha, Qatar. God damn is it hot and humid here! It is 8:23pm here and 10:23am in Seattle...so needless to say my body clock is a little confussed. The flight was f-ing long, but there were some perks! Each passenger got a little 'gift bag' with a toothbrush and toothpaste, sleep mask, socks, ear plugs (which, Bryan I think you jinxed me with the 'baby crying on the longest flight...the entire time' remark :) so I am very glad for this gift bag), head phones, and it all came in a bag which is actually great for traveling. Also we were fed dinner and breakfast - suprisingly the food wasn't all that bad. The seats were a little bigger and more plush than most in country flights. And it was a huge plane (1st class REALLY had it made) just like the movies: three sections, with three seats in each section. Behind every seat there was a monitor that played movies, with a selection of about 70 (I watched Terms of Endearment), TV shows, you could play games, listen to music, and if you wanted to swipe your card you could use the internet and make ground phone calls. Pretty delux! I am really glad I took some ambien, or I wouldn't have slept a wink...I am just too excited. Christina put it perfectly yesturday: I am living in a glass of emotion. I am really all over the place in my thoughts, but rightfully so - this is a huge change.
Sitting in the airport - I have been here for a couple hours now and think I have seen like 3 other white people. Strangly enough, it is really nice and refreshing to be a minority. I feel like I really needed something like this to shake me around and wake me up. I have it coming - that's for sure!
Sitting in the airport - I have been here for a couple hours now and think I have seen like 3 other white people. Strangly enough, it is really nice and refreshing to be a minority. I feel like I really needed something like this to shake me around and wake me up. I have it coming - that's for sure!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Leaving on a jet plane
Today is the day. It is so surreal. I thought this would never REALLY be happening, but it is - and I feel more overwhelmed with so many emotions...more than I think I ever have been. But I guess, that is all part of the process. I keep having crazy teaching/traveling/communicating dreams. More than anything, I am not excited for the 'leaving on a jet plane' part. I leave today at 1:00 - arrive in D.C. at 8:28. I leave there at 10:50 and arrive in Doha, Qatar at 6:40 (many hours are skiped ahead - the flight it 16 hours long). Then I leave Doha at 12:45am to go to Kathmandu where I will arrive at 8:10am. CRAZY!
Just want to shout out to all of you. Especially my amazingly supportive family and friends.
I love you.
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