Not a Monastery, but a Monastic School

So due to the fact that I am female, I am not permitted to stay at the monastery itself. So instead, I am teaching monklets at the Pal Ewam Monastic school, which is affiliated with the Namgyl Monastery.

On Monday morning, I dragged my heavy luggage (what was I thinking?) down the hostel steps to wait find Krishna and our taxi driver waiting. We loaded my things in and set off for the school. Now keep in mind that at this point, I really had no idea where I was going; I had just told Krishna I was interested in teaching Monks and he said "OK", I left everything else in his hands.

The road, again, was winding and narrow and part dirt, part rock, part road. It was about a 15 minute drive from Lakeside, past some very basic structures used as homes and little stores.

That is one thing I noticed here. Almost every two or three buildings is a small shack selling chips, pop, water, and other roadside necessities. How everyone stays in business puzzled me at first, then I realized it was nothing like at home. They didn't pay rent, they just set up shop on their own property. They sold non perishable items, so their stock never went off and they could sell it pretty much forever. Life is so different!

We pulled up to a walled in 'complex', i guess you could call it. It was a U shaped building with two floors, a stone wall and a bright blue gate. Once we were admitted, the head monk and the principal of the school came to meet me. Krishna and the taxi driver said their goodbye, saying they would be back on Saturday to visit and take me to Pokhara to enjoy my days off. (The school has Saturday and Sunday off, instead of just the traditional one day Saturday weekend.)

I wasn't allowed to carry my bags upstairs, they were ported up for me by some of the other teachers (all male!). Instead, I was invited to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.

Tea. I never was a tea drinker. Coffee, yes. Coke, Hell yes! Tea, not so much, unless it is iced tea with lots of sugar, ice and lemon. But when in Rome- or in this case, Sarangkot, do as the monks do. And they drink tea. The morning was already hot and the tea was steaming, but I was surprised at how very good it was. Black tea, it was a little fruity but also had this taste that I can't quite describe- I guess it is tea flavour. I drink green tea with my sushi but now I think at home I will be a black tea drinker as well.

As we sipped our tea, I was given my class schedule. I have 6 classes a day, 40 minutes each. Strangely, the head monk told me I didn't need to show up for all of them. Peculiar, in my opinion, but it is nice to have the option on days I feel less than healthy. Which, sadly, I have been struggling with. But more on that another time. No need to dwell on what you cannot change, and when I get sick I can only deal, not change it.

Classes start at 9AM. I teach level 2, then level 1. After a break for the children, I then teach kindergarten. Then comes lunch and a nap time for the monklets (and I must say myself as well), followed by a class for the 3rd and 4th levels, back to the kindergarten, then a tea break and finally class 2 again.

Along with this, the children have other teachers who instruct them in English, Tibetan, Nepali, Social studies and Science. I have quite a bit of freedom in what I can do with them.

It was only 8AM when I was shown to my room, and was told I would have free time until 9. So I unpacked some things, gathered up everything I brought that had to do with Canada, rested. (I am amazed at how very tired I get here. So quickly too. Must be the altitude or heat. Or both.) Soon the bell rang for 9AM, and as I walked to the first classroom I was met with lines of children in their yellow and red robes, reciting morning prayers with their instructors. Then it was class time.

Like the first day of any new teacher, they were loud and rambunctious and yet, still charming. First the 2nd level listened as I showed them on the blow up globe I brought where I was from, where Nepal was. I then showed them pictures and post cards from home, money from home, and read a story about the Canadian flag. Then all they wanted to do was throw the globe around. Good thing it is sturdy like a beach ball!

The bell rang but I didn't realize that meant move to the next class. One of the teachers came and instructed me where I should be! I then did the same thing with the next class, this time I gave them paper and pencil crayons and had them draw pictures of the Canadian flag and the Nepali flag. All 7 children in level 2 drew me pictures and signed their names.

After break, I did a similar thing with the kindergarten class. They were quiet and focused as I read them a story, and then when it came time to draw, they went nuts! They loved it! We had a great time together until the bell rang.

The bell that signifies lunch.

Oh intimidating bowl of rice and lentils, how will I face you day after day? It isn't that it is bad. Far from it. It is absolutely delicious. And so healthy, unprocessed and non-upsetting to my former persnickety digestive tract. The only problem is THERE IS SO MUCH FOOD. And not finishing is very rude, wasting something that is precious to the people here. I wish I knew how to say 'please, less food', but I just don't know how.

