Nepal is a real culture shock; and I thought I was a world traveler. I am staying at a women’s hostel with 16 college students. They are really nice, but the hostel is very rustic and dirty. I will be sharing a room with two other students. I met all the college students and they are all very warm and friendly. I really enjoy their company.
Let me try and describe my surroundings. It is a four level home with two bathrooms (only one shower works and only one bathroom has an actual toilet). I guess that makes it one bathroom!! There is NO hot water in the shower and I have not taken a bath in 30 hours, since I was in transit. The water is very cold out of the faucet, so I am not going to attempt to take a shower this evening. I am giving myself a baby wipe bath tonight and will search for hot showers tomorrow.
There are three to four rooms on each floor with multiple people in each room. My room consists of three wood platforms (one for each resident) with a thin mattress on top. I am very thankful I brought my sleeping bag.
I asked one of the students how you use the toilet (no toilet paper in sight). They use a little water with their hand and then wash their hands. Not sure exactly how to handle the situation. Any ideas?? The baby wipes will be getting a lot of use.
Meals are on the top floor and consist of tea/coffee and biscuit for breakfast, a vegetarian meal at 9:30am, and a bowl of Nepal’s form of rice for dinner. I needed to shed a few pounds and I am confident that I will be much lighter, when I return. Or because of all the rice, I could end up gaining weight… stay tuned.
All around the area is construction or trash. Since I haven’t seen the heart of the Kathmandu yet, I am not sure if this is normal or just in the vicinity of the hostel. We are not really in Kathmandu, but a city on the outskirts. I am anxious to go into the city but I start work at ABC tomorrow. I am not sure when I will have time.
I went to the market with Jodi, one of the students, to buy a towel and some other essentials, like toilet paper. I bought some water shoes… my feet will never touch the floor of the bathroom… and cookies (in case I get hungry) and a lot of baby wipes and Kleenex. Although this was supposed to be a very small market, it was amazing.
There were temples everywhere in the market. One area use to be the kings palace and temples. It was really a magnificent sight. I am hoping to go back with my camera.
The traffic is everywhere with horns blowing. It isn’t safe walking in the streets with the motorcycles. The cars and motorcycles cause major pollution. I couldn't even talk after a few miles. I bought some lozenges
After I returned, I had four girls in my room wanting to talk. I am exhausted. It was really an amazing day and I cannot keep my eyes open. I am really going to try and make this work. If it was a little cleaner, I would be more confident. It definitely will be an interesting 1 ½ months.
Namaste
There are three to four rooms on each floor with multiple people in each room. My room consists of three wood platforms (one for each resident) with a thin mattress on top. I am very thankful I brought my sleeping bag.
I asked one of the students how you use the toilet (no toilet paper in sight). They use a little water with their hand and then wash their hands. Not sure exactly how to handle the situation. Any ideas?? The baby wipes will be getting a lot of use.
Meals are on the top floor and consist of tea/coffee and biscuit for breakfast, a vegetarian meal at 9:30am, and a bowl of Nepal’s form of rice for dinner. I needed to shed a few pounds and I am confident that I will be much lighter, when I return. Or because of all the rice, I could end up gaining weight… stay tuned.All around the area is construction or trash. Since I haven’t seen the heart of the Kathmandu yet, I am not sure if this is normal or just in the vicinity of the hostel. We are not really in Kathmandu, but a city on the outskirts. I am anxious to go into the city but I start work at ABC tomorrow. I am not sure when I will have time.
I went to the market with Jodi, one of the students, to buy a towel and some other essentials, like toilet paper. I bought some water shoes… my feet will never touch the floor of the bathroom… and cookies (in case I get hungry) and a lot of baby wipes and Kleenex. Although this was supposed to be a very small market, it was amazing.
There were temples everywhere in the market. One area use to be the kings palace and temples. It was really a magnificent sight. I am hoping to go back with my camera.
The traffic is everywhere with horns blowing. It isn’t safe walking in the streets with the motorcycles. The cars and motorcycles cause major pollution. I couldn't even talk after a few miles. I bought some lozenges
After I returned, I had four girls in my room wanting to talk. I am exhausted. It was really an amazing day and I cannot keep my eyes open. I am really going to try and make this work. If it was a little cleaner, I would be more confident. It definitely will be an interesting 1 ½ months.
Namaste
Paula,
ReplyDeleteOMG! You have really gotten yourself into an adventure this time!! Stay safe and keep us up-to-date.
Annette
You can always come and stay with me!!!
ReplyDelete