Things I Love about Nepal

The Top 5 Things I Love about Visiting Nepal (and a few, not so much):  One NRN's Perspective

Given the busy nature of our lives in North Americamost of us can only manage a few weeks in Nepal and the idea of “going home” evokes both great anticipation and let's face it,  a hearty serving of dread.  As a Non-resident Nepali (NRN) or student in the U.S. or Canada, you will likely relate to one or more of the items I've listed below.  

So here are the top 5 things I love about visiting Nepal:

1. Family Gatherings: Whether a wedding, pasni (rice feeding), Tihar, Teej or other celebrations, for a Nepali, there is no greater joy than a gathering. We gather for days at a time, we feast, we do pujas, and we sing, gamble and dance. Where else can we gather like this? Although the exodus of Nepalis from Nepal has resulted in many friends and family scattered the world over, it is great to meet and reconnect with a family member, particularly the older generation. Every time I visit Nepal these faces and the many conversations evoke memories of a time that only survives in memories. 


2. A Slower Pace:  Transitioning to a slower, more relaxed pace of life is such a welcome change from the long work shifts, clockwork schedules and busy lifestyles we lead in North America.  Instead of a constant "go-go-go" the shift to "stop-sit-relax" is a welcome change (if not somewhat jarring).  However, not enough can be said about waking up to the call of roosters and street vendors, being offered hot chiya in bed and then sitting in the sun until noon while planning the day's events (or simply waiting for something to happen).


3. The sights, sounds and (yes, eventhe smells) of Kathmandu: The capital city is bursting at the seams with cars, motorcycles, shops, temples and people from every corner of Nepal. It's indeed a mesmerizing metropolis, combining the modernwith medieval, and the sights, sounds and smells are a constant deluge to the five senses.


4. Food, Delicious Food: Whether it is the simple home cooked meal, the roadside eateries (weak stomachs beware!), or myriads of restaurants in Kathmandu and beyond, a typical visit to Nepal is a culinary feast. Nothing beats traditional dal, bhat, tarkari, masu and achar, but increasingly, the restaurants in Kathmandu can serve delicacies from the world over, with a Nepali twist. Sushi, Thai or Tex-Mex anyone?


5. The Great Himalayas: Growing up in Nepal, many of us take the natural beauty of Nepali for granted. But, having been away from it for a while makes you appreciate it all over again. From the moment the plane begins its descent into KTM valley, the tremendous view a window seat offers of the Himalayan foothills, to the every day sights of therange from a village or trek, other mountains pale in comparison to the majestic Himalayas

And then, of course, it's not all roses.  There are some things that most NRN's could live without (and which make us look forward to heading back to North America):

1. Family gatherings:  Will this puja EVER end? What are they saying (in Sanskrit) anyway?  Why do we have to wait forever in this line?  Who are these people from my distant past? Do I say darshan or do they (what is that relation again)?  How can old family politics and resentments continue to keep coming up again and again?  You get my drift.


2. Expensive and LONGjourney: It's an understatement to say the trip from North America to Nepal is long…an elephant's trunk is long.  New York to San Francisco is long.  But this 30+ hour trip with multiple stops, post 9-11 security, customs, and immigration hassles, 2+ more stops in Europe, the middle-east or South East Asia. This is long!  If you are like me, are travelling with young children, or an older family member, you can double that.  Then, just to add insult to injury, there is the rising cost of airplane tickets.  Really, I  have to PAY for this torture? The only salvo are the in-plane movies and naps that serve as adequate distractions. And knowing I will be in Nepal, eventually.


3. Nepali immigration and customs – As the plane land in TIA, the excitement is tangible.  And then…the lines at the Nepal Immigration keep me from the long-awaited family reunion.  This is so frustrating.  While my tourist friends breeze through customs and immigration, it takes us a predictable 1-2 hours. Why is this the price we pay for being a Nepali citizen, even in our own country?


4. Pollution:  Let's face it.  Kathmandu is no longer the "Shangri-La" of 20 years ago. The streets and rivers are dirty with trash, pollution is everywhere, and car/motorcycle congestion is worse than ever.  We wish that something would be done, while we become immune once again to what in North America would not be tolerated. And we look forward to escape to the more pristine countryside of the Nepal we remember.


5. Politics: The one thing we love, and love to hate. Politics.  Endless discussions about Who is in power? What will the Maoists do next?  While we look for a silver lining (after all, it is the Nepali optimism that keeps us and tourist coming back), the setbacks and corruption is both tiring and disheartening to even the most patriotic NRN.