Its been a long time!
Long short story, I am in Kathmandu now. I
am doing internship for ForestAction Nepal, an NGO focusing on policy research
on forestry and related issues. I will be here for a month or so before
returning back to my hometown in Sumatra and to Canberra to continue my 2nd
semester of graduate study.
Despite the fact that I have already been
sick only after 3 days of my stay in Kathmandu, I enjoy my overall experience
in here. On my flight from KL to Nepal I sat next to two ladies, one from
Australia and another one from Malaysia who were going to Nepal for holiday and
pilgrimage respectively. We talked a lot during the trip that we did not even
realize that we almost arrive in Nepal. The two ladies taught me about meditation,
which I would like to learn once my health condition gets better.
Upon my arrival in Kathmandu airport, a
friend of mine (who I met from my last year trip through Couchsurfing) welcomed
me with a yellowish shawl full of Buddhist words as the tradition to welcome
people who visit Nepal. He put the shawl into my neck while saying ‘Welcome
back to Nepal’. It was so sweet of him. He was there with his friend who also
put another shawl to my neck and they immediately dropped me to my hostel. It
was 10 PM already so we need to call the lady to open the door because I
booked a place in a homestay nearby my office. My first night in Kathmandu was
a bit spooky as the room in so cold (esp because it is winter here atm) and the
alley to my room was so dark. I could also hear dogs barking non stop outside my
room. It was too cold that I could barely sleep with only one blanket.
I went to office late the next morning and
met my supervisor, a really helpful guy who just graduated from Delhi
University few months back. The office is not too big but it is enough to
accommodate researchers with brilliant minds who are passionate about their job.
Just like the way NGO work, the working atmosphere is so relaxing and there is no
clear hierarchy among the staff member.
I went back home early that day and asked
my friend to help me move to the girl hostel he suggested. Later that day we
went to Thamel (the main spot for tourist in Kathmandu) to chill at Shisha bar,
one of the most popular bars in the area. I started staying in the girl hostel
the following day and I really enjoy living with local people here. The hostel
is full of young ladies who are still pursuing study at uni or just graduated. So
most of them are below 22. I feel so young surrounded by them. Hence I don't
think they create gap with me as they perceive me as young as them. :P
They are so friendly and caring. They never
try to exclude me for whatever they are doing like watching DVD in room, going
out to visit temples or just shopping. I kinda look like Nepali too so when I
go out with them it looks like I am part of a group of young colleague girl. Knowing that I am sick, my roommates are so kind
to not to create noise when I sleep early like 7 pm and lend me blanket when I
feel so cold. The landlord could not speak English properly but always ask if I
need tea or biscuit. I guess Nepali is so good in hospitality because I don't
only receive good treatment from my housemates but also from my workmates who
always try to make me feel comfortable.
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| Me and several colleagues at office today |
Cheers all.
Love,
Olivia
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