I have been in Kathmandu for two weeks already, actually it feels like a lot longer. The first two weeks we have been what I like to call ‘herding’. Walking around in our new volunteer herd. I am not really fond of herding, but in this situation it has mainly been a positive experience in which everyone has been very supportive and tolerant. During the two weeks I have settled into Kathmandu and the way of life here and I have begun to understand the culture and learn the language. Highlights’ so far include last Saturday’s Hash and evening Himalayan Blues Festival. The Hash is basically an expat running and beer fest which I should hate, as surely I must want to mix with Nepali, but actually its a relief to meet up with other people who know where I am coming from and its also a great way to see the countryside outside of Kathmandu. It was great to have a dance to some live music after the run, which by the way was 13 km! Although for us volunteers we blew 3-4 days budget in a night out, well worth it though!
With the highs come the lows, which started with the squits on Sunday and finished on Tuesday, this was a really shitty time though, I felt very low and energy less. I managed to cure myself with my faithful friends raw garlic and ginger and have since committed to swallowing raw garlic and chewing ginger on a daily basis and I feel great!
Herding will end on 1st December when we all go to our districts to find ourselves fancy apartments and to complete a further 3 weeks language training. And then finally I will begin my volunteering. I am intrigued to meet my new colleagues and to discover the delights of Nepalgunji. The picture painted so far has been varied, but I will decide for myself and paint my own picture.
It hasn’t rained once since I have been here which is very strange for me, but usual for this time of year here. I never thought I would miss the rain, but the pollution here is so bad because we are in a valley it would be if the rain came to rid the smog.
Big love
x
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