Maybe I can sit with one of the monks and explain I can only eat so much each day without getting sick. have breakfast and supper but skip lunch. I dunno, we'll see. At least after stuffing myself I had extra time to lay down in my room.

Speaking of my room, it is pretty posh. When I signed up I thought I might end up in a homestay with no electricity, no internet and no western toilet. WRONG! I have a comfy bed, a private bathroom with shower and western toilet, electricity and wifi. And one of the teachers even brought me a room fan. Luxury!

I set my alarm to wake me 10 minutes before class was to begin again. After freshening up, the bell rang and it was time for level 3&4. They are combined because there are so few students at that level right now. (Many of the upper levels are up at the monastery receiving instruction, which is why I have double classes each day.) After talking about Canada and letting them draw we went through some 'fun fact' books. After discussing the pictures, I noticed one of the boys had a Mulan book in his pack. I offered to go through it with them, surprised to hear they had seen the movie. Apparently, they do watch some movies here. They even know who Ben 10 is! All my worry about corrupting them with western culture is for naught. Oh well.

Then I was back with the adorable kindergarten class. I had brought a book called "I see the sun in Nepal" which is about a little girl living in a village in west Nepal. We read the book and discussed each picture, then it was time to draw again! I realize now what I should have brought was more paper! This school is very supply-poor. Hopefully I can find something in Pokhara when I go on my days off.

After 5th "period" came another tea break and children running toward me asking for the ball. I laughed and ran up to my room to grab the globe, throwing it off the second floor to the little ones below. They loved it.

I realized that boys act the same no matter where they are from. They would start throwing the giant blow up ball (sort of like a beach ball) but it would quickly descend into chaos as they grabbed each other and chase each other for control. Laughs and squeals and yelps could be heard, but all in all they had so much fun.

Then came one more class with the level 2 kids, and the bell rang to call them all to practice. I went back to my room to escape some of the midday heat until the children finished their hour of Dharma recitation practice. Then they wanted the ball again. If I had known such a simple thing would have brought so much pleasure, I might gave brought 2!

While they played, I sat in the shaded eating area set aside for the teachers and monks and wrote in my journal, then read through a book trying to come up with plans for lessons the next day. I was tired, and it was only 6 oclock! As supper approached, I was unsure how I would eat any more; I was still so stuffed from lunch. I asked to speak to the head monk and explained I was feeling exhausted and was hoping to skip supper tonight; he looked concerned but I assured him I was ok, just feeling slightly under the weather and didn't really have an appetite. He nodded and I thanked him, telling him I didn't want to cause any offense but he smiled and said goodnight.

And I went upstairs and showered. Cold, wonderful shower. So refreshing, that when the warm water started, I turned it off and the cold up. I swear the cold showers are what is allowing me to survive here!

Climbing onto my bed I started reading some more ideas for class the next day, then I turned everything off and went to bed. At like, 930pm. I can't believe how tired I get! I was asleep by 10, waking up at 230 after a horrible nightmare (I don't want to get into it, but I was shaking and almost crying when I awoke in the dark.) I read for an hour, then fell back asleep until 530AM, when the school comes to life.

Everything is so very different here.

I haven't taken any pictures of the school or the monks, but will be asking if it is okay today. I want  to get pictures of the monklets playing, and hopefully of them in class as well. They are charming and loveable and have stolen my heart already.

Time to get going to first class. Namaste, friends,

Laura.

Pokhara, oh Pokhara how I loooove you!

Yes, can't you tell? I love the little neighborhood of Lakeside, the tourist area of Pokhara. Last you heard I was going to go sightseeing, which I did, but without Krishna. Instead, I had a knock on my door and a taxi driver asked if I was Laura, and if I was ready. I was, so I followed him downstairs and we were off! My driver had his uncle visiting, so he took the both of us on tour. First on the agenda was the World Peace Pagoda. It is known as the Pokhara Shanti Stupa,


Saint John-ers, stop complaining about the roads. Oh if you only knew. The roads in Lakeside are not as narrow as Kathmandu, but they are just as potholed and rugged. There is no way to go faster than, say, 40km, and that is pushing it. Most times, just like on the bus, the car moves slower than I could walk. Not that I would want to walk it, as we drove so far up a crazy winding hill to the parking lot of a small cafe. Then we started up the stairs.

