Shopping in Nepal

I am finally getting comfortable in the hustle and bustle of Nepal. I notice when I walk down the streets, I automatically go on the left, rather than the right. I seem to be able to cross the street without panicking that I will be hit by a motorcycle. I am getting somewhat used to the noise, pollution, and poverty.

After spending a day at TEWA, I went shopping for some clothes. Now I love to shop but this was very difficult. I am going to an event after work tomorrow and need something more than jeans. Who told me not to bring many clothes because you can buy everything cheap in Nepal???

Most stores in Nepal are not the traditional type stores in USA . Most of the ones I visited were little open rooms off the street. When I say room, it is more like a large closet. But they seem to get a lot of clothes into that little shop. Everyone was very helpful, but I am sure they were not pleased that I did not buy anything after showing me so many outfits.

If you try and buy USA style clothes, they are expensive and the quality is poor. It is mostly H&M brand clothes for more money than we would pay. If you want to buy a Nepali style, the choices are endless. The problem is that the Nepali clothes are very different from my style and I cannot tell which is nice or not nice. I could end up looking ridiculous and not even know it (it wouldn’t be the first time, ask my daughter). In the end I decided to wear a long casual skirt that I brought from home. I definitely will not fit in, but better than jeans. Hopefully I can find someone to go shopping with me.

The marketing project is off to a slow but good start. I tried to do a breakeven analysis today. I had minimum amount of data, but will review it with the finance manager tomorrow. I also developed lists of potential customers and will review it with Meena tomorrow. We will have our brainstorming session with all the program managers in the afternoon. Should be interesting in that only a few speak English!!

Nameste