Last Days in Nepal

My dinner was somewhat of a success, since the group had nothing to compare my gnocchi against…. It is a win / win until they get to taste someone else’s. The difficulty was the lumps of potato. Since there is no mixer, the potatoes are mixed by hand and there is no way to get them totally smooth. I preferred fresh potatoes over boxed.

All in all they were light and my sauce must have really been good, since they were licking their plates. It was a lot of fun.

I actually found all the ingredients I wanted except for good Parmesan cheese. The super grocery store is really fun. I am tempted to buy but realize I leave in 1 ½ days. Too bad I did not find this place when I arrived.

I met with Mike Wallam and his associate from the National Democratic Institute. I would really like to work with them, so next year I will give them plenty of notice. I may be able to do some consulting for them with Nepali government. They are working with the Nepali Parliament to understand how to work in a democratic society. Perhaps we could use this consulting in America??

Janaki and I are going to Kopan Monastery today because she has never been there. It is a great place and I am anxious for her to see it, although she is Hindu and not Buddhist. I really don’t think it matters.

There is a big dinner tonight for all of Tewa and I am trying to get all the washing and packing done before I leave. I really want to give gifts to everyone, but it is really a large group and I would not know where to start.

There is so much need in Nepal. Today on my way to the European bakery there was a man going through the garbage and collecting all the food particles including the maggots. I am just so thankful for what I have and wish I could do more to stop the suffering in Nepal. I must have good Karma.

Namaste, Paula