Week recap. And what a week it was!

Sorry this is long. You have been warned.

What a week. We have literally had such an awesome week. After the SUU open house last Sunday we spent the day shopping. I have gotten pretty good at bartering these Nepalese shops. It is a good thing too cuz I have spent a lot of money and time in the shops as we journeyed to Pokhara this last week.

Monday morning some of our group were feeling a bit under the weather. We postponed our trip until later in the morning so they could get some rest and feel better. Meanwhile Drew, Justin and myself watched the first Back to The Future. It was some good chill time before a 5 hour drive on a windy road. The drive was amazingly beautiful. So many hills, (or mountains in Utah) with fog/clouds hanging in the crevices and lingering. I am a sucker for some beautiful scenery. We got into town a bit late, around 7, and had dinner at a restaurant that had a musical presentation going on. It was pretty fun, for their last number they wanted people from the audience to join. And by wanted people to join I mean they came out into the audience and pulled you out of your seat. Unfortunately I was the one selected. I was very hesitant to go up but Drew had my back and came up with me. As we started dancing the rest of our group got up to take video’s or pictures of us. Drew grabbed Shoba and Jill to join us for the last half of the song. It was a fun cultural experience and Shoba said we get extra credit. Boom.

Our hotel was just off the main road into town, and right by the lake. From my room you could view the Annapurna mountain range (on a clear morning), the town, and the lake. It was so awesome to wake up to that every day. The next day was very relaxing. We went to one of the learning hospitals in Pokhara. It is a hospital and also a medical school. It was very interesting to see the DRASTIC differences in the health care system in Nepal and the US. Example: we were in the basement of the hospital where the cafeteria is and a taxi is in the hallway dropping off supplies and backs out to the exit. We then went shopping around town. It was such a cool little town.

On Wednesday we had a long day. We hiked to the World Peace Pagoda, boated, shopped, and visited an orphanage. This morning I was so lost about what was going on in the morning. Our plans changed constantly from one thing to another. We ended up hiking to the World Peace Pagoda. It was long, hot, and I was getting exhausted. There were a lot of really cool views while hiking up though. Shoba asked me as we were reaching the top “Shaun, is it worth it?” my reply was a simple “ask me when we get there.” Shoba laughed and laughed and laughed. She did ask me when we were at the top and I gave her a resounding “Yes.” It was so beautiful to see the lake, city, and the clouds rolled into one beautiful scene. We hiked down and had a boat ride across the lake to another temple where Drew and I got our 7^th blessing of the trip. After a quick shower and lunch we went to the Tiny Hands orphanage in Pokhara. It was really fun to see them, hand out toys, and play some games with them. I of course struggle with keeping pants or shorts in working condition. First part of soccer I tore my shorts all the way down the front. The kids were laughing, I was embarrassed, but it was all a good time. Drew, Bhupendra, Shoba, Emily, and myself went to the Amsterdam Bar after dinner for some live music. The group was really good and played a lot of the old rock and roll. I enjoyed myself fully with a cold Coca-Cola.

On Thursday we saw the Annapurna range, Devi’s fall, Mahendra cave, International Mountain Museum. Shoba was telling Drew and I that “Mother Nature is pleased with your blessings so we can see the Himalayas!” We got some awesome pictures up there, despite the mosquitoes’ attacking us in swarms. On our way back we stopped at Mahendra Cave. It was cool to see some caves here in Nepal. Our guide took us into a off track where there are bats. It was only about 400 meters in, but it felt a lot longer when you only have: 3 flashlights for 5 people, climbing in the dark in strange places, have to maneuver you body into holes/passageways, and worry about putting your hand in bat poop. It was really cool to see these bats in their habitat, despite stepping and placing hands in poop. We turned our lights off and could feel the air move around us as bats flew into and around the cave. After lunch we went to the International Mountain Museum. It was so cool to see the history of ice climbing and the gear. I do love a good theory and conspiracy so one of my favorite parts was the Yeti section. They had foot prints, a scalp portion, and yeti made out of rags. Don’t worry. I will post pictures when I get some good internet. We then stopped at Devi’s fall. It was a beautiful waterfall (I am a sucker for water features) and a lake/river that fed into it. I loved this country side and seeing the Nepali people.

On Friday we drove back. Nothing too exciting other than a bathroom that was super sketchy. Today was Saturday, and our second and last SUU Open House. It was held at the Malla Hotel. It was a beautiful room and we had some good set up. These students and faculty that I came here with have been such a support for me while being here for these open houses. I am grateful for the experience and ideas that they bring to the table. It has been an enlightening experience that I will remember. We had some KFC for lunch (I thought of my mom since that is one of her favorite places). It was really interesting to see how different, yet the same, menus are across the world. The KFC had popcorn chicken, but in the batter they added some extra spices to give it a bit of a kick. The fried chicken was better than in the US too. A lot less grease. This KFC offered some vegetarian options that are cooked, prepared, and served by completely different people and oils, than those that handle the chicken. We then did some more shopping and walking around. I got myself a hoodie that is going to be my motivation to lose weight when I get back. Running a 5k here I come!

This study abroad experience has been one that I will always remember. Am I ready to head home? Yes. 3 weeks was the perfect amount of time for me to be out of the country and then head back. Am I going to miss the people, food, culture, and views of Nepal? Yes. This study abroad has taught me many things that I am happy to have learned about. I have come to a deeper understanding about myself (sorry, I don’t share a lot of those things. That is for me and Shoba for when I write my final paper) and my role in this life, and more about people in general. Everyone has good in them, you just need to let them show it.