So many stairs.

Hey, I'm no lazy girl. Since starting at the gym a couple months ago, I don't have the same trouble with hills or stairs I used to. Except at home we are at sea level-literally. When you start hopping your way happily up what seems to be a million stairs (actually just 500... yeah, just), you soon realize 5500 feet above sea level presents a complication. Before long I was gasping for air, trying my best not to just sit down and give up. I wanted to reach the top.

My taxi driver (why oh why am I so bad with names? I swear I cannot remember ANYONE'S name I have met other than Krishna, and that's because how do you forget a name like Krishna?) chuckled a little and told me it isn't a good idea to dance up the steps like I had been; slower is better. He was right, of course, but we made it to the top and I gulped down some water, and then it was time to see the stupa.

There are four statues to view, all from different countries. (Please read the wiki article linked above for the details, forgive me for not going into them all here.) I took pictures of the statues, the plaques explaining, and some of the different viewpoints. All are in public albums on my facebook profile, please check them out!

After viewing the pagoda and the surrounding area, we made our way back to the taxi and then back into Pokhara to see Devi's fall. This is a natural waterfall (are there unnatural waterfalls?) created where the Phewa river disappears underground. So first we hiked down some more stairs into a dark cavern, then down a rugged trail past a beautiful statue of Shiva. No, not the Final Fantasy GF/Aeon but the Hindu god! Oh geekery.) After stopping to receive a tilaka on my forehead we continued down the 100 feet to the ledge used to observe the falls.

What a sight! It is only the very beginning of monsoon season here, so the water was quite low. I was told that after the rains finish in late August, the noise in the cavern is absolutely deafening. I tried to take some pictures but they didn't turn out well; they are also in the album on FB.

Then it was time to climb up again; first stopping at another statue of a cow. You pay 10 rupees, (about 20 cents, if that) and then drop a ball into a tiny stone chute beside the statue. Then you start milking the cow udders, only to be blessed with milk from stone! The men with me were surprised when I actually made the proper milking motion; thank you summers at the farm in Norton! Milking goats and milking cows are quite similar.

So then we finished our climb, wandered through some market stalls to the outdoor park for Devi's falls. It gets its name not from Devil, which I assumed, but from a tragic accident in 1995 when a Swiss tourist was swept into the falls during a sudden surge of water. There is no where for you to get close enough for that to happen now.

I was able to get a few pictures, then we ambled through the garden, stopping for a rest in a pretty red building. I was told it was built in the same style most traditional Nepali homes were; one large room with everything including cooking, eating and sleeping in it. Soon we were back in the taxi and I was on my way to the hostel.

My driver told me I had the rest of the day to myself, but that he and Krishna would return to pick me up in the morning. 730AM I would be taken to my actual home for the next month; the Pal Ewam Monastic school

So after that trek up the stairs and down into the cavern, I needed a rest. I napped through noon, missing the hottest part of the sun (luckily my power was on so I could use the room fan)  and then went about finding some food. The wifi at the hostel SUCKED so I made sure to find a restaurant with free wifi. After strolling up the main road, I decided on a little place called Once Upon A Time. I had a grilled chicken salad, a gin and tonic (now my favorite drink) and when done, a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

I don't ice cream ever tasted so good.

I walked around for another hour or so, but the sun was still brutal and I wasn't planning on spending any money yet, so back to the hostel for a cold shower and another cat nap. It was much needed after not sleeping much the night before. I do believe I am starting to adjust, though, as later that night I would get a good 6 hours of sleep. Glory be!

For supper I found a semi busy restaurant called Banyan, and finally was able to order some MOMO! I had been so excited to try these and I finally had the chance. DELICIOUS. Momo's are a Nepal version of dumpling, similar to a steamed Japanese gyoza. I chose a chicken filling, and my oh my it was so good. It came with a semi-spicy dipping sauce, and if I hadn't also ordered some fish I would have gorged myself on all ten. But I had ordered fish, and it was worth it. So tender and flakey, not like fish from home tho; it didn't taste of the sea. It was a freshwater fish so it makes sense, but it was nice and light and YUM.

Oh, did I mention both meals were under 7 dollars, including the drinks? I could so get used to this.

