Days 7-14: A short note before I begin my update: please keep in mind that almost every day of our trip thus far has been jam packed with adventures and educational experiences, so one long blog post cannot come close to recapping the ups, the downs, the sweaty days, and the nights of delirious laughter.
Day 7: As I mentioned previously today was Buddha's birthday. In celebration we went to the Buddhist temple Swayambhu. Here we climbed 300+ stairs to the top but I barely noticed the climb as I was happily taking pictures of monks playing on their cell phones and the MONKEYS! I adore the monkeys more than words can describe. At the top, the view of Kathmandu Valley was incredible and it was fun to look around, people watch, look for monkeys, and get henna done. Later that night we went to a dinner graciously hosted by one of Shobha's fictive kin brothers (more on that later) the Nepali Inspector General and head of national police. Dinner was awesome, even if we were stuffed after the appetizers, and our talk was fascinating.
Day 8: Today was our first SUU open house. With Shaun, one our SUU ambassadors, along on the trip we're getting the opportunity to present to prospective students to tell them about SUU and encourage them to apply to our school. Today's meet and greet at Little Angels was short but sweet and we were all excited about the turn out. Following this we went to meet one of Shobha's friends who graciously welcomed us into her restaurant, The Red Carpet, for one of the most delicious meals of my life. We had Indian food and I couldn't tell you what I ate but I can tell you that it was all fantastic. Following lunch it was time for shopping (we're becoming master shoppers and bargainers by now) before a quiet evening.
Day 9-13: For these five days we got to get out of the craziness of Kathmandu for a short trip to Pokhara, one of my new favorite places. The drive to Pokhara was long but it passed by pretty quickly because the sights along the way were so breathtaking. The steep lush green cliffs and traditional villages held my attention enough for me to forget that I had accidentally left my iPhone back at the farm house. Once in Pokhara I immediately fell in love with the nearby lake and of course the Himalayas which are incredible to say the least. In Pokhara we ate a lot of pizza, easy on the stomach which is necessary these days, and shopped even more. In the land of Buddhas and prayer flags I can hardly stop myself from shopping everywhere we go.
While the sight seeing (such as Devi's Falls and the Peace Pagoda), shopping, and good food was all enjoyable, my favorite part of Pokhara was visiting Tiny Hands an orphanage where we got to spend one afternoon handing out Happy Factory toy cars, stickers, and candy. All of the kids were so adorable and it was just what I needed to be in their presence as they happily played with, and decorated, their new toys. While I enjoyed all of the kids I was especially attached to one little six year old girl who was blind. This little girl may not have her sight but she has more spunk than anyone I've ever met. She was an absolute delight to be around as she played the piano, handed out stickers to her siblings, took pictures on Jill's iPhone, and eagerly went around the room to sit in each individual's lap. It was so encouraging to be around someone who is clearly living their life to the fullest despite some hardships along the way.
Day 14: Today we are back in Kathmandu and I must say that while I loved Pokhara it is so nice to come back to the farm house that feels like our home away from home. Also I can't believe that tomorrow is my last day. As I mentioned in my last post, it's a bit bittersweet as I'm missing things from home but am not ready to leave this amazing place. Our day today consisted mostly of another SUU open house at a fancy shmancy hotel, Pizza Hut, shopping, and blog time. I don't even eat Pizza Hut when I'm at home but I'll be honest, at this point even cheap, greasy pizza is a nice reminder of home.
Ahhh ok, all caught up...too bad I'm still super behind on my personal journals. Oh well, namaste for now! :)
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