A Beautiful Place

I arrived at the Kopan Monastery and immediately understood why I have been wanting to come back here ever since I left over a year ago. The monastery sits on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley. There is only calm and peace within the monastery walls.

My retreat is six days and, to honor the purpose of the retreat, will limit my time on the computer to every few days. You may not see a blog from me during the retreat. I will journal every day and hope to put my thoughts in a blog at the end of the retreat.

The retreat is an introductory course on Tibetan Buddhism. The course combines teaching, meditation, and silence.

Namaste

Paula

I Have Arrived!!!!

After over 36 hours in transit, I finally arrive in Kathmandu. Amazingly my luggage is here with me. My panic attack was for nothing. I am hoping to learn to live in the present and not suffer over past mistakes or worry about future events at my Buddhist retreat, which starts tomorrow. I think it is a lot to ask but I am striving for peace and happiness.

I am very tired but excited to be back in Nepal. I realized in just a short period of time why I love Kathmandu. The atmosphere and energy is so intoxicating and, although there is a lot of noise and pollution, it seems so peaceful to me.

I have already met so many really helpful people. The hotel did not pick me up as promised, which is not unusual, so I was bombarded with people trying to sell me another hotel or a taxi. But you can always find people that will go out of their way to help. It is what I love about Kathmandu.

Finally after one hour I was in a taxi as we both tried to find my hotel. The drive took triple the time; when they say The Backyard Hotel, they really mean it. It is not the easiest place to find.

Immediately I realized that I didn’t pack correctly. It is 75 to 80 degrees. Last year it was very cold and wet. I brought all winter clothes. I guess I should be thankful the weather is beautiful.

I finally settled into a room after four hours. Needless to say I am very tired.

Namaste,

Paula

My Journey begins for 2012

This year is a busy year with Nepal, Bhutan, India, Cuba, and Africa. I am excited to be starting my journey.

I forgot how difficult travel could be. The day started with another AA cancelled flight, which forced me to add a leg from LA to San Diego to my trip. I am optimistic that my luggage will make it with 4 stops to my final destination Kathmandu. Sitting on the plane I had a sudden panic attack because I forgot to put a nametag on the duffle bag with two Kindle Fires that I am bringing for people at Tewa.; an amateur mistake. I am sure this won’t be the only panic attack I will have on this journey.

This year I noticed that I am really getting old or paranoid… whichever you want to call it. I am carrying pepper spray and a panic button. If you followed last year’s blog, you know that I took some risks walking at night. I didn’t think they were major risks, but everyone else did, so I am now prepared to do battle if attacked. Watch, I will probably spray in my face and help the attacker.

I am sad that Razeena, my good friend in Nepal, will not be there. But I have been introduced to an American that has started an orphanage in Nepal and hope to spend time at the orphanage. I brought toothbrushes, toothpaste (donated by my dentist office), crayons, pencils, and coloring books. Although I am apprehensive that I will become too attached to the children, which is why I have not been involved in working with children in my volunteer efforts, I am excited to help in any way possible.

My primary job is to update the marketing plan for Tewa. For those new to my blog, visit www.tewa.org.np. They are celebrating the opening of their dormitory. This will mean that Tewa can offer a complete destination venue and be more competitive. The best part is seeing everyone at Tewa again.

Being home for over 5 months, I have become fat and lazy. After 6 weeks of Nepali food, I should be back to my fighting weight. I will miss watching the dolphins play while working out at boot camp, but I will definitely get a lot of exercise walking everywhere.

I am now sitting on a crowded flight to Delhi…. It has been 30 hours, since I departed from LA and this flight is 8 hours. I think it is time for drugs and a glass of wine. What do you think???

Namaste,

Paula