After dinner I stopped off across the street from my hostel to chat with the 'cold store' owner I had been buying cans of coke from. He is a pleasant, happy fellow who always tried to add extras to what you want. Coke and water? How about cookies too? Also, tissue paper? I laughed and actually bought the tissue (toilet) paper; unlike the hostel in Kathmandu, mine did not supply any. (Nor did they have a handheld shower with which to wash after going.) So with purchases in hand I was back in my room, another cold shower (I have never loved a cold shower more than here) and then into bed.

Did I mention I brought a sheet, a blanket and a pillow from home in my luggage? And I am glad I did as it is so hot here I can't use the blankets provided. Instead, I lay out my blanket (my comfort blanket I usually can't sleep without anyway) and then use the sheet to cover up. Cool and easy sleep without missing home.

So that was Sunday, my day of adventure in Pokhara. I'll write about the monastic school tomorrow. I am finally tired and just want to SLEEP!

Namaste, friends.

PS: Thank you all for your comments! Here and on FB, I am totally feeling the love. Please, share the blog if you are liking it, and also (I hate to bring it up) my gofundme page. I can still receive donations here, and would love to be able to buy some paper and supplies for the monklets. They love to draw but paper is limited.

Thank you! Love from the other side of the world.

Laura

Who needs sleep?

It is 430 am here in Pokhara, and the sun is already rising. It sets much earlier here, around 8pm. I am still having trouble sleeping. I am worried about it; hopefully once I get a chance to walk and explore and wear myself out, I might be able to get a good night's sleep.

Yesterday morning I woke up much earlier than I needed to for my 7am bus from KTM to Pokhara.

Fortunately I had wifi access and was able to chat with friends at home. It was nice to connect with them.
Then, I got ready and toted my luggage down the stairs to the lobby of the Kathmandu Peace Guest House; I was surprised to nixing the young guys who picked us up at the airport and worked in the hostel to be sleeping in the common room! Two shared a mattress on the floor and one was sleeping on a sofa. The owner/operator was awake, instructing the boys to get the van ready. I was the only one leaving so early!
We loaded my belongings in the van, waited for the engine to warm up and bam-I was off. The driver took me to a long line of buses, found the company I had a ticket with (Benchmark tours) and settled in for what turned out to be a 7 1/2 hour busride. While I was waiting for departure, a woman carrying a baby began banging on the side of the bus to get y attention. She started making eating motions and gesturing to her baby. An adorable, happy baby, but I didn't give her any cash. Maybe I'm heartless, but I just don't feel like handouts are solving anything. Plus I only had about 180 rupees (about 1.60 Canadian) and I wanted to keep them for water along the way.

The bus filled up and departed, driving thru Kathmandu slower than I could walk. The traffic and the roads are just so bad it is tough to do anything. When idling in traffic, young boys and some men would walk alongside, hawking chips, water, dried fruit and newspapers. 20 rupees for a bottle of water. That is maybe about 15 cents. I can't believe how much we pa for water back home, and we can drink from our taps... Drinking untreated water here will leave you with a bad case of dysentery. Anyway, I bought a water, handing the 20 rupee note out the window and reached for the cold bottle of water. It didn't stay cold long! The weather heated up and I was grateful when we started driving faster, the wind blowing through the window was refreshing.

We drove along, I was trying to rest and enjoy the scenery. I snapped pictures from the window, I will upload them as soon as possible. I am struck by the beauty of this country. The mountains a covered in lush greenery, exotic flowers grew alongside the road.

The road. Oh the road! Such a narrow, winding road through the valley up to Pokhara. Buses in front of us, buses behind us, vans and motorbikes beep as the pass. Twice we were almost in collisions as opposing traffic tried to pass in our lane, coming dangerously close to crashing into us. Yet they seem to know what they are doing.

Traffic in Nepal means almost non stop honking of horns. It is a continual array of different beeps, over and over. After a couple hours, I was able to ignore them for the most part. Then we stopped for lunch.
Oh it was a little roadside 'tourist lunch counter'. You chose from the menu what you want, then pay at an inside counter. Then you go to the next room with a receipt and get your food. It is all pre-prepared so that you can eat and get on the bus quickly. You know what? I can't eat quickly. Plus I only had that limited amount and was dying for an actual coke. My body is not handling the lack of caffeine very well. I don't know if they gouged me but I paid 150 rupees for a bottle. Less than what I would pay at home, more than I paid for the Pepsi at the Kathmandu hostel. But it was worth it. I was worried about eating and then getting on the bus and being sick without being able to stop.

