I don't know how they do it...

I will never look at a washing machine the same. Today we've officially been in Nepal for 1 week and already experienced 2 power outages, an earthquake, washing clothes by hand, and simply stated, life in Kathmandu. One of the craziest things here is driving and when we're not in a taxi or microbus, trying to cross the street on foot is a whole different story. I'm convinced the drivers think they're in a video game with 5 lives left. So even if they do crash into an oncoming vehicle, they'll just be sent back to the starting line. I really don't know why they think it's necesary to pass the car in front of them when there's a bus coming straight for you about 30 feet ahead but somehow they swerve around in their 1986 suzuki taxi and squeeze in. However, we've arrived safely at our destination every time. I don't know how they do it, and I didn't even mention the road conditions.

The past 5 days have been our orienration to the city and to Nepal. We've either had Sita, our language and culture teacher, or Sam, Ashley's friend take us on sightseeing trips every day. We've seen Swayambhunath aka the Monkey Temple (known for all the monkeys that hang around), Bodhnath Stupa, Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (a Hindu temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati river). Here they cremate bodies and throw the remains in the river. Yea, we saw the ceremony happening for a young woman who had passed away and we saw her face. It was pretty creepy.

We have had the opportunity to go to an area of town called Thamel, pronounced Ta-mel, where all the westerners hang out. I have to admit, it is a welcomed respite from the craziness that is Kathmandu. The endless honking of car horns continues, the streets are filthy, the stray dogs abound, but at least we can head to the Himalayan Java coffee shop and get a blended mocha or have fresh hummus at our favorite spot Or2K an Israeli restaurant.

We all are really excited because on Friday we'll be heading to Bigu to work at a monastery and a Sherpa school for 2 weeks. We'll be teaching English and Math as well as helping around the grounds. In order to get there we'll have to take a 4 hour bus ride out of the Kathmandu Valley and then hike for 3 days. I'm really looking forward to trekking in the Himalaya. It'll also be really nice to get some fresh air. The air quality in Kathmandu is extremely poor. Because we're headed into the mountains we'll have no Internet access for 3 weeks (trekking time plus time in Bigu). No Facebook for us! There is one phone that makes international phone calls so I'm sure we'll all try to use that a few times.

It's finally sunny today so we're all doing our laundry and since the volunteer house is solar powered, taking showers. Off to the baby orphanage today.

Hugs and kisses to everyone!!

Namaste!