Nepal

This morning I took an 7 hour bus to Pokhara from Kathmandu, the views were incredible but the bus ride was also a little scary. The roads are narrow and very bumpy. Just arrived in Pokhara a couple hours ago…

Today I just got back from my 5 day trek. We walked over 30 miles averaging about 6 to 7 miles a day. Most of the trail was rocky and up and down stairs. I will provide a brief summary…

Yesterday we went on a 4 hour hike from our house into the mountains. We walked through small villages and saw the life of the daily farmer. It’s depressing to see the horrible living arrangements they have but the towns…

Today I learned a bit more about the culture and religious beliefs of the Nepalese. Rajesh, my program leader, spoke to us about his Hindu thoughts and beliefs and it resonated with me and what I believe as well. He…

WiFi was turned off when I got back last night so I wasn’t able to post. I don’t think I’ll have any Internet when I go to the monastery, but that won’t be a bad thing. Yesterday I learned more…

Today I learned a lot about the culture here in Nepal, the Dos and Don’ts, and I was also given a Nepali name, “Suriya” meaning “the supreme light” or “sun”…I guess that suites me well. But something else stood out…

While I was in Durbar Square a little boy came up to me and asked for two ice cream. At first I had no clue what he was talking about until I saw an ice cream cart and then I…

Today I ventured to Durbar Square, which was once full of many temples and monuments, but the earthquake back in April destroyed many of them. It’s sad to see before and after pictures and see how something so beautiful is…

Today I went out with some other volunteers and explored Thamel, an area with many shops and vendors. I went into a Tibet book store and wanted to buy every book in there, so many good books on philosophy and…

I arrived into Kathmandu late last night and from what I could tell, the city looks very poor. I am staying in a program house for the next week until I move to the monastery where I will be teaching…