However I did experience something new... I used a squat toilet at the rest stop. The toilets were in these small, dark closets without a light (mental note, keep a flashlight in my backpack to prevent having to do business in the dark), with a tap and a small hand bucket nearby. I hiked up my skirts and did my business and cleaned up, proud at having researched this previously so that I knew what I was doing. It wasn't so bad, either. Just different.

Anyway, we were back on the bus and traveling again, gorgeous landscapes rolling by. I kept trying to nap, I was so tired ( I've been tired since leaving London) but to no avail. So I put in headphones and listened to music while I read, occasionally taking a picture from the window. We stopped a second time for food and toilet breaks, and damn I wanted momo's but had no Nepali currency. They looked so good! I can't wait until I get to try some. I will find them today as I explore Pokhara.

Finally we finished the journey, and I looked out the window into the crowded dirt parking lot for Krishna, the head of Alliance Nepal. He led me to a cab and then climbed on his motorcycle, meeting me at the Be Happy Guest House, where I am spending two days before leaving Monday morning for the monastery. (I am so freaked out at the idea of teaching but that is what I signed up for and so I will do my best).
After getting settles in the hostel, filling out some paperwork for the organization and handing over my fees, Krishna gave me homework! He handed me some sheets of Nepali/English translations, and instructed me try and learn. One of my goals is trying to pick up some of the language, but damn it is so very different than any language I have tried to learn before. I have trouble even hearing differences in what people are saying. I hope that once I am able to get a good nights sleep and get into a grove, I will be able to start comprehending it better. I hope.

So Krishna left me with some free time, saying he would be back at 7 to take me to supper. We walked down the main road in Lakeside (the part of Pokhara I am staying in right now) to a beautiful outdoor restaurant. A young man from Denmark that is staying with Krishna's family and teaching at a local school was waiting, and we sat down to a delicious dinner. I had chicken tikka masala with rice. So absolutely delicious, and no gastric distress! I am amazed at how little the foods I haves been eating make me sick; at home this style of cooking usually means I'm sick for the next day! Here, so far so good.

We talked about our home countries, what Pokhara was like, storied of our families while we ate. There was also a stage at the side of the dining area where a troupe of locals performed traditional Nepali dances and songs.

After supper, the young man from Denmark (for the life of me I can't remember his name, it was rather peculiar) walked me partway down the street while Krishna retrieved his motorcycle. It was a pleasant chat, then we parted ways and I walked the last block through the dark streets (very few street lamps or lights on the road) and clamoured up the steps to my room.

A quick shower, nice and cool and refreshing, then the power was out! This happens often, as Nepa, cannot produce enough power to sustain 24 hour service. I found my flashlights (the head lamp kind) and hung them from the ceiling fan. It was the time to get ready for bed; I wanted to read some more language translations, but my head was killing me and I only had Tylenol PM.

Eek! Somehow I forgot to bring regular acetaminophen, regular ibuprofen AND my contact lens solution. So one of my goals today is to find these necessities!

Anyway, I watched a movie on my computer and then went to bed, falling asleep for about 4-5 hours. I need a better nights sleep.

This morning I am meeting Krishna at 9am to go sightseeing, then this afternoon I will have free time to explore a bit. It is very intimidating, even tho the streets here are cleaner than Katmandu and there are many more tourists here.

I am missing certain things. My cat. The ability to just call or text a friend whenever I want. Cold, very cold cans of Coke. Even just rewarding myself with a video game at the end of the day. Yet I knew this would be difficult. The difficult things are usually the most worthwhile.

So worry not, friends, I am surviving. I know I will be able to stay positive as long as I can start sleeping better! I will y to upload this as soon as I can find an internet connection. For now, I have a couple hours before I need to get up and get ready. I am going to try and sleep, hopefully even just a nap will help.

Namaste,

Laura

Sitting in my room at 430AM

So I arrived in Kathmandu safe and sound yesterday, May 31st. The plane arrived around 1pm, then it took about 45 minutes to get a visa, (100 dollars! yeesh!) find my bags and get thru customs. Then the fun began.

