I’ve recently received a few e-mails with questions the they’d like me to answer, and I figured it might be interesting for me to share my responses with everyone:
1) What is the political situation like in Nepal right now?
Perhaps many of you don’t know that 2006 was a year of great turmoil and change for Nepal. I don’t know all the details, but the Nepali people basically took control away from the king in April (Nepal has long been a monarchy, but a few years back the old king, who was very much loved by his people, was murdered by his brother, who then became the new king.) Since April, the Nepali people have been trying to put their country together and develop a new political system, but they’ve had the challenge of having to deal with the Maoists, their demands, and the violent repercussions of not acknowledging their demands. The country is now readying itself for elections in June. And a few weeks ago, the interim constitution was finally put in place by the new 8 party alliance (there used to be 7 but now the Maoists are the 8th party, at least technically). But some minority people in the south are unhappy with the constitution and deem in unfair because they aren’t getting proportionate representation. As such, there has been quite a lot of violence in the Terai region for the past week or so. Don’t worry, though – that’s very far away from Pokhara and Kathmandu. And besides, the government has begun talks with the protestors, and the UN and other Human Rights groups have gotten involved. In general it’s safe, though the Nepali people seem to really like riots and protests – involving burning tires, closing down transportation… I guess they figure it worked for them in April when they ousted the king so it should work for them each time. I personally think it’s time they find a new strategy for having their voices heard since now they seem to riot and protest over every little thing.
2) Am I at all scared, either of the political situation, or of simply being in an unknown country all alone?
Strangely enough, not at all – in fact, I never even thought about the fact that I could/should be scared until I was asked. And I am not alone because first I had Muna with me to guide me and introduce me to Nepal. And now I have my host family. Besides, Muna’s “training session” was so complete that when she left I felt that I was ready to take on Nepal even if I had had to do it alone for the rest of my time here. I’ll admit, though, that for some reason I do feel more “different” as a white person here than anywhere else I’ve been to – even Senegal! Don’t know why that is, but it’s true.
3) What is the transportation system like?
Sure it can take several hours to drive only 200km (or 8 hours to drive 45km if you’re going to an obscure village!) but at least public transportation is available. In Kathmandu, you can take a taxi at any time of the night (and pay $2 for a 20-25 minute ride). There are buses, vans, “tempos” (small 3 wheeled electric vehicles that can smush 12-14 people in 2 parallel rows), rickshaws (yep, the bicycles with a carriage behind them)… In Pokhara, though there are buses and taxis, they stop running at about 8pm – I guess there won’t be any late nights on Lakeside for me!
4) Can my friends and family make me feel as comfortable as I’d like to be?
Of course there are some aspects of life in Nepal that will never be as comfortable as life in the West – my pillow, no heat in the winter, lukewarm shower water at best… But I didn’t come to Nepal for comfort. I find that one of the biggest highs of being in a “3rd world country” is making myself uncomfortable and taking myself out of my comfort zone in as many ways as possible. I thrive on it – I find it interesting, not to mention motivating and character-building. In reality, I am as comfortable, if not more, than I’d like to be. I have a big bed, my own room, a desk, and a Western toilet. I have the luxury of getting to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and I can buy peanut butter or soap when I run out. I can buy English movies and books for cheap, and treat myself to a pizza or bowl of pasta when I really have a craving. So yes, I would say that I am damn comfortable. Maybe too comfortable actually…
5) Do I have access to music and TV?
I have about 3500 songs on my IPOD, and I can stream those through my computer if I don’t feel like listening to my music on headphones (I’m actually listening to Bobby McFerrin on my computer right now, and my little sister Aartee is doing her homework in my room right next to me, listening to the tunes too!) TV is also available (though I rarely use it) and has several of my favorite stations – BBC News, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and National Geographic (all in English!). See, I told you I was too comfortable!
Ok that’s all the questions I’ve received for now, but if anyone has any more, do not hesitate to write to me!
