Village Sleepover

Sleeping at Nanne’s was a cold, yet awesome experience! Nanne’s home was completely destroyed by the earthquake and now her entire family is living in a much smaller temporary home. In her previous home, everyone had their own space. Now, all family members (about 5 or 6) are all sleeping in one room.

Multiple generations all sleep in the same room

Nanne and I slept in the living room on the clay floor. She made a bed out of blankets and I fell asleep instantly. However, in the middle of the night I woke up shivering and freezing. I woke Nanne up and she cuddled me to try to keep me warm with her body heat but my body would not warm up. I think because we were so close to the clay floor and  walls I was colder than usual (also I apparently had Typhoid!). I also did not have my sleeping bag, silk liner and extra blankets I was accustomed to. After shivering and holding on to Nanne for a while, she asked her mom for another blanket and I started to warm up some. I felt bad because I knew that blanket probably belonged to someone and I was worried that they were cold but I was told it was extra.

“Good morning” after a rough sleep!

After an evening of drinking Raksi and a hard and cold sleep, I was certainly not feeling my best when I woke up. In my early twenties, I could drink alcohol and sleep on any hard surface. Now that I am thirty, I was definitely feeling my age! I no longer drink much alcohol and I need at least eight hours of sleep! However, after a couple cups of tea and sitting next to the fire I was feeling much better!

I was very grateful for a “western sized” mug of tea! This was the first big cup of tea I had in Nepal. Tea is usually served in tiny cups.

Nanne’s mother woke up while it was still dark and started working on chores. A fire was started, animals were fed and milked and water was collected. As the sun continued to come up, I also noticed that a chicken purchase was made. Someone came to the house with a chicken in a basket, the chicken was inspected and money was exchanged.

Morning Chicken Purchase

Throughout the morning, various family members stopped by for visits. Some family members brought food and other family members needed food. I love how in the villages family is extremely close and share everything that they have. Even when they do not have much.

Nanne’s mother sharing butter with a family member

I had a great morning spending time with Nanne and her family. I also had fun playing with and taking pictures of Nanne’s adorable niece and nephew. One of Nanne’s sisters is a teacher at the school so after spending the morning together, eating breakfast and drinking tea, we walked back to Saping Medaka School. I brushed my teeth, changed by clothes and started my morning singing with my students.

Nanne’s Niece

Nanne’s nephew (drinking tea in a big cup)