First you get off the plane, and onto a bus. Everyone is packed into the shuttle, which drives about 40 feet to the terminal entrance. I believe they don't let passengers just walk over for safety and security reasons. After you get into the terminal, you walk thru a somewhat winding hallway to the main arrival area. Just a large open room with multiple queues, depending on whether you are native or foreign. If you haven't already arranged a visa, you run over to an ever growing line of foreign travelers and wait to be scrutinized. I didn't have any trouble, but a young guy a few people in front of me had to answer lots of questions about his previous visits to Nepal. After you are approved you head downstairs to collect your luggage. First your carry ons go thru the xray, then you can find your checked baggage (I hadn't seen mine since I left Saint John and was worried it may have gotten waylaid on the many connections I took. No worries, it was waiting on the belt for me). However, what usually happens is that a porter approaches you, grabs your bags andthrows them on a trolley, leads you to the exit and helps you find your ride/taxi/bus. Then they ask for a tip. I only had 2, 1 dollar bills, the rest were tens and up. The porter suggested 5, but I didn't have it! So he got 2.

Now I knew someone would be waiting for me with a sign, but they were no where to be seen. Instead, a huge crowd of drivers and hostel/hotel representatives calling for you to come with them, they will take you to whatever hostel/hotel/guest house they get paid to refer people to. There are also more unofficial porters who try to help you and expect more tips.

My ride was a fwe minutes late, so I ended up with an entourage of guys trying to figure out what hostel was waiting for me. Talk about unnerving! One 'gentlemen' asked me if I had a number for my contact. I did of course, and he called and spoke to Krishna, who informed him I was supposed to be going to the Kathmandu Peace Guest House.

So I was wary. I mean, I had read about drivers who will just take you to a different hostel because they get paid to bring them guests. I couldn't understand what he said on the phone, because he was speaking in Nepalese. However, we walked down past the airport to a loading area and found the hostel's van, and the driver DID have a sign with my name.

Of course, the gentleman helping me expected a tip. I was't giving him 10 bucks, so instead offered the British Pound and 10 pence I had left from the Heathrow airport. He asked for paper money, I told him it was the pound or nothing. He took it, then the drivers from the hostel helped me load my luggage and situated me in the van. There were still other volunteers to find (for a different organization, they won't be traveling with me tomorrow).

Once we were all present and accounted for, we were off! Driving in Kathmandu is insane. There are no traffic lights, or if there are, no one pays attention. There are cars, vans, trucks, motorbikes everywhere! Not to mention pedestrians, stray dogs and cows (yes, cows) wandering everywhere. (Cows are sacred in the Hindu faith, which makes up the majority of Nepal citizens).

As we left the airport lot, a van collided with ours, nothing serious, no damage, but the difference between here and home is amazing. At home, even the smallest collision requires a call to the police to document the accident. Here, the drivers stuck their heads out the window, checked for damage and drove on. On into the crush of vehicles, thru potholed, dirty streets, down narrow, winding roads until we arrived at the hostel. Honestly, it is kind of a dumpy place, but the guys working here are so friendly. And I have a private room and bathroom, including a western style toilet! Still living in luxury.

I and the other passengers checked in and got our room assignments as well as information from our volunteer organizations. Mine was that I would be on a bus by 7AM to drive the 6 hours to Pokhara, where Krishna will be waiting to meet me. That meant I have to be ready to leave by 615AM. It is now 4:45AM here. I think thats around 8 oclock PM back home, Friday night. (It is Saturday here). I was given my bus ticket and shown my room.

And you know what was nice? Having a shower. I turned on the hot dial, only cool water came out. But the weather was a little  humid and I had been sweaty and overheated ever since arriving in Bangkok earlier that morning, and the cool water was amazing. I was washing my hair and the water started to warm up, just enough to finish the shower feeling clean and refreshed.

I changed then went in search of fluids. The on site restaurant only served Pepsi, but I was craving sugar and caffeine so I bought one and a bottle of water. Back up to my room, I reorganized my luggage, emptying my carry on purse and repacking my suitcase so that I would only have 2 pieces for the next leg of the journey. My suitcase is now even heavier, but I have my backpack with my important things and the big empty purse is now packed into the suitcase. Just trying to streamline everything.

I did some internet updating, emailed friends and family, did some exercises with my backpack as a weight (can't slack off on the getting fit just because I am on 'vacation') and then climbed into bed. It was only 5PM when I went to sleep for the first time, my headphones on to drown out the noise of the city bustling around us, one of my slouchy hats pulled down over my eyes to block out  the sun, and a couple Tylenol PM's to help my achy muscles and let me sleep.

