Today I intended to go to the Ministry of Education in order to obtain my student visa. I rode on the back of a motorcycle and when the terrifying ride was done, I felt overwhelming gratitude for the support of the earth under my feet. I vowed that I would never ride a motorcycle again, especially not in Nepal.
The Ministry of Education is tucked into the back of a massive, unkempt government building in the center of town. As I wandered down dark, dirty, unlit hallways, being constantly redirected to another office for Student Visas, I gained a better understanding of Nepal's poverty. Government offices in the U.S. may not be inviting or attractive, but you won't find any offices that are unusable because they have been filled up with old trash. There seemed to be no communication or organization within these offices and everyone gave me different information. I left with some possible next steps toward getting my visa, but I felt a bit frustrated. Despite the mountains of red tape and bureaucracy we deal with in the U.S., I am really learning to appreciate that at least we have a standardized system with clear, enforced laws.
Instead of continuing on with my student visa process, I decided to walk around town for awhile. The Himalaya School of Music caught my attention and before I knew it I was on the back of another motorcycle, racing through the city toward to apartment of two amazing musicians. Rabin plays the Tabala and his wife plays the Sitar. She gives lessons and I am considering becoming a student. This video shows a short piece of the 10 minute private performance I enjoyed in their small apartment.
The jet lag is still a challenge, but I hope to sleep until at least 5:30 tomorrow morning. I have a meeting with the university faculty tomorrow morning and then I'll probably do some apartment shopping. Thanks to everyone who has been reading.
great blog nick! I will definitely be checking in periodically to keep up with your adventures in nepal. Hope you get your visa "quickly" and can i just say i am so jealous you will be learning a new language? enjoy! and buy a helmet!! :)
ReplyDeletejen argentina
oh, darlin, you never cease to amaze! take care of yourself. but if you must choose between adventure and safety, I have a feeling that you'll follow your historic decision-making process, and throw caution to the wind! you're so lucky, you know, to be there and to be learning again. I miss you, but I'm going to keep up with you on your blog! (and I'm going to forward the link to my Mom, because she's a blogging fiend.) until later, friend!
ReplyDeleteThat music sounds pretty cool. Very different than what I'm used to of course, but I like it. You should totally take lessons! :) If you want to. Are the streets pretty narrow and packed with people? How are people on the streets, are they friendly and welcoming or are they more aloof (from our perspective in the US)? Is it easy to talk to people? Are you picking up on the Nepali already? What is the typical family household like in terms of power and income? Have you seen any hospitals by chance? If you do I'd be interested in how sanitary they are. How crazy about the Ministry of Education. I definitely take this country for granted. I hope you obtain your visa soon, and good luck finding an apartment!
ReplyDeleteps: If you go on any hikes or catch any beautiful views of the Himalayas, I'd love to hear about it! I love the outdoors. I hiked Hanging Lake the other day, it's a lake that sits way up high (it was 1.2 miles up a steep mountain) on a small plateau in which waterfalls are falling into the lake from the cliff above and also from the lake to the cliff below and down the mountain. And since it is winter, many of the waterfalls were frozen, forming gnarly ice caves. It was breathtaking :)
Beautiful video.
ReplyDeleteYou always stumble upon the most interesting people.
Hi Nick! I'm sorry to hear about your awful extended trip to Nepal, but you always have been a flexible person. You've already had some noteworthy excursions! I would like to know about how you get around in nepali. What's the presence of English? And what are your observations of the interactions between the two?
ReplyDeleteNick! I've never seen you with such little hair! you look like your dad! What a wild adventure you're on! I own a drum like your new friend was playing a "tabala"? When you get home you can teach me how to play it properly! As I've never figured it out.
ReplyDeleteI a so glad your blogging so we can all share in what you learn. Their culture and political development is very interesting. I'll be curious as to more of your insights as you settle in.
Keep warm! Should we send blankets?
Hi Nick! I'm excited to be able to follow your stories here! It's hard for me to imagine life there. It will be a great learing experience for your readers too. Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteI want a Nepali motorcycle!
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