Farewell, Nepal

The Nepalese people are the most incredible, kind, generous and resilient people. Since the earthquake, the country has been working really hard at rebuilding their economy. Tourism, which is the major source of revenue virtually stopped after the earthquake. On top of the struggles caused by the eartthquake, the fuel crisis started.  Everyday life was heavily affected. People no longer had fuel for cooking, driving, heat, hot water etc. At a time when tourism was slowly re-emerging, Tourists were once again discouraged from visiting Nepal. Flights were cancelled or extremely hard to get. I kept having to remind myself of this while I was sick and cold. I went as far as booking an expensive hotel room so that I could be warm and take hot showers. Nepalese people are unable to book expensive hotel rooms. It puts things into perspective when I think about this.

These people had been waiting for three days for gas

Hard to read but this is a letter on the table in a restaurant. It explains the fuel situation and thanks customers for their patience. The letter explains that the restaurant no longer has gas for cooking and all cooking must be completed using firewood.

According to the world bank, Nepal is the 18th  poorest country in the world  in terms of the gross domestic product. It follows 16 countries in Africa and one other in Asia, Afganistan. When I arrived in Nepal, I did not know what to expect. Crime generally accompanies poverty. Nepal was already affected by poverty, long before the earthquake and fuel crisis. However, I figured the earthquake devastation and fuel crisis would add a whole new dimension to the crime that I figured I would be met with. I was surely mistaken.

So much kindness in a country with so many challeges

Loving people everywhere

In all my travels, I have never felt safer or more welcomed. The people in Nepal opened up their hearts and homes to me. I felt safe while walking down the street and I was met with smiles and “namaste” People were honest and there were several occasions when I mistakenly walked away without the correct amount of change only to be called back. People shared their food and tea, and even belongings with me when they barely had anything. As a foreigner and visitor to their country, people went out of their way to help me. They offered to make calls, translate and make sure that I was on the correct bus and headed to the correct destination. It is hard for me to articulate in writing the warmth and kindness that I was shown by the people in Nepal. I hope that as Americans, we can show visitors to our country the same sort of warmth and hospitality. A good way to start is by welcoming our Syrian neighbours with open hearts.

The grandfather in Saping

Visiting a neighboring village in Saping

There is so much more that I want to share about this beautiful country and my experiences. I want to write a post about my amazing and peaceful time in Pokhara. I want to share my boat ride across the Phewa Lake and my hike to the Shanti Peace Stupa. I could write multiple posts about my three magical days watching the sunrise over the Annapurna mountain range in Sarangkot. And my fabulous time staying at the Mountain View Lodge.  However, I am now in India and it is time to say farewell to Nepal (for now) and start to get to know India.

Boat ride across the Phewa lake in Pokhara

Annapurna Mountain Range

I want to encourage people not to be afraid of the unknown. The warnings the USA give regarding travel instils so much fear. I encourage people to do their own research and not let the USA or the concerned comments of family members and friends stop them from travelling. And especially travelling to places like Nepal.

🙂

Goodbye, amazing Nepal