I slept a couple hours, woke up, watched some videos on my computer and tried to go to sleep again. I woke up at 3AM, unable to sleep any longer. So I am updating, chatting with friends, and waiting. Waiting to  catch the bus to my home for the next 4 weeks.

I am anxious and excited and worried all at once.

Thanks everyone for all your input and well wishes, I am already feeling slightly homesick (just for my kitty and the ability to speak to anyone without really worrying about language differences,) but I am not going to let it get to me. I am throwing myself into this whole experience.

Namaste, friends. 

An update from Bangkok

Namaste friends,

I am right now sitting in the Suvarnabhumi airport waiting for the final leg of my flights to Kathmandu. Oh glory I am exhausted. I left Saint John at 7:30 on Wednesday night, and will arrive in Nepal around 1am Atlantic time on Friday morning. Although it is already Friday morning here.

Everything has gone smoothly so far. Security hasn't been a problem, but I'm not smuggling anything and I am a polite, honest Canadian. Air Canada breakfast was pretty good, and the Thai Gardens meals (two meals and a snack on the overnight flight from London) were just absolutely amazing! Who knew airline food could taste so good!

One problem I have encountered is my non-ability to sleep when I need to. I've been up since Wednesday morning around 730AM. I slept about 30 minutes between Halifax and London, and maybe 2 1/2 hours (not in one spell but in short naps) on the flight from London to Bangkok. Now, I have another hour or so before my final connection leaves. That flight is supposed to be 2 hours long, then I have to find my baggage, pay for my tourist visa and find my contact from Alliance Nepal. Someone will be waiting at the airport holding a sign with my name on it. Just like the movies! Lol. After that I am putting myself in their hands- they will have somewhere for me to stay. I just hope I get to recover before they start giving me a tour or training! My brain can't handle much more.

Some memorable things I will expand on later:

Canadian travelers have been super friendly. Seems like when I'm in line and talking to a stranger of anglo descent, the chatty ones turn out to be Canadian! I also sat beside a really nice retired teacher from Sydney, NS on my way to London. She told me about her travel plans and was excited when she heard what my upcoming adventure entailed.

Thai Gardens is an amazing provider of air travel. The seats are super comfortable, even in economy. They fed us some of the most delicious foods I've ever had while traveling, and the best beef rendang I've ever tasted. The flight attendants are extremely polite and, well, attentive. And they kept the drinks flowing. I've only flown domestically before this flight, and there are no free drinks on those trips. This trip, all I had to do was ask. And even then, they came and offered throughout the trip. Not just alcoholic drinks, but snacks and water and cola too. The only thing that would make the flight better would have been if I had fallen asleep.

I am not good at sleeping in a non-flat, less than conventional place. I don't need a bed, I could sleep on the floor with no issues. But I could not fall asleep for any restorative amount of time on the planes. And not for lack of trying. I tried zopiclone, alcohol, gravol, and all I got was drowsy. No real sleep. Damn me!

The next 2 months are going to be a hot mess. Of humidity. I mean. I stepped out of the plane into the walkway connecting us to the airport and was hit by a wall of humidity. At 6AM, when I arrived, it was already 28 celsius. I couldn't find a humidex rating but I assume it was way up there. And this is the type of weather I can expect during MONSOON SEASON in Nepal. Yes, I chose to come during monsoon.

Anyway, thats all for now. I am going down to my gate and think I'll watch a video until boarding time. Thank you everyone for all your support, your messages and likes and comments on facebook make me feel less homesick. Keep it up!

Until my next internet connection!

11 hours for 67 days

A little confusing? I'm just excited. I have 11 hours until my plane leaves. When my plane leaves, I'll be gone for 67 days. 67 days without my own bed, my own language, my own food, etc etc etc. No, I'm not whining. I'm quite enthusiastic to go. I don't mind missing out on my bed, on stretching my comfort zone. That's the point. To change me, my life.

And you don't get to change things without getting a little uncomfortable. Or a lot uncomfortable.

On Saturday (May 24th) my mother held a little get together to wish me luck at our nearby summer camp. It was a lot of fun, if not quite wet. It rained and rained, but still friends of the family stopped by to support me. Some even with donations! What a surprise. A very appreciated surprise.

So my suitcase is mostly packed (yes, I know it's getting late), I need to pack up my carry on and my large-ish purse. I am so last minute I am even waiting for the final load of laundry before I go. Why do I leave so much to the last minute?

I am so excited, and yet I am also scared. It seems natural, when embarking on something to very new to be nervous or scared. I just won't let that fear win. "Screw you, fear, I'm in charge here!" (I hear that in my best Liz Lemon voice). So even tho I have to force myself not to be snippy as the time for departure arrives, I am anxious in the best possible way. I just want to get this started!

I am going to miss everyone very much. I am sorry to the people I wanted to visit before I go, things just got crazy! I promise to update with pictures and adventures as often as possible. Leave comments here, message me on facebook, tweet me, or even email me at my school account (z5b46 followed by @unb.ca, don't want to leave a searchable email on here for the bots!)

Namaste,

Laura Gordon

And please, keep sharing my story! My gofundme page will still be accepting donations. Anything I don't use I will be donating to the Koseli School when I leave. You can also donate directly to them via their website.

Silence isn't a bad thing...

It has been a while since I have posted anything. I can make all kinds of excuses like I was busy getting ready to travel, busy working, busy taking care of our new kitten. I have been busy, but I don't want to make excuses. I should be better at updating in order to keep track of all the emotions I have about myself and my upcoming trip.

So no more excuses, I commit to not being lazy about my writing and creating posts more often. When I am away I want to write daily, even if I don't post immediately. I want to capture how I feel as I discover a new world, and hopefully, a newer, better me.

I mentioned work-I have been scheduled more than I was before. I am unsure if they are trying to be supportive and giving me more hours so I can save for the trip, or if it is just how hours and scheduling work. Whatever the reason, I appreciate the fact that I have been earning good cash to take with me. A relief, because some student loan issues have taken a bite out of my bank account! (Those guys can be complete jerks, and that is being polite.)

I have also been taking care of a new kitten. A few weeks ago I was going through the basement to my room when I heard some loud cries. Kitty cries. It didn't sound like my fatso cat Lebowski, a large, solid tabby cat. I worried it might be one of Mom's almost adult cats. It wasn't. Mom, Dad and I crowded around the tiny opening to the crawlspace under our dining room, only to see a tiny bundle of beige fur crawling around. Dad climbed in and grabbed the little beast, who was shivering and crying.

Immediately I was taking him over to our local pet store to find a bottle, some food and some advice. Everyone fell in love with him. He was so adorable. No, he IS so adorable. We found him some kitten formula and a bottle and I adopted him as my own.

 The day I found him...

But not for good. We already have 3 cats living with us, 2 of which HATE the 3rd and began hissing at the kitten as soon as they saw him. My dad, the one with a bit of common sense, put his foot down. Luckily, my older brother heard about our little discovery and offered to take him. This means I'll be able to visit my little man!

Because I competely fell in love with this beige kitty. Anyone who has known me for some time will remember my cat Trudeau, a wonderful, intelligent, loving beige cat who came to me when I needed someone to love and left way too soon. This kitten looks so much like him I started calling him Justin Trudeau, in a happy tribute.

I needed something to really give my love to, to focus on before I leave. My fat cat doesn't like as much overt attention. He likes to be petted and adored on his schedule, so it was fortuitous that I had this bundle of cuteness to take care of. Altho Lebowski adopted the kitten too.

 Fatso knows what it is like to be stray...

So I started feeding him, cleaning him, helping him poop (kittens need their mama's to make them go at first). Now he truly is my boy! He has been a surprising little thing, he started using the litter box on his own spontaneously, he has been growing non stop, and even likes dry kitty kibble! He dances around and plays and is the happiest kitten I have met.

And he loves to sleep on me. He is so adorable when he sleeps, but he chooses spots that mean I get stuck holding him while he does. Once he is sleeping deeply, tho, he pretty much stays whereever you put him down.

 He just flops wherever you lay him once he is asleep...

So thats most of what I've been doing, working, studying, preparing to teach and taking care of my little man. I am going to miss him, but when I return I'll still have my fat cat and I wil be able to drive to Moncton to see the (no longer an) orphan. And life is all about accepting the things that you cannot change. I just feel so lucky to have had him for the three weeks I did.

He has already